Porcelain veneers, The “magic” behind dramatic smile transformations

Your smile is the part of your face that attracts the most attention. This is why imperfections in one’s smile, such as gaps and chipped teeth, seem magnified. Other issues, such as stained, broken, and misshapen teeth, can also harm the quality of a smile, leading to serious self-esteem issues. Thankfully, at Mark A. Wong, DDS Family Dentistry in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Mark Wong and his staff are experienced in helping patients reinvent their smiles using incredible therapies such as natural white porcelain veneers.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a thinly layered ceramic composite material that mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. While the material may seem fragile, porcelain veneers are incredibly durable, allowing you to bite and chew as usual without worrying too much about damaging them. They fit over your teeth, disguising the imperfections underneath them. A few problematic issues they address are:

• Stained teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Pegged or narrow teeth
• Short teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Chipped teeth

What to Expect Before and After the Placement of Porcelain Veneers

Before placing your porcelain veneers, Dr. Wong will prepare your teeth by removing a small layer of enamel. The tooth’s surface must be roughened to guarantee the best adhesion.

The doctor will also take impressions of your teeth to create the veneers. Before leaving the office, Dr. Wong will fit temporary veneers onto your teeth until your permanent veneers are ready for placement.

Upon returning to the office, Dr. Wong will place your permanent porcelain veneers using a bonding agent to set them.

Do Porcelain Veneers Protect Teeth?

Porcelain veneers and other kinds of masks are not designed for protection. It’s important to remember that the tooth underneath the surface is still vulnerable to infections and cavities. This is why scheduling routine dental checkups and practicing good dental hygiene at home is vital to keep your veneers and natural teeth as healthy as possible.

Foods You Should Avoid with Porcelain Veneers

Your porcelain veneers can last a decade or more with proper care, and they don’t stain, unlike other types. While porcelain veneers are durable cosmetic restorations, it’s essential to keep in mind they are not indestructible. This is especially true for your temporary veneers, which are not made with the same material as your porcelain veneers and are significantly more fragile. Here are some foods to avoid when wearing your temporary veneers.

• Hard bread
• Jerky, steaks, and other difficult-to-chew meats
• Ice (never chew on ice cubes, even with natural teeth)
• Hard foods like chips, seeds, and nuts
• Hard candies
• Crunch vegetables like celery and carrots
• Chocolate
• Gummy or sticky candies
• Beverages and foods that can stain your teeth

Other foods you should avoid once you have your permanent porcelain veneers placed include:

• Hard bones in foods like steaks and chicken can chip your surfaces
• Drinking too many alcoholic beverages can damage the bond between your veneers and teeth
• Acidic beverages like lemonade and foods like oranges can also erode the veneer’s bonding material

Learn More About Natural White Veneers in Walnut Creek California

To find out how porcelain veneers can transform your smile, contact Mark A. Wong, DDS Family Dentistry, at (925) 678-5600 today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Wong. 

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