Veneers – Metairie, LA

Veneers aren’t technically permanent because they will eventually need to be replaced. However, they are considered to be irreversible. To ensure that veneers fit properly on your teeth, a small amount of protective enamel must be filed away. Since removed enamel doesn’t grow back, teeth prepared in this way will always need to be covered with either veneers or dental crowns.

Veneers that are made from porcelain are stain resistant. This is because porcelain is a nonporous material, so the particles in dark-colored foods and beverages have a harder time slipping beneath the surface. Ultimately, you should be able to drink your morning coffee without worrying too much about staining your veneers. Just keep in mind that veneers are not stain-proof, so excessive consumption of dark-colored beverages can still have a negative effect over time. Moderation is key!

The goal of veneers is for all of your visible teeth to match, so you will receive the appropriate number in order to accomplish this goal. Some patients opt for a single veneer to cover one cracked or broken tooth while others get anywhere from 6 to 12 for a more complete smile makeover. During your consultation, we will discuss what the right number is to achieve the goals you have for your pearly whites.

Your mouth will typically be numbed during the veneer placement, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience some sensitivity when the temporary veneers are first attached. This is more likely when you are having multiple veneers being placed. Some patients experience “bonding sensitivity,” which means they feel sharp discomfort when biting into something hot or cold for a while. Fortunately, this is all temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses.

Veneers can make your mouth feel different, and in a more nuanced way, cause your tongue to be placed in a slightly different position when making certain sounds. This can cause a minor lisp to occur, especially when you try to pronounce words with “s” and “v” sounds. However, over a couple of weeks, you’ll begin to get more used to how your veneers feel, and the lisp will likely disappear. You can try practicing talking out loud to yourself at home as well to help.

Whether your veneers are made from porcelain, ceramic, or resin, they won’t be able to be whitened if you notice that they’re discoloring. One way to help prevent your veneers in Metairie from looking stained is to avoid sipping on staining beverages like coffee and red wine, as well as minimize your consumption of foods that are high in tannins, like tomato-based sauces, balsamic vinegar, and berries.

While dental crowns fit over the entire biting surface of your tooth, covering the whole visible portion of it, veneers are custom made to only cover the visible front surface of teeth. For this reason, veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment while crowns are used to restore damaged and compromised teeth.

If you feel like your smile looks narrow due to how many of your teeth show, veneers can help widen your arch to make it appear fuller. Your cosmetic dentist in Metairie, Dr. Nelson, will collaborate with his dental laboratory to custom-craft your veneers to address your specific esthetic concerns, like having a narrow smile. In some cases, more extensive treatment may be necessary, like orthodontics.