Porcelain veneers are a conservative, popular option for patients in the West Palm Beach area who want to enhance their smile with a quality restoration. Veneers are ceramic pieces that are custom-made for patients to disguise imperfections that may negatively impact the appearance of the smile. Patients often choose porcelain veneers for a variety of reasons. They can cover problems such as staining, misalignment, unusually shaped teeth, and even gaps between teeth in a beautiful and affordable way.

Drs. James Medlock and Elizabeth Keith of West Palm Beach encourage patients to take the time to learn about porcelain veneers and other repairs that can greatly improve the appearance and function of their smile. However, many patients are curious to learn about what to expect before, during, and after the process.

Before

Before patients have porcelain veneers placed within their smile, they need to consult with a dental professional to find out if they are an appropriate candidate. This is the first step in any cosmetic dental treatment. Patients discuss their aesthetic concerns with their dentist, then a physical examination is performed to check the smile’s structure and health. Patients who are in good dental health and maintain their oral health are better candidates than those who have active periodontal disease or regular cavities.

During

Once patients are approved, they require preparation. This includes the filing down of the front facing of the tooth before impressions are taken and used to fabricate the new restorations. Patients may have temporary veneers placed over their teeth while they wait for their new restorations. This may take a week or two while the ceramist custom-fabricates the new veneer.

After

Once patients have had the veneers placed on their teeth, they are encouraged to take good care of their restorations. They may receive after-care instructions as to how to protect their veneers. This may include wearing a special mouth guard at night, especially for patients who deal with conditions such as bruxism and may damage their restorations and natural teeth with clenching and grinding. Patients will also be urged to continue to see their dentists for recall appointments to monitor the teeth underneath the veneers which are still susceptible to problems such as cavities and periodontal disease.