Thinking about improving your smile in 2022? There are a multitude of ways to enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry – teeth whitening, clear aligners, crowns, veneers, and more!
Let’s dive into one option that many patients have questions about and love the results – dental veneers – and where you can go in Zelienople and Greater Pittsburgh to get the dazzling smile you want.
What Is a Dental Veneer?
Dental veneers are custom-made for each tooth to match the individual’s gumline, tooth shape, color, and contour. They are thin coverings that are bonded to the front of each tooth to cover and fix any imperfections, and they are usually made just for the teeth that show when you smile. This is done without making your teeth bulky, keeping your smile very natural and cohesive.
Dr. Mark Marion custom-makes porcelain veneers out of a very strong material called eMax, which is high-quality lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. This material is known for its superior strength and beautiful luster that creates a natural, healthy tooth.
As opposed to dental crowns, veneers are more conservative, as they leave more of your original tooth structure intact. Dr. Marion only has to shape and prep the front of your tooth to make room to place the thin, but strong veneer. However, some patients such as those that have significant misalignment or grind their teeth may not be candidates for veneers. For these patients, Dr. Marion often recommends dental crowns.
Who Is a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
The route you and your dentist decide to take to achieve the smile you want will depend on your individual teeth and goals. Dental veneers work best for people who want to fix minor cosmetic issues in their smile, such as teeth alignment, staining, small gaps, cracks, pitting, or chips.
This treatment can correct your teeth to look straighter, whiter, and more symmetrical. It is done on teeth that are intact, not on teeth that need to be fully replaced or that need a lot of dental work done.
How Long Is the Process to Get Veneers?
The process for veneers is typically two appointments, 2-3 weeks apart. At your first appointment – which lasts usually 1-2 hours, depending on how many teeth are involved – your dentist will prep the teeth, digitally scan them, and then place temporary veneers over just those teeth to keep them protected until the permanent veneers are placed.
Once your dentist’s office receives your custom-made veneers from the lab, you will have your second appointment to have them placed onto your teeth. This procedure usually lasts around 30 minutes. Your dentist will adhere the veneers using a special bonding agent and then harden them onto the teeth via a special light.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The average lifespan for veneers is about 10 years, but if they’re properly taken care of, they can last longer. One thing your dentist will look at when considering whether dental veneers are a good option for you is your bite. The dentist may even recommend investing in an occlusal guard to protect your beautiful new veneers if you have a habit of clenching or grinding, especially while you sleep.
If you play sports, a mouthguard should be worn during all types of competition, including practice. Also, be mindful and try not to eat using too much pressure on your front teeth that have the veneers. Avoid chewing on hard things like ice, fingernails, or pens, and be careful of the ripping/pulling motion of your teeth, like with beef jerky. Do not use your teeth as a tool, or the veneers could be damaged and necessitate a total replacement.
As always, practice good oral hygiene to help take care of your veneers. Brush at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush, use non-abrasive toothpaste, floss at least once daily (preferably at night), and rinse once or twice daily with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Routine professional dental cleanings at least every 6 months will ensure that your teeth and veneers are in good condition, allowing you to smile your brightest!
Enhance Your Smile with Dental Veneers in Western Pennsylvania
One of Pittsburgh Magazine’s Top General and Cosmetic Dentists for 11 years, Dr. Mark Marion at Marion Smile Center in Zelienople, PA, can make your smile dreams come true!
Thinking veneers may be a good fit for your smile? As a leading provider of exceptional family dental services and the newest and best dental technologies, you can feel confident and comfortable at Marion Smile Center. Call us today at (724) 452-4300 or fill out our convenient online form to reserve an appointment with Dr. Marion in Zelienople and Harmony, PA. In the meantime, take a look at our Smile Gallery for beautiful before-and-after photos of some of our patients.
Dr. Mark Marion and our dental team here at Marion Smile Center would love to meet you and see how we can best serve you and your family in 2022 and beyond! We are “Happy Smiles Creating Beautiful Smiles!”
