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For Dr. Mee, cosmetic dentistry represents a way to unite many different passions. He has always been drawn to health care and knew from a young age that he wanted to devote his life to helping people achieve wellness.
For those whose teeth are aesthetically compromised but still basically functional, dental veneers can be a clear choice. Essentially, these are super-thin shells that completely cover the front part of the tooth (that is, the visible part of the tooth), concealing any imperfections, cracks, or discoloration.
The veneers we offer at State Street Dental are made from porcelain and designed to resemble the look and feel of naturally growing teeth. Some patients may need just one or two veneers to cover some minor imperfections, whereas other patients seek veneers to cover all of their front teeth. It simply depends on the needs and expectations of the patient.
Not every dental problem can be covered over with veneers. If your teeth are badly damaged, decayed, or no longer functional, we may recommend extracting them and placing dental implants.
With that said, any cosmetic issue can be treated with veneers. Some of the most common reasons why patients choose porcelain veneers include:
If these issues cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile, we welcome you to contact State Street Dental to set up a free virtual consultation for veneers.
During your consultation appointment, Dr. Mee will carefully evaluate your teeth and gums to determine whether you are a good candidate for a safe and successful veneers application.
Generally, the ideal candidate for dental veneers:
While some cosmetic dental practices offer veneers made from other materials, including composite resin, State Street Dental focuses on porcelain. The advantages of porcelain veneers include:
Here is a basic road map to what you can expect when you get porcelain veneers from State Street Dental.
The consultation is a critical first step, as it allows us to ensure we are recommending the treatment best suited for your needs and expectations. During this one-on-one appointment, Dr. Mee will perform a physical examination, take some images, and advise you on the different options available. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions.
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If you decide to move forward with dental veneers, we will have our lab create some impressions. These dental impressions will be used to ensure your custom-made veneers are just the right size and shape to lead to an outstanding outcome. Note that, in order for the impressions to be made, Dr. Mee will likely need to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth so that the veneers fit comfortably. The process of having veneers made can take a few days; when they are completed, we will invite you back to put those veneers in place.
At this appointment, Dr. Mee will place your veneers, verify that they look and feel the way they are supposed to and make any minor adjustments that are required. Once the veneers are properly and comfortably placed, they will be bonded. This helps make certain that they remain secure in your mouth.
One of the most common questions we hear from patients is whether they can anticipate any pain when they get their dental veneers. Actually, placing and bonding the veneers is minimally invasive and should not result in any discomfort. The only part of the process that may hurt a little is having the enamel removed from the teeth. For your comfort, we are happy to offer sedation options for this part of the procedure; typically, local anesthesia is the best option for a pain-free experience. Feel free to contact our office with any questions about sedation options.
Patients often ask us how long they can expect their dental veneers to last. Do veneers represent a permanent solution or just a short-term fix?
The first thing to understand is that, in order to get veneers, you will need to have some tooth enamel removed. This is not a reversible process. As such, it is important to talk with Dr. Mee and ensure you are ready to fully commit to veneers before moving forward with the procedure.
As for the longevity of the veneers themselves, veneers will typically last for at least a decade before they need to be replaced. However, with the right maintenance, you can often extend the lifespan of your veneers, sometimes making them last for as long as 20 years or more.
It can take a little bit of time to get used to dental veneers. For most patients, there is a little awkwardness or discomfort for the first few days, but your veneers will feel like second nature within about two weeks.
Some tips for adjusting to your dental veneers:
For the first week after getting your veneers, stick with softer foods, such as applesauce, yogurt, mashed bananas, or Jell-O. As you gain comfort with your veneers, you can shift back into a more normal diet. There are certain foods that you will probably want to steer clear of over the long haul, simply to preserve your veneers and keep them from becoming cracked or broken.
A few of the foods to avoid when you have dental veneers include:
Also, note that to preserve your veneers and minimize any discoloration, we would recommend you abstain from smoking or using other tobacco products.
As you seek to keep your porcelain veneers looking their best for as long as possible, there are some basic maintenance steps to keep in mind. Fortunately, the upkeep required for veneers does not differ very much from your normal dental hygiene. In addition to the dietary precautions we outlined above, also make sure you brush and floss regularly and stay up to date with routine dental cleanings.
Be aware that, even with veneers, you can still get cavities or even gum disease. Make oral hygiene a top priority.
Also, remember that porcelain veneers can crack or break under pressure. To avoid this, make sure you do not chew on hard items, such as fingernails, ice cubes, or pencils and pens.
If you ever lose a veneer, or if your veneer cracks, make an appointment with Dr. Mee right away. Dental veneers can often be repaired or simply reapplied, without the need for a new veneer to be made.
Something else that our patients often ask about is the cost of dental veneers. Specifically, we get a lot of questions about insurance coverage.
All dental insurance plans differ, and we would recommend checking the specifics of your policy. Unfortunately, most dental plans only cover procedures that are deemed medically necessary, not procedures that are strictly cosmetic in nature. Veneers are not really used to improve the functionality of the teeth, and as such, they are seldom covered by insurance.
With that said, State Street Dental is committed to providing affordable and accessible dental services, and we invite you to contact us with any specific questions about financing options.
If you wish to achieve a beautiful smile you can feel proud of, don’t hesitate to call State Street Dental today. We aim to provide the most durable & natural-looking results possible with veneers. Take advantage of our limited-time, free consultations today!
