Cosmetic Dentistry 

Cosmetic dentists are distinguished from corrective or restorative dentistry by their focus on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile.  

At CR Dental Group in North Dallas, we offer cosmetic dentistry that improves the color, shape, alignment, and general appearance of your teeth. We have particular expertise with porcelain veneers.  

What Are Porcelain Veneers? 

Veneers are thin layers of material bonded to the front side of a tooth or crown for aesthetic purposes. The most common veneers are made from porcelain.  

Porcelain is a ceramic material with special features: hardness, whiteness, and translucency. Porcelain veneers are permanent and cannot be reversed or removed. 

However, veneers also include composite resin. It is a material commonly used for fillings but is also used for some cosmetic purposes. Unlike porcelain, it is not permanent and can be removed. Composite resin veneers have limited durability and can last 10 to 15 years before replacement is necessary.   

Preparatory Requirements 

Veneers no longer require the preparatory removal or grinding of enamel from your teeth. Enamel is irreplaceable. Newer methods and materials eliminate the need for such preliminary procedures. 

However, a correct bite is necessary for a successful veneer. The common irregular bites are overbites, underbites, and crooked teeth. There are many treatments and devices to correct those dental conditions. Your dentist will evaluate your bite before considering veneers. 

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers have several aesthetics and other advantages. 

  • Porcelain veneers are made to match the color of your other teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers are durable and permanent.
  • Because of the translucency of porcelain, your veneers will be natural-looking.
  • They hide chipped cracked, uneven, discolored, worn, gapped, or misshapen teeth.
  • They are not painful. 
  • They are a safe way to have a beautiful smile.

Things to Do and Avoid 

Caring for your porcelain veneers requires proper hygiene as well as avoidance of harmful substances. 

Proper hygiene includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Brushing and flossing with veneers must be done with care to avoid damaging the porcelain. Also, your choice of toothpaste is important. Avoid gritty toothpaste that can damage the porcelain. 

Some food materials should be avoided or consumed with great care. Your porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. However, your natural teeth next to your veneers might be stained spoiling the uniformity of color. You should avoid dark liquids such as coffee, tea, dark wines, chewing tobacco, and smoking. If you must consume these items you should brush your teeth as soon as possible thereafter. 

While very durable, porcelain can get damaged by chewing on ice cubes, hard candies, or chewing pencils or fingernails.  

Finally, regular annual checkups are highly recommended. These measures will assure that your porcelain veneers along with your beautiful smile last for decades. 

Conclusion 

We at CR Dental Group in North Dallas give you a thorough consultation on whether porcelain veneers are suitable for you. Our dental experts also guide you for preparations that might be required before installing veneers.  

We have been practicing as cosmetic dentists for more than 30 years and our dental professionals are abreast of all modern and state-of-the-art technology. 

Once you’ve decided you want to proceed with the treatment, we do everything within our reach to give you that beautiful smile you deserve.