We all want to present a confident smile to the world, so having cosmetic flaws in your teeth can be a source of embarrassment. If you hide your smile because of chipped, broken, or stained teeth, porcelain veneers are a simple solution to quickly give you back your confidence. Fortunately, Dr. Shoumer can provide you with porcelain veneers right here in Bryn Mawr. And best of all, once your veneers are ready, you’ll leave the office with a beautiful smile the same day, instead of having to gradually improve your teeth.
Veneers are very thin tooth-colored shells. They can be made from porcelain or composite, but we use porcelain veneers because they look more natural, last longer, and are more stain-resistant than composite materials. The veneers are shaped and bonded to the front surface of your teeth so you can present a beautiful, polished smile even if your natural teeth don’t look the best.
The first step in the process of getting porcelain veneers is scheduling an appointment for a consult. During the consultation, Dr. Shoumer will make a model of your teeth, which is sent to a top-quality lab. The highly experienced technicians there will construct your veneers so they perfectly match the shape and color you need.
Once your veneers are back from the lab, you’ll have another appointment for them to be applied. Dr. Shoumer will prepare your teeth with a special tool to create an even surface for the veneers so they fit perfectly. Then, she’ll roughen the surface of your teeth to help the veneers stick properly. After that, your veneers are bonded to your teeth with dental cement, and the only thing left to do is admire the results! You’ll leave our Bryn Mawr office with a brand-new beautiful and healthy smile.
Fortunately, porcelain veneers are designed to last. Most people can expect them to last for a minimum of 10 years, but it’s not uncommon for veneers to last up to 20 years with great care.
Chewing on objects like pencils and fingernails, biting hard foods with your front teeth, and grinding your teeth at night can all weaken your veneers. You can help your porcelain veneers last longer by not chewing on hard objects, cutting your food into manageable pieces that can be chewed with your molars, and talking to Dr. Shoumer about getting a dental guard if you grind your teeth at night. You should also always wear a mouthguard while playing sports to protect your veneers (and teeth!) from potential impacts.
If you’re interested in getting porcelain veneers, the first step is to contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Shoumer will discuss the health of your teeth, whether porcelain veneers are a good solution for your concerns, and the results you can expect from getting porcelain veneers. Once it’s been determined that porcelain veneers will work well for you, we’ll get started right away, and you’ll have a brighter smile in no time!