Everyone in Jacksonville, Florida, would prefer to have a naturally beautiful smile, but not many of us were lucky enough to be born with one. Porcelain dental veneers can do the trick, transforming the teeth in as few as two dentist visits – and without any downtime.

A proven solution for smile imperfections, porcelain veneers can last for decades with proper care. And while veneers are cosmetic in nature, they also have practical advantages. An experienced Jacksonville dentist can tell you everything you need to know, but in the meantime, reading the following guide may help you determine if porcelain dental veneers are the right choice for you.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth for the purpose of concealing smile flaws. Most are constructed from porcelain, and though that’s commonly thought to be a more delicate material, applying a very thin layer makes the teeth stronger.

Porcelain dental veneers are custom-crafted, and in the hands of an experienced dentist, the dental restorations look completely real. Good oral hygiene habits can keep the smile bright and beautiful – since veneers are non-porous, they’re actually better at deflecting stains than natural tooth enamel. That being the case, they don’t become discolored as time passes.

Sometimes, Jacksonville dentists use composite veneers.to enhance the smile. Instead of porcelain, these restorations are made of a tooth-colored composite resin – the same material used for tooth bonding procedures. Going this route comes at a lower cost, but being weaker than porcelain, composite veneers are more prone to chipping and breaking. As such, they typically only last for five to seven years.

Who Can Benefit From Dental Veneers?

Porcelain dental veneers quickly conceal cosmetic problems with the teeth, and they offer a number of aesthetic benefits. Being custom-made, the restorations can address numerous dental defects and imperfections. Candidates for this sort of smile makeover are people who have:

• Chipped, cracked or misshapen teeth
• A smile that is slightly crooked or misaligned
• Small, but noticeable gaps between the teeth
• Teeth with sharp edges or rough areas
• Stains that don’t go away with teeth whitening
• Multiple cosmetic concerns related to the teeth

However, as every experienced Jacksonville dentist knows, porcelain veneers aren’t the right choice for everyone. This type of cosmetic treatment isn’t typically recommended for those with serious health issues – unless, of course, the issue is resolved. Some concerns that keep patients from getting dental veneers right away include:

• Periodontal disease, as healthy gums are a must for porcelain veneers
• Tooth grinding, as that habit can cause the restorations to chip or break
• Insufficient tooth enamel, as that can affect the outcome of the procedure
• Severe bite misalignment, as pressure may cause the veneers to crack

Dentists can address these concerns, and doing so can make porcelain dental veneers an option. But in any case, other cosmetic treatments – like dental crowns, teeth whitening, clear aligners and dental bonding — are sometimes more appropriate. Really, the only way for a patient to know the best path to take for a smile makeover is to schedule a dentist consultation.

How Are Dental Veneers a Practical Choice?

As we’ve mentioned, porcelain dental veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, as they work to camouflage aesthetic imperfections. But along with enhancing the look of the smile, porcelain veneers also provide practical advantages. The benefits that come with this type of treatment include:

• Strength – Veneers cover the surface of the front teeth, making them stronger and more resistant to damage.
• Protection – By shielding the teeth, porcelain dental veneers offer an added level of defense against cavities.
• Relief – Because veneers provide a barrier for the teeth, they can help reduce the pain of tooth sensitivity.
• Preservation — Tooth wear is a natural effect of aging, and veneers help preserve the integrity of the enamel.

Clearly, porcelain veneers offer several practical benefits. However, as with any other cosmetic dentistry treatment, these dental restorations do have a few potential drawbacks that need to be considered. Jacksonville dentists tell patients to consider the following:

• Although porcelain dental veneers are quite durable, they can still chip or crack if with bad habits like tooth grinding, biting nails or using the teeth as tools.
• Placing veneers requires the removal of a very thin layer of tooth enamel, and this can sometimes make the teeth slightly more sensitive to heat and cold.
• This cosmetic treatment is irreversible, as once a dentist has removed enamel from the teeth, there’s no procedure that can restore the protective covering.
• Although veneers are more affordable than some treatments, they can be costly – and because they’re cosmetic, most insurance plans don’t offer coverage.

Are you interested in improving the look of your smile? River Oaks Dental in Jacksonville, Florida, offers porcelain dental veneers as well as a range of other cosmetic dentistry services, including teeth whitening, composite dental bonding, metal-free crowns and bridges and clear aligners. We’d be happy to answer your questions, and you can always count on us for expert advice.

For more information on porcelain dental veneers, or to plan your smile makeover with a highly skilled and experienced Jacksonville dentist, contact River Oaks Dental today.