When you look in the mirror, are you more focused on the small imperfections that riddle your smile than anything else? Being embarrassed by your grin can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and can even give you social anxiety. With porcelain veneers in Reno, you can transform a single distracting, damaged tooth or your entire mouth. This way, you can unlock your smile’s potential and be proud to show it off. Read on for a step-by-step process of the porcelain veneer procedure and how to take care of your new pearly whites.
The Initial Consultation
If you’ve been wanting to improve your smile for a while, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Reno for porcelain veneers. Typically, this visit takes between one and two hours and will involve a bit of talking. Your dentist will want to understand the goals you’d like to achieve for your grin and what tweaks they could make to your smile to make you feel proud to show it off. By discussing the different aspects of your teeth like their color, shape, and alignment, they’ll be able to develop a completely custom-tailored treatment plan to answer questions you may have, like “How many veneers should I get?”, “How much will my procedure cost?”, and “How long will placing my veneers take?”
It’s also a good idea to make a list of any questions you have and bring photos of smiles you find aesthetically pleasing. Your dentist will discuss the benefits and limitations of the procedure so you can set realistic expectations for the results veneers can achieve.
Placing the Veneers
After your cosmetic dentist has prepared your teeth and taken impressions of them, they’ll receive the permanent porcelain shells back from the dental laboratory and call you in for your final appointment. They will make sure the custom veneers fit your teeth and are properly shaped to correct any cosmetic flaws that they’re supposed to. Using a special dental cement, they’ll permanent place the veneers to your natural teeth and make any finishing touches.
Caring For Your New Smile
Taking care of your new smile will help you get the most out of your veneers. They’re incredibly durable, and with the proper care, they can last over 25 years. To keep them looking and feeling fantastic, you’ll want to be sure to:
- Be mindful of what you chew on, steering clear of hard, sticky, and chewy snacks.
- Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages. Although your veneers are stain-resistant, it is still possible for them to discolor over time.
- Brush your teeth twice each day for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash daily.
Paired with routine checkups and cleanings from your cosmetic dentist, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful, newly improved smile for decades to come. If you have any questions about the process, the best way to get them answered and learn whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure is to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Annie Kim graduated from the University of Toronto and completed a post-doctoral residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at UNC Chapel Hill. She has kept up-to-date with the latest cosmetic advancements in dentistry and sharpened her skills by taking numerous continuing education courses at the Spear Institute and Kois Institute. As an active member of the American Dental Association, Nevada Dental Association, and many additional professional organizations, she takes pride in providing her patients with high-quality treatment they can trust. For questions or to schedule an initial consultation, visit Sage Dental Care’s website or call 775-677-0790.