Veneers are an ultra-thin coating of porcelain that your dentist applies to your teeth. Getting veneers from your dentist in Austin, TX can transform your smile in many amazing ways in just a few office visits. Porcelain veneers are a strong, durable, and attractive cosmetic dental service that can last years, and provide an affordable and simple solution for a wide variety of aesthetic issues.

Getting Porcelain Veneers in Austin

There are lots of dentists in Austin, TX who provide porcelain veneers, and picking the right one for you helps guarantee your best experience and results. A typical experience involves four office visits, over the course of which your dentist and laboratory will design, develop, and place your veneers.

• THE FIRST VISIT:

Any veneer process must start with an initial consultation. During this office visit, your dentist will talk to you about your goals, examine your teeth, make recommendations, take images or impressions, and help you decide on an ultimate shade for your veneers. As porcelain doesn’t stain as easily as natural teeth, this process will also provide a whitening effect; many patients actually opt for veneers as an alternative to whitening treatments.

• THE SECOND VISIT:

Because porcelain veneers involve a coating on your teeth, it’s necessary to remove a very small (about 0.5 millimeters) layer of enamel. Depending on your needs and preferences, your doctor may use an anesthetic during this removal process. Once your dentist removes this layer, an impression will be taken and sent off to the lab to make your veneers an exact fit.

• THE THIRD VISIT:

It takes about two weeks for your veneers to be completed, after which it’s time to apply them to your teeth. Your dentist will apply a special bonding cement to your teeth, set the veneers, then if both you and the dentist are satisfied with the final effect, a special light is used to “activate” the cement and permanently bond the veneers to your teeth.

• THE FOURTH VISIT:

This visit is a follow-up, typically about a week after placement of your veneers. During the fourth visit, your dentist will make sure that your veneers fit properly, that your gums are unaffected and healthy, and that everything looks normal. From there, simply maintain your regular schedule of brushing and flossing twice daily, and be sure to keep up with six-month dental cleanings for the best results.

Who Can Benefit from Veneers?

Nearly any adult can benefit from veneers, especially if they are looking to improve the appearance of any of the following:

• Minor cracks or chips in teeth
• Discoloration
• Gaps or spacing issues between teeth
• Irregularly-shaped teeth

Important things to know about veneers is that the process is not reversible, but should last years with good maintenance via your regular oral hygiene routine. Many individuals enjoy up to a decade of use before they need to replace their veneers. It is possible to damage your veneers with tooth grinding or biting down on especially hard substances (i.e. hard candies), and your dentist will recommend any specific interventions for you such as a night guard if needed.

In addition, after your dentist removes a layer of your natural enamel, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold substances. Most patients report that this subsides after they get their new veneers. It’s also important to remember that just because your teeth have a porcelain coating doesn’t mean they are less susceptible to decay. You can still get cavities with veneers, and must maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine to prevent these cavities just as you did before the veneers.

While you’re sure to find lots of Austin cosmetic dentists offering porcelain veneers, few offer the kind of expertise and experience as us at South Austin Dental Studio. For more than 30 years, we’ve earned the trust of our community members through consistently exceptional dental care for the whole family. Our cosmetic services like porcelain veneers can truly transform your smile. Contact us today to discover how we can give you a smile makeover!