Adults and older teens want their smiles to look their very best. However, gaps, cracks, and small misalignments can ruin a smile and a person’s confidence. That’s where porcelain veneers or Lumineers in Oxnard, Ventura County come in. Dr. Saj Jivraj of Anacapa Dental Art Institute evaluate candidates for porcelain veneers and place them on select healthy teeth. If you’re curious about what these dental laminates could do for your smile, read on, and learn the answers to common questions about porcelain veneers and their no-prep counterparts, Lumineers. One of these treatments may be just right for you.

Dental veneers can make a major impact on one’s appearance but more importantly, the boost in self confidence can significantly improve quality of life. People who have been hiding their smiles for years due to discolored, cracked or chipped teeth can quickly turn their lives around through the application of porcelain veneers.

Dr. Jivraj in Oxnard near Camarillo has helped thousands of patients regain their self esteem as well as their dental health through the application of veneers. He has had to answer many questions about veneers and has included the most frequently asked questions and answers here.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of translucent ceramic which disguise dental defects such as hairline cracks and deep stains. Customized according to digital imaging, oral impressions, and the instructions from your cosmetic dentist in Oxnard, CA, veneers improve the shape, color, and alignment of teeth right in the front of your mouth.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Having Veneers?

Besides the obvious cosmetic improvement, studies have shown that using porcelain veneers strengthens teeth by 95%. Teeth that have been damaged by cracks, chips or that are uneven in length will be aesthetically pleasing with the application of veneers.

Another benefit is that porcelain veneers will close any gaps in teeth, possibility eliminating the need for braces. Teeth that are too short or long in relation to the rest of the mouth can be brought into balance.

The teeth are rejuvenated by whitening stained and discolored teeth.

Emotionally, the boost in morale can be dramatic when going from an aged or embarrassing smile to a bright, youthful smile.

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

Most are permanent because the treatment involves removal of a small amount of tooth enamel. This resurfacing allows the veneers to fit comfortably in your mouth. However, Dr. Saj Jivraj also offer a reversible veneer product called Lumineers.

How Much Time Does It Take From Start to Finish?

The veneer process takes two to three visits with your Oxnard Cosmetic Dentist. First, Dr. Jivraj will take digital x-rays and photos of your mouth and also do a complete exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. That means no decay or gum disease. Dr. Jivraj then removes the necessary enamel, takes oral impressions and places temporary veneers.

Also, Dr. Jivraj presents you with a treatment plan which explains the process and shows you a digital representation of your finished smile. With your input and approval, the information is sent to our In-House Dental Lab where a ceramist crafts each veneer one by one.

On your return visit, Dr. Jivraj removes the temporary veneers and bonds the permanent ones in place with a special adhesive and curing light. He makes sure the color, fit and bite of your refurbished teeth is just right.

Are Teeth Sensitive After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Some people experience mild dental or gingival (gum) sensitivity, but this quickly resolves. Patients also adjust to the feel of their new veneers within a day or two.

What Kind of Anesthetic is Used?

Most patients are comfortable having the usual local anesthetic common for dental procedures. During the shaping and preparation procedures approximately 0.5 mm of the surface of the teeth is removed. Depending on the amount of preparation work that will be done, an anesthetic may not be needed at all.

How Do I Take Care of My Teeth After Veneers Are Placed?

You will find your veneers as easy to care for as your untreated teeth. Simply brush twice a day with a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss daily. Additionally, try to avoid hard foods such as ice and peanut brittle, and do not bite open plastic packaging or other non-food items with your teeth. Come to Anacapa Dental Art Institute every six months for your routine exam and cleaning.

Will Having Veneers Make My Teeth More Prone to Cavities?

No. The veneer makes the teeth more impervious to decay since the veneer is bonded to the natural tooth. There is no greater incidence of decay but teeth must be cared for to avoid cavities forming in the unbounded natural teeth.

Can Only the Top or Bottom of the Teeth be Treated with Porcelain Veneers?

The goal of the finished product is to ensure everything in the mouth matches, whether a full set of veneers is placed or just a few teeth are treated. Patients are advised to have the untreated teeth whitened before placement of the veneers to ensure uniformity of color.

How Strong Are Veneers? Are There Restrictions on What I Can Eat?

Porcelain veneers are very strong. However porcelain is a glass and can crack if very strong forces are applied. It is advised to avoid chewing ice, hard nuts, candy apples, popcorn kernels as well as avoiding using the teeth to open packages, etc.

The natural teeth are often damaged by these same foods and practices and while porcelain veneers are very strong, they aren’t invincible.

I Grind My Teeth at Night. Will This Damage My Porcelain Veneers?

Yes this will eventually damage your veneers just as this behavior will grind down natural teeth. Dr. Jivraj will provide you with a protective bite guard to wear at night to reduce the stress on your teeth while you sleep.

How Long Will Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers last a long time. Most patients get ten to twenty years use from their veneers before they need to be replaced. The aging is derived from the natural teeth as gums recede and teeth become brittle. If a veneer comes off Dr. Jivraj can re-bond it to the tooth or replace it if it has become damaged.

Note: do not try to re-bond the veneer yourself. If you are away from home, your best option is to find a qualified cosmetic veneers dentist who can properly re-bond your veneer.

Do Veneers Stain?

No, they should never stain. If you have natural teeth without veneers you will need to maintain regular dental cleanings and take measures to avoid staining if drinking red wine, coffee etc.

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost of Veneers?

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Some companies will cover a percentage of the cost. Our insurance specialist can help you determine your coverage limits.

Schedule a Complimentary Cosmetic Consultation Today!

When it comes to efficiency of your time and proficiency of cosmetic dentistry techniques, Anacapa Dental Art Institute is the right choice for your teeth. Contact us to schedule your private consultation today and find out why we consider our dentists as the best cosmetic dentists in the area.

ABOUT YOUR OXNARD, CA, COSMETIC DENTIST:

We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jivraj contact our Oxnard, CA, dental office today by calling 805-800-8289. Our office welcomes patients in and around Oxnard, CA, including Santa Barbara, Woodland Hills, Ventura, and the surrounding Southern California communities.