Perfecting Smiles with Porcelain Veneers in Carrollton, TX

There seem to be two kinds of people—those that happily share their beautiful smiles and those who don’t. If you prefer not to show your smile because of damaged teeth, then maybe it’s time for a transformation with porcelain veneers in Carrollton.

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What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made of ultra-thin layers of exquisite dental porcelain. They are designed individually so you can be sure each one is the correct shape and size for the corresponding tooth. After being custom crafted in the dental lab, your cosmetic dentist in Carrollton carefully bonds your porcelain veneers to the facial side of your teeth. The finished result is a smile that looks naturally beautiful.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Chances are the answer to that question is yes. However, there are a few things that you and your dentist in Carrollton must talk over before you can get veneers. Most importantly, you need to have good overall oral health before veneers can be placed. The dentist will check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, either of which will need to be taken care of before beginning any type of cosmetic dentistry treatment.

Veneers are usually recommended for more moderate cosmetic concerns, including chipped, slightly cracked or broken teeth. If your teeth are severely damaged or decayed, you may need to explore other cosmetic dentistry options. In this case, a dental crown that encapsulates and protects remaining tooth structure may be more appropriate.

What is the Process for Receiving Dental Veneers?

To begin the process of giving you a new smile, you’ll consult with Dr. Dandois first. This is when you’re able to point out the flaws you want to hide and the smile you hope to achieve. If you’d like, bring photos of friends, family members or celebrities who have smiles you think are attractive. Ultimately, the dentist will need to design the smile that is right for you, but these pictures can help him understand the characteristics you admire.

Two or three appointments must be scheduled for veneers. At the first, a thin layer of enamel is removed from your teeth. This step helps to ensure that your veneers lay evenly with your other teeth and bond securely. After this, an impression is taken of your teeth so we can make temporary acrylic veneers for you to wear while the lab handcrafts your permanent veneers.

In a few weeks, the veneers arrive in our office. Dr. Dandois examines each one to make sure his design specifications are met. Then, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are permanently bonded to your prepared teeth. Cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last for up to 10 years.

Veneers FAQs

Are you still curious about veneers in Carrollton? If so, you’re in the right place! Feel free to contact us directly with any specific concerns. Our friendly front desk team is always ready to help. Until then, we’ve also included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about veneers. Read on to get the information you need and learn more about this amazing cosmetic service.

ARE VENEERS PERMANENT?

Technically, veneers are not permanent because they will eventually need to be replaced. That said, the process is irreversible. In order to ensure that your veneers fit and function properly, we must file away small amounts of enamel. This strong material does not grow back, which is why your prepared teeth will always need veneers or crowns to maintain appearance and function. Additionally, Lumineers (a different treatment) can often be placed without removing any enamel because they are thinner.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TEETH UNDER VENEERS?

Veneers themselves won’t cause your teeth any harm, however we must slightly alter your enamel to accommodate them. Once a small portion of enamel is removed, we can successfully bond your veneers to your natural teeth. Because your enamel is covered by veneers, this process does not increase your risk of tooth decay. That said, it’s still vital that you brush, floss, and visit our office regularly to maintain good dental hygiene. The enamel under the veneers can still become infected and decayed without proper care, plus this will help you avoid gum disease.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN’T EAT WITH VENEERS?

Before getting permanent veneers, you will get temporary ones. In the weeks before you get your final veneers, it’s important to avoid hard foods like ice, raw fruits, candy, and more because these items could damage your smile. Additionally, temporary veneers stain much easier than permanent ones, so try to avoid foods and beverages that are rich in color. Once you get your permanent veneers, you can enjoy pretty much all of your favorite foods. However, be extra careful around hard or crunchy items to avoid chipping or cracking your smile. Also, try to drink alcohol sparingly because it can weaken the bond between your veneers and natural teeth.

DO VENEERS GIVE YOU A LISP?

It’s important to note that some patients notice they have a slight lisp when they first get veneers. This partially occurs due to muscle memory – your tongue is so used to your natural teeth that even the slightest difference the veneers make can cause a lisp. This normally happens when trying to pronounce “s” or “v” sounds. Eventually, your tongue will adjust on its own, but practicing certain words and phrases will speed up the process. In some cases, our cosmetic dentist in Carrollton can reduce the thickness of veneers in certain areas to make it easier to talk!