Porcelain Veneers in Southfield, MI
Did you know that smiling can boost your mood? Just the act of smiling releases dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters responsible for sending signals from your brain to the rest of your body. These signals promote feelings of happiness, motivation, and contentment, working as a sort of natural antidepressant. However, people tend to smile less often if they’re insecure about their teeth. That means missing out on the mood-boosting benefits of a smile. At Aesthetic Dental in Southfield, MI, we love helping patients feel proud of their smiles again. With porcelain veneers, we can conceal chips, stains, or other imperfections. These thin shells are highly customizable, so together we can design a smile you’re proud to show off.
Understanding Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped sheets of dental porcelain that we use to hide flaws. These tooth-colored shells are customizable down to the very last detail. For example, you can choose the shape, size, and color of each veneer, so your new smile looks just the way you want to.
With porcelain veneers, we hide imperfections like:
Small gaps and overlaps
- Minor misalignments
- Stains and discoloration
- Misshapen teeth
However, to be eligible for the dental veneer process, your teeth need to be healthy.
During your free consultation, we will perform a thorough exam and take scans of your smile to assess your teeth. If we find any underlying issues such as decay or gum disease, we can treat those first.
The Porcelain Veneer Process at Aesthetic Dental
At Aesthetic Dental, we start all treatments with a free consultation. If you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers, we will develop a treatment plan, discuss costs, and take impressions of your smile. Patients appreciate the opportunity to play an active role in the veneers process, particularly when it comes to planning their new smile.
By designing veneers according to your desired dimensions and color, we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
At your first appointment, we’ll prepare the teeth you want to revamp with veneers. Using specialized dental tools, we’ll carefully remove the top layer of your front-facing enamel. This step creates a space for the veneer to sit flush against your tooth.
To protect your teeth and keep your smile looking great, we’ll place a temporary set of veneers while your custom ones are being made. This trial set gives you a chance to see how veneers feel in your mouth and share any feedback with us. That way, when your permanent veneers are ready, they’ll reflect your exact vision for your smile.
Once your final veneers arrive from the dental lab, we’ll try them on to check their fit. If you’re happy with the way they look and feel, we’ll bond them in place!
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The price of porcelain veneers varies from case to case, but the main determining factor is the number of teeth you want to perfect. In general, the more veneers you need to achieve your smile makeover, the higher the treatment costs.
The material we use also impacts your bill. Porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile and your confidence. While they may cost more than other materials, like composite resin, they offer lasting benefits that make them well worth it for many people. Porcelain is incredibly durable, highly stain-resistant, and designed to keep your smile looking bright and beautiful for years to come.
However, because veneers are often considered a primarily cosmetic treatment, dental insurance rarely covers them. We understand this can be a concern, so our office offers flexible financing options to make your new smile more accessible.
By partnering with third-party financing companies, our patients can split their costs into more manageable monthly payments. And with various lending terms, you can pay for your new smile at your own pace.
At Aesthetic Dental, we believe that everyone deserves a smile they love, so our financing options are designed to keep treatment within reach.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
After getting veneers, some patients assume they don’t need to care for their teeth as carefully, but that’s simply not true. Veneers don’t replace your natural teeth, and the teeth underneath can still be affected by decay or gum disease.
To ensure your beautiful new smile stays healthy and bright, we recommend:
Brushing: Just like natural teeth, veneers need to be brushed. We recommend brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they still require a strong oral hygiene routine to extend their longevity.
- Flossing: Flossing or using a water flosser keeps both your veneers and gums healthy. Since veneers rely on your natural teeth for support, any infection or decay can put them at risk. By cleaning between your teeth daily, you help protect that foundation and ensure your smile stays strong and beautiful.
- Nightguards: Grinding and/or clenching your teeth can harm your smile. When you have veneers, the excessive pressure can lead to chips, cracks, and breaks in the porcelain shell. But when you choose veneers at Aesthetic Dental, we can create a custom night guard for you right here in our office. This dental device protects your investment by absorbing the pressure of grinding and clenching that occurs while you sleep.
- Routine dental visits: At Aesthetic Dental, we recommend that everyone visit us in Southfield, MI, at least twice a year. These routine dental visits are essential for keeping your smile healthy, and they’re just as important when you have porcelain veneers. During your checkups, we’ll make sure that your veneers are still in good condition.
Revitalize Your Smile at Aesthetic Dental in Southfield, MI
If you’ve ever felt hesitant to smile because of chips, stains, or other imperfections, you’re not alone. At Aesthetic Dental, we understand how much your smile impacts your confidence and daily life. With porcelain veneers, you have the opportunity to create a look that feels true to you. Our goal is to help you feel proud of your smile again, so you can share it freely and confidently with the world.
Book a free consultation at Aesthetic Dental today to take the next step in transforming your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Aesthetic Dental, your comfort always comes first. We’ll numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic so that you’re comfortable during the procedure. If you’re someone who gets a little nervous at the dentist, we can help you with that, too. We offer safe sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you stay relaxed, or a prescription pill for a deeper level of calm.
After your prep appointment, it’s normal to feel some mild soreness or sensitivity for a day or two. However, most patients find relief with over-the-counter pain relievers. Within a week or so, your smile will feel totally normal again.
Once you get porcelain veneers, you can’t return to your natural teeth. During the prep process, we remove a thin layer of enamel. Unlike your skin or hair, enamel doesn’t grow back. That means you’ll need veneers or crowns to protect your smile long-term.
The upside is that veneers are designed to go the distance. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years (or more)!
Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant, helping them to last for many years. However, it is possible for a veneer to chip or break under the right pressure. Teeth grinding is a common culprit, as the constant force it puts on your smile can cause your veneers to break or come loose. Additionally, poor oral hygiene can weaken the teeth underneath your veneers, causing the porcelain shells to fracture or fall off.
If your veneer breaks and is causing pain, please give us a call. We may schedule an emergency visit so we can relieve your discomfort quickly. Our priority is always to get you feeling better and to find the best solution for your smile.