Teeth whitening may be the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the country, but what about those who need a little more help perfecting their smile? Dr. Todd Pizzi, a cosmetic dentist offering porcelain veneers in Shrewsbury, MA, discusses the use of veneers to treat several flaws that might be holding back your smile. In today’s post, he answers questions from patients considering this versatile procedure.
Teeth whitening didn’t treat my stained teeth. Could veneers help?
Absolutely, says Dr. Pizzi. Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are both excellent options for patients whose teeth have permanent or deep-set stains, such as those caused by taking certain prescription medications, using tobacco, or years of bad dental hygiene. This is because the veneer actually covers the visible surface of the tooth with layers of ultra-thin dental ceramic. Teeth retain their natural translucence, but stains do not show through.
Do I need braces before getting veneers?
In most cases, no, unless the teeth–usually the front ones–are severely crooked. Veneers can actually make your teeth appear straighter. Whereas orthodontic treatment can require months or even years, smile-enhancing veneers can achieve a similar effect in only a few office visits. You’ll also avoid common complaints about braces, such as discomfort, obvious hardware, and interference brushing your teeth and speaking clearly. Dr. Messina adds that patients whose teeth require orthodontic treatment may wish to consider invisible braces or Six Month Smiles, alternatives to traditional braces.
How are veneers different from bonding?
We mentioned earlier that bonding and veneers accomplish the same things, but the two treatments have several differences. Unlike the composite resin used in bonding, porcelain is more effective at resisting stains. Its translucent properties also make porcelain more like real tooth enamel; even so, composite appears natural, too. The cost of veneers and bonding depends on the number of teeth treated, and veneers are generally more of an investment. For those who want instant gratification, bonding is an excellent choice; one appointment is all that’s needed. Cosmetic veneers may require 2-3 separate appointments.
Thinking about porcelain veneers? To learn more about cosmetic dentistry in Shrewsbury, MA, or to schedule an appointment wit one of our dentists, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome residents of Shrewsbury, Boylston, Hopkinton, North and South Grafton, and the surrounding areas. You can also find us on Facebook here.
