Porcelain Veneers in West Chester

Your smile can have a dramatic impact on how you feel about smiling, laughing, and even speaking. A healthy, bright set of teeth can boost your self-confidence and make you feel younger, while crowded, discolored, or chipped teeth can have the opposite effect. woman smiling with porcelain veneers in west chester oh

That’s the reason why making cosmetic changes to your teeth is an important step towards feeling better about your smile. If you’re looking for dramatic cosmetic improvements to your smile that don’t include orthodontics, porcelain veneers might be the perfect solution.

How do porcelain veneers work?

Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like covers placed on the front surfaces of your teeth. Dental flaws disappear under the durable, natural-looking shells and give your smile a uniform appearance that’s both natural-looking and dazzling.

Many people love the translucent quality of porcelain veneers because they look just like healthy dental enamel. Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant. Some porcelain veneers are so thin that they can be bonded directly on to your teeth, while others require that a small amount of enamel be removed. 

What cosmetic problems can porcelain veneers fix?

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment for fixing dental flaws such as chips, stains, gaps between teeth, and size or shape irregularities. But did you know that when you fix cosmetic issues with your smile, you’re also improving your oral health? Problems like gaps between teeth, tooth chips, and irregularities in size or shape can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and misalignment of nearby teeth. 

If you have any of these imperfections, porcelain veneers can help:

  • Teeth that are worn down or shorter than other teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Slightly misaligned teeth
  • Wide or uneven gaps and spacing issues

Porcelain veneers are an excellent choice for a single tooth or a row of teeth!

What are the different types of porcelain veneers?

When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Koch in our West Chester, OH office, we’ll discuss which type of porcelain veneer is best for you. Here’s what you need to know:

Direct Veneers

Designed and fabricated in a single visit, direct veneers are also called chairside veneers. That’s because Dr. Koch creates your veneers right in the dental office using a tooth-colored composite material built in layers to conceal tooth flaws. Direct veneers are an excellent choice for improving a single tooth and cost significantly less than indirect veneers. We also do not always need to alter your tooth enamel when using direct veneers.

Indirect Veneers

porcelain veneer in west chester ohWith indirect veneers, you can have the smile of your dreams in just a couple of dental visits. Created in a dental lab, indirect veneers are made of porcelain and closely resemble your natural tooth enamel. Indirect veneers resist staining and are stronger and more durable than direct veneers. Since indirect veneers are bonded to the tooth, a small amount of enamel is removed. This type of veneer, while more lifelike and durable, is irreversible, so you’ll need to replace them every ten years.

What is the procedure for porcelain veneers in West Chester?

After Dr. Koch examines the health of your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers, we’ll discuss your vision for your best smile. Then we’ll create a customized treatment plan for you based on what you’d like to achieve and the shape and size of your teeth.

To start the process, Dr. Koch will prepare your tooth by polishing a small layer of the tooth’s surface. Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth to make temporary veneers, which the dental lab will use to fabricate your customized veneers.

When you return in about two weeks, we’ll fit and bond the final porcelain veneers to your teeth so you can start enjoying your stunning new smile.

Are porcelain veneers a good option for me?

If you’re considering porcelain veneers, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Joel R. Koch our dentist in West Chester, OH. In addition to discussing your goals, we’ll rule out any oral health issues that may be causing your cosmetic flaws, such as gum disease or a misaligned bite. While a consultation with Dr. Koch is the only way to determine if you’re a good candidate, here’s what to consider:

  • Any existing gum disease or tooth decay needs to be addressed before you can wear porcelain veneers. 
  • If a tooth is lacking enough enamel or has significant damage, a dental crown may be a better option.
  • You’ll need to continue good oral hygiene to ensure that the affected teeth and gums stay healthy.

Porcelain veneers can be weakened and cracked by nail-biting, grinding or clenching your teeth and using your teeth on non-food objects like pencils or ice. Porcelain veneers aren’t designed for these types of repetitive wear. If you grind or clench your teeth, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Koch about a custom night guard.

What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are an obvious choice for teeth that are visible when you smile or speak. For that reason, many people choose porcelain veneers for their front teeth or other visible teeth that need sprucing up.

People love veneers because they can feel confident about smiling, laughing, and speaking again. You can feel assured that discolored, chipped, or gapped teeth are no longer distracting others from your smile. Additional advantages you may not have known about include:

  • Strong, durable material with a reflective surface that closely mimics natural dental enamel
  • Stain-resistant surface that protects teeth from yellowing or darkening due to food and drinks
  • Less invasive than a dental crown, with less of the tooth structure removed

Will porcelain veneers feel different than my other teeth?

Your porcelain veneers will feel smooth and glasslike, just like healthy dental enamel. As with many other dental procedures, you’ll need to acclimate to your new bite and slightly different tooth size. Your brain will adjust, too, and you may notice a difference in your speech for a few days due to the slightly altered thickness and position of your teeth. You can take over-the-counter pain medication for any gum soreness and temporary tooth sensitivity, which is normal. 
If you feel any uneven surfaces or continued issues with your bite, call our office, and our dental team will get you back on track right away.

Do porcelain veneers require special care?

Teeth and gums with veneers are susceptible to the same problems as regular teeth, so you’ll need to brush and floss just like you normally would. Visiting our dental office for regular dental exams and cleanings will also catch any problems before they progress.

When will I need to replace my porcelain veneers?

With proper care, you can enjoy bonded, indirect veneers for about ten years before needing to replace them. Direct (composite) veneers will need to be replaced every five to seven years.

How can I learn more about porcelain veneers in West Chester, OH?

Feeling better about your smile is just a phone call away! Porcelain veneers in West Chester, OH is all about trusting your dentist to help you carry out your vision. Dr. Koch has years of experience with cosmetic dentistry and will always listen to your needs. Call our dental office to schedule a consultation and get started on your dream smile!