Porcelain Veneers in Gulfport, MS

If you have stained, chipped, or smaller-than-average teeth, you may be looking for a way to improve your smile. One option is placing dental crowns on each tooth, but that procedure may be too time-consuming and invasive. An alternative treatment, known as porcelain veneers, could be a more suitable option. 

Like dental crowns, porcelain veneers are permanent restorative procedures that you and your dentist should decide on together. At the Centre for Smile Designs, John Hopkins, DDS, can help you decide whether dental veneers are the best treatment. 

What Are Porcelain Veneers? 

A porcelain veneer is a custom-made shell that covers the front surface of a tooth. The final product is bonded to your natural tooth. 

Veneers can cover a single chipped or stained tooth, but Dr. Hopkins recommends getting them done in pairs. The upper front teeth are the most common teeth that receive porcelain veneers, usually to cover discoloration or misshapen teeth. 

Porcelain Veneers in Gulfport, MSThese restorations are made in a dental laboratory and require a few appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Hopkins will prepare your teeth and take an impression to send to the dental lab. The veneers will be cemented onto your teeth at the second appointment. 

Who Is a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers? 

Porcelain veneers resolve aesthetic concerns for many patients. You may be a candidate for these cosmetic restorations if you have any of the following:  

  • Chipped or uneven teeth 
  • Gaps between your teeth 
  • Misshapen teeth 
  • Short teeth 
  • Stained or discolored teeth 
  • Severely stained teeth 

To qualify as a candidate for porcelain veneers, you must have healthy gums and teeth. Having a good home care routine is essential to the longevity of these cosmetic restorations. 

Benefits of Getting Dental Veneers

Dr. Hopkins will help you explore your cosmetic dentistry options, but there are many benefits to getting dental veneers. 

Natural Appearance 

Porcelain veneers are custom-made based on an impression taken by Dr. Hopkins. This replica of your mouth helps the dental lab create a natural-looking shell to cover your tooth’s surface. Your veneers should look and feel natural, helping you feel confident in your smile. Most people will not be able to tell that you’ve had dental work done. 

Requires Minimal Enamel Removal 

Dental veneers are a less invasive procedure than other restorative options. Dr. Hopkins will remove just 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the front surface of your tooth. The bonded veneer will not look natural if this tissue isn’t removed. 

Low Maintenance 

Taking care of your porcelain veneers is like caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily and floss once to minimize plaque and tartar buildup. Schedule routine dental visits at the Centre for Smile Designs to ensure your restoration remains intact. These appointments will help keep your natural smile in tip-top shape. 

Durable and Stain-Resistant  

Proper oral hygiene helps your porcelain veneers resist staining. Additionally, you might avoid excessive red wine drinking, which can discolor your dental veneers. Using your veneers to bite down on ice or hard foods can cause them to chip or break. Being conscious of the foods you eat will help them last between 10 to 15 years.

Customizable Solution 

Porcelain veneers give you control over how your smile looks. You can choose from various styles and decide on the most appealing shape and size. Some options include square or round teeth. Veneers allow you to have the freedom to create the smile of your dreams. 

What to Expect During the Porcelain Veneer Procedure 

Before moving forward with treatment, you’ll meet with Dr. Hopkins to discuss your cosmetic goals and budget. He’ll complete a dental exam to assess your oral health. This exam helps ensure that this cosmetic treatment is the best solution for your needs. 

Porcelain veneers are a permanent procedure, which means that after the teeth are prepped for the veneers, they will always need a covering to protect the natural tooth structure.

During your first appointment, you may receive an anesthetic injection to minimize discomfort while Dr. Hopkins removes a small amount of enamel from your tooth. Then, he will take an impression of your mouth. The impression will be sent to a dental laboratory to make the veneers.

When the final product returns to our office, Dr. Hopkins will ensure that the veneers fit and that the color matches your natural teeth. In some cases, veneers must be trimmed down to create the proper fit. 

Once your veneers fit perfectly, Dr. Hopkins will prepare them for cementation. Any extra cement is removed, your bite is checked, and final adjustments will be made. 

How to Care for Your Porcelain Veneers 

Caring for your new teeth is simple — just follow your regular dental hygiene routine. 

Brushing and flossing daily and scheduling routine visits to the Centre for Smile Designs will help preserve your new smile. Dental veneers are not susceptible to tooth decay, so the porcelain cannot develop a cavity. However, they still need to be checked regularly by Dr. Hopkins. 

Why Choose the Centre for Smile Designs for Your Veneers 

Getting porcelain veneers is an investment, and we want you to be satisfied with the results. It takes experience and attention to detail to create natural-looking porcelain veneers that enhance your smile. Dr. Hopkins has the training and expertise to ensure your veneers correct cosmetic issues and help you have confidence in your smile. 

Our office works with top-of-the-line dental labs to create your restoration to Dr. Hopkins’ specifications. Your new teeth will be the correct shade, shape, and size to blend in with your adjacent teeth. After two visits, you’ll leave our office with a new, brilliant smile you’ll want to show off.

Contact us today to book a consultation to discuss porcelain veneers.  

Restore Your Smile at the Centre for Smile Designs 

If you’re ready to correct cosmetic dental flaws, porcelain veneers can help you achieve your goals. Dr. Hopkins will listen to your concerns and discuss your options so you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment. At the Centre for Smile Designs, we want you to have a smile you love.

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