Dr. Jason Baldwin is an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist in Truckee, CA. He places porcelain veneers to achieve aesthetic and dental health goals, a popular cosmetic treatment that can be used to straighten, reshape and brighten teeth. They are personalized to your specific needs and can produce results that are subtle or dramatic, depending on your aesthetic goals.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent dental restoration that can be used to correct a range of cosmetic and restorative concerns. Veneers are made of a thin ceramic shell that attaches to the front and sides of the tooth covering up cosmetic blemishes and helping to protect the tooth from further damage. A dental veneer is permanently bonded to a prepared tooth and can be used to treat one tooth or several teeth.
Dr. Baldwin offers a full range of treatment options including porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers, when expertly designed and placed, can provide a permanent solution to a variety of dental health and cosmetic concerns:
- Fix gaps between teeth
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Improve the appearance of crooked or misshaped teeth
- Change the shape or length of teeth
- Cover stained or discolored teeth
Porcelain Veneers: What to Expect
Dr. Baldwin will meet with you to thoroughly evaluate your dental health and discuss your cosmetic goals before recommending a personalized treatment plan. To ensure an outcome that is beautifully matched to your unique smile, Dr. Baldwin often uses digital color matching software which brings a level of accuracy to your treatment planning that cannot be achieved with the naked eye and provides customized results that will meet and exceed your expectations for a smile that looks natural.
The porcelain veneers process will involve two to three visits to our Tahoe City, CA area cosmetic dentistry office as your beautiful new smile is carefully designed, created and placed for a comfortable result.
The process for placing porcelain veneers will begin with dental impressions to be used in the custom fabrication of your restorations. We will work with you to choose the right color, size, and shape so that your veneer teeth will blend seamlessly with your natural smile. The next step is to prepare the teeth to be treated by removing as little surface structure as possible. Temporary restorations may be placed if necessary until your custom veneers are ready to be placed.
Once complete, your new porcelain veneers will be permanently secured by Dr. Baldwin. Any necessary last minute adjustments will be made for a comfortable and stable fit.
Even though they are considered a permanent restoration, porcelain veneers will not last forever, especially if they are not properly cared for. You should continue to follow good oral hygiene routines including daily teeth brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist.
Dr. Baldwin also suggests limiting stain-causing food and drinks. Teeth grinding can easily damage your veneers. We can custom fit your for a mouth guard to protect them and prevent further damage to the rest of your teeth. Your porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years or longer if properly cared for.
Porcelain Veneer Aftercare
Taking good care of your porcelain veneers is crucial to maintaining their appearance and longevity. You can do many things to protect them and keep them looking good for many years. The most important thing is to maintain proper oral hygiene. This will remove plaque and tartar and keep your teeth healthy. Regular checkups ensure your teeth and dental veneers are healthy and in good shape. Also, while teeth veneers are stain resistant, they are still at risk of staining if you smoke or consume too much staining food and drinks. The following is a list of guidelines to ensure that your porcelain veneers remain in excellent condition for years to come.
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Use non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss at least once a day, especially around the teeth with veneers
- Attend your regular dental appointments
- Avoid food and beverages that can stain your veneers (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.)
- Avoid smoking or any tobacco products
- Never bite on hard objects or use your teeth to open things
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatment we offer. We can design custom dental veneers to enhance the appearance of your smile. To help you understand more about this procedure, we put together a list of frequently asked questions. Whether you’re considering veneers for the first time or seeking more information, porcelain veneer FAQ section will provide you with valuable insights into the process, benefits, and care of porcelain veneers.
Are dental veneers permanent?
Porcelain veneers are not permanent. A dentist may need to replace them eventually. Getting veneers involves removing a small amount of your natural tooth enamel. A dentist cannot reverse that process. So, once you decide on dental veneers, it’s a commitment. Depending on oral hygiene and habits, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
Do you brush dental veneers?
You must brush and floss porcelain veneers regularly to help prevent normal dental problems. Veneers are one of the best treatments for gum restoration currently in dentistry, and you shouldn’t be afraid to damage them by flossing or brushing. Any non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste will be sufficient for your teeth maintenance.
Do dental veneers look natural?
Yes, porcelain veneers can look incredibly natural. They’re custom-made to match the shape and color of your surrounding teeth, which helps them blend in seamlessly. The porcelain material also mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. So, when you flash your smile, it’s likely that no one will even know you have veneers unless you tell them. It’s like your little secret to a dazzling smile!
Is it painful to get dental veneers?
The process of getting porcelain veneers is typically pain-free and comfortable. There may be sensitivity due to removing enamel, so your dentist will numb your tooth before the procedure, much like when filling a cavity.
Can dental veneers fall off?
Even though porcelain veneers attach to the teeth, they can fall off in select situations. If not properly applied, veneers may slide off. Physical contact with your teeth and aging may also cause the veneers to fall off.
Do cavities develop under dental veneers?
Cavities can develop under porcelain veneers if you’re not careful with oral hygiene. Dental veneers cover the front surface of your teeth. However, the rest of the tooth remains exposed. If plaque and bacteria accumulate, cavities can form in these areas or at the margin where the veneer meets the tooth. Good oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing daily can prevent cavities around your veneers. Regular dental check-ups greatly reduce the risk of developing cavities under or around the veneer.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Truckee, CA
If you are interested in getting porcelain veneers in the Lake Tahoe, CA, and Truckee, CA areas, schedule an appointment with Dr. Baldwin. He will discuss your cosmetic goals and budget concerns to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you.