Porcelain veneers may be the solution you’re looking for both restorative and cosmetic purposes with beautiful, lasting results that will provide the smile you have always wanted. Apex Dental in the Shrewsbury, MA area utilizes porcelain veneers to improve their patient’s smiles and confidence.
For many patients, dental veneers can also improve long term dental health when addressing teeth that are damaged or misshapen. Dr. Robert J. Gauthier Jr., an experienced cosmetic dentist, provides Smile Makeovers with his many cosmetic treatments in Shrewsbury, MA.
Highly trained in the latest techniques and using high-quality materials, Dr. Gauthier combines skill and an eye for the aesthetic when placing custom dental veneers with natural-looking results. Our office also provides comprehensive dental services to the public in Shrewsbury, MA.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, translucent shells placed on the teeth to change the color or shape. Customized from fine, tooth-like porcelain material, dental veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth. Shrewsbury, MA dentist, Dr. Gauthier, places porcelain veneers to address a wide range of dental concerns for patients, including:
- Damaged teeth (teeth that are chipped or cracked)
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that appear too long or too short
The Porcelain Veneers Process
To achieve a natural look, Dr. Gauthier will discuss your dental concerns and then will conduct a thorough evaluation. It is important to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers and if they will meet your oral health and cosmetic goals.
After Dr. Gauthier evaluates your dental health and understands your concerns, he will then create a personalized treatment plan for you. With dental imaging, Dr. Gauthier gives you the opportunity to preview your smile before the procedure is performed.
Unlike cosmetic tooth bonding, porcelain veneers are considered a permanent restoration because of the amount of tooth structure that is reduced for placement of the veneers. Dental impressions will be taken and your custom porcelain veneers will be color matched and completed in a dental lab.
In most cases, we will place temporary veneers on the teeth for comfort and appearance until the final restoration is ready. Once ready, you will review to our Shrewsbury, MA cosmetic dentistry office and Dr. Gauthier will permanently secure your new porcelain veneers to your teeth.
He will make any necessary adjustments for fit and comfort. You can expect porcelain veneers to last for 20 years or more with good oral hygiene and proper dental care.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Learn more about porcelain veneers in Shrewsbury, MA, with answers to these common questions:
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
You can care for your veneers like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid harsh or abrasive toothpaste, as they can scratch the surface of your veneers. Floss before you brush to clean between your teeth and around the edges of your veneers.
Be careful with hard foods like ice, hard candies, or raw vegetables. They can chip or crack your veneers. Also, limit foods and drinks that can stain your veneers, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Do not use your teeth to open packages, bottles, or anything else. This can damage your veneers and natural teeth.
Can you whiten veneers?
No, you cannot whiten veneers like you can with natural teeth. Veneers are made from materials like porcelain or composite resin, which do not respond to whitening treatments. If your natural teeth become stained or yellow over time, the color difference between your teeth and veneers can be noticeable. However, we can provide professional teeth whitening and then veneers if you have deep stains that will not react to treatment.
How do veneers compare to bonding?
Veneers and bonding can improve the look of your teeth, but they are different in some important ways. Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front of your teeth. To place veneers, we remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make space for the veneers. This process is permanent. Veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.
Bonding is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied directly to your teeth. We shape the resin to match your teeth and then hardens it with a special light. This process usually doesn’t require removing much enamel. However, bonding does not last as long as veneers. It also offers reversible treatment.
Who is a good candidate for veneers?
Good candidates for veneers should have healthy teeth and gums. We will treat cavities or gum disease first if you have these problems.
Veneers are also great for people who want to improve their smiles. They can cover stained, chipped, or cracked teeth. If you get veneers, take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. Good oral hygiene helps keep your veneers in good shape.
While smokers can get veneers, it’s better for non-smokers. Smoking can stain your veneers and cause other dental issues like dry mouth or gum disease.
Will getting porcelain veneers hurt?
Getting porcelain veneers usually doesn’t hurt. Before you get veneers, our dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. You won’t feel pain during the procedure.
While we place the veneers, you may feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. After you get your veneers, your teeth might feel sensitive for a few days. This is normal and usually goes away quickly, and you can take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Do porcelain veneers look natural?
Yes, veneers look very natural. We create veneers to match the color and shape of your own teeth, so when they are placed on your teeth, it’s hard to tell the difference.
Our dentist takes special care in choosing the right shade for your veneers so they blend well with the surrounding teeth. The shiny surface of porcelain also mimics the natural shine of tooth enamel, which helps it look realistic.
How many teeth do you need for veneers?
There isn’t a specific number of teeth you need for veneers. It all depends on your individual needs and what you and your dentist decide is best for you
If you have a single tooth that is chipped, stained, or misshapen, you can get a veneer just for that tooth. Many people choose to get veneers on several teeth at once, especially to improve their smile’s appearance. This can help create a more even and beautiful look.
Do your teeth need to be straight for veneers?
No, your teeth don’t need to be perfectly straight to get veneers. Veneers can improve the appearance of crooked, chipped, or stained teeth.
If your teeth are slightly misaligned, veneers can help create a straighter look. However, if your teeth are crooked, your dentist might recommend braces or clear aligners first to straighten them out before getting veneers. So, while straight teeth can make the process easier, it’s not required to get veneers. We can help you decide the best option for your smile.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation
Northborough, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Robert J. Gauthier Jr. has gone through advanced training to be able to help meet your unique cosmetic needs and goals. Cosmetic dentistry enhances the appearance of your smile. There are many options to fix unwanted gaps, discoloration and even damaged or missing teeth.
Are you looking for inspiration or want to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry and treatment options? Visit our Northborough, MA office for a consultation today.
If you are interested in getting porcelain veneers in the Shrewsbury, MA, Westborough, MA, and Northborough, MA area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert J. Gauthier Jr. He will discuss your cosmetic goals and budget concerns to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you.