Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

Hampton, Portsmouth,Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia

A beautiful smile can increase your confidence. But it can be hard to smile if you suffer from discolored, chipped or damaged teeth. A porcelain veneer may be right for you.

What is a porcelain veneer?

A porcelain veneer is a thin porcelain shell that fits over a tooth. Porcelain is a material that naturally looks like tooth enamel. However, unlike tooth enamel, porcelain veneers are not at risk for decay. They also resist staining and can give you a brighter smile. Additionally, porcelain veneers can be used to reshape teeth or to repair chipped, broken or oddly-shaped teeth. Porcelain veneers can even be used to close gaps between teeth.

Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?

An experienced cosmetic dentist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Some characteristics your dentist may look for include:

• Good oral health
• Realistic expectations

Some of the problems that a porcelain veneer can be used to treat include:

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Chipped, cracked or pitted teeth
• Unevenly shaped or sized teeth
• Teeth that have been ground down or damaged

When to Choose Porcelain Veneers

For many of the problems above, different options exist. Discolored teeth, for example, can often be corrected with teeth whitening. On the other hand, the level of whitening you receive is limited by the whiteness and thickness of your dental enamel. Chipped, unevenly shaped, or gapped teeth can be corrected using dental bonding, which isn't as strong, long-lasting, or aesthetically pleasing as porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are best for people with several different problems, those who cannot achieve good results with other treatment methods, and those who want a smile that is truly outstanding. In addition to providing unequalled treatment of the shape and color of your teeth, porcelain veneers can give you that little bit extra: they can be used to design a unique, knockout smile for you. Since a set of porcelain veneers can reshape all your teeth together, it is possible for Dr. Folck to do for you what nature did not: design a smile that not only looks great but fits your personality.

Dr. Folck offers a comprehensive evaluation and consultation to every new patient. He's always happy to listen, and answer any questions you have. He will go over your options in detail to ensure that you get the smile you truly want.

If you have questions about porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, please call or email our Virginia Beach dental offices today. We'll schedule your examination and consultation with Dr. Folck right away.