Many of us don’t like smiling in photos because we don’t have that Hollywood smile.. Read about getting your smile makeover with porcelain veneers.
Are you binging your latest Netflix series and wishing you had a Hollywood smile? If you are, then you’re not alone. More than half of Americans are insecure about the appearance of their smile.
Luckily, beautiful smiles aren’t just for movie stars. If you are looking to revamp your smile and erase years or decades of wear, you may be a great candidate for porcelain veneers.
The cosmetic dentistry option has been around for several decades. Read on to learn how this popular cosmetic treatment can add luster to your smile.
How Do Veneers Work?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells that are artfully cemented on the front of anterior teeth. Each veneer is carefully fabricated in a lab to meet rigorous color and luster specifications. Veneers can last 15 years or longer if well maintained.
Veneers offer drastic results because the cosmetic treatment completely covers the visible surface of teeth. Porcelain is incredibly durable and able to withstand the forces of grinding. Another amazing quality of porcelain is that it closely mimics the natural luster and color of enamel.
Dr. Lockhart has many years of experience placing porcelain veneers. Many of our referrals come from past patients who love their new smiles!
Am I a Candidate?
The vast majority of our Columbia dental family are great candidates for porcelain veneers. The cosmetic dentistry option is ideal for adults who desire a Hollywood smile that can last for over a decade. Our patients seek veneers for the following reasons.
Tarnished Enamel
Enamel wear is a fact of life. Erosion results from natural wear and tear and consumption of acidic foods.
Bruxism and other grinding habits can prematurely wear enamel. Over time, those habits can leave teeth dull and worn.
Porcelain veneers offer a great way to revamp the appearance of your tarnished teeth. The porcelain shells conceal the wear underneath.
Misshapen Teeth
Misshapen teeth can result from environmental or genetic factors. No matter what the cause of malformed teeth, veneers can revamp your smile.
Veneers completely conceal the shape of the underlying teeth. The result is near cosmetic perfection.
Gaps Between Teeth
Although technically part of the Hollywood smile for some celebrities, not everyone can pull off a gapped tooth smile like, say, Madonna. Veneers are uniquely suited to addressing dental gaps.
Dr. Lockhart will fabricate your veneers to bridge the gap between your teeth. The cosmetic results will be seamless and natural-looking.
Treatment Overview
The first step in the treatment process involves an examination of your teeth to determine your candidacy. Once Dr. Lockhart has established that your teeth are in good condition and capable of supporting one or more veneers, a date will be set for you to undergo the treatment at our Columbia dental practice.
Preparing Your Teeth
In order for your veneers to have an authentic Hollywood smile effect, a small layer of enamel will need to be gently removed. This creates space that the veneers then fill.
During the first of two visits, Dr. Lockhart will use local anesthesia to ensure that you are completely comfortable. Once you are comfortable and relaxed, Dr. Lockhart will use a special drill to gently remove a very small amount of enamel along the front of your teeth.
Once your teeth are prepped, you will be fitted with temporary veneers while you await the placement of your new veneers.
Customized Treatment
Dr. Lockhart will oversee the fabrication of your custom veneers. He will take special care to ensure that the porcelain shells match the color and luster of your natural smile. Veneers can brighten your smile, but you also want to make sure that the results are natural-looking.
Once the veneers are fabricated based on your cosmetic goals, a date will be set to place your new veneers.
Placing Veneers
Placing veneers takes a high level of technical skill. Dr. Lockhart will use a special dental cement to attach veneers in a cosmetically pleasing manner. Once the veneers are set, he can make minor adjustments as needed.
Maintaining Your Hollywood Smile
Most patients notice that there is a minor adjustment period associated with their new Hollywood smile. The new surface on the front of your teeth may leave you momentarily feeling like your bite is “off,” but those sensations will subside as you adjust to your new veneers.
Treat your veneers with the same caution you would natural teeth. Never use your veneers to pry or tear open packages. Be careful when eating or biting hard objects like nuts and bones.
Over aggressively biting certain foods could loosen or dislodge your new veneers. You will also need to carefully maintain good oral hygiene habits.
Veneers are only as strong as the underlying tooth enamel. Maintain the health of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. Regular appointments to our Columbia office for checkups allow Dr. Lockhart to check on the health of your teeth and veneers.
With careful maintenance, veneers can last well over a decade. The cosmetic dentistry option will not last forever, though. At some point, Dr. Lockhart will need to remove and replace your veneers using the same process that placed your veneers the first time around.
If you have any questions about the veneer fabrication and placement process, we’re here to help. Dr. Lockhart loves taking time to explain every step of our cosmetic dentistry options to our patients.
Schedule Your Hollywood Smile Treatment Today!
Are you ready to enjoy a bright and beautiful smile that’s fit for the red carpet? There is a reason that celebrities and Hollywood actors seek veneers for drastic cosmetic dentistry results. Veneers offer a safe and effective means of addressing a wide range of cosmetic issues with your smile.
We are always accepting new patients. Please fill out our online form or give us a call so we can schedule your cosmetic consultation today!