Learn about the reasons patients seek dental veneers treatment with our dentist in the Charleston, SC area
Treatment for imperfections of the smile can vary for each patient. There are many reasons patients may want to address these imperfections, and finding a dentist in the Charleston, SC area who is willing to help is easy! Dr. Andrew Greenberg of Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA may find that patients can benefit from the placement of dental treatments such as porcelain veneers.
Patients ask, “What are porcelain veneers?”
Dr. Andrew Greenberg of Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA describes porcelain veneers as facings that are custom-made and bonded onto the front of the natural teeth. These restorations work best on the anterior, or front, teeth. These are the teeth that are most prominent when patients smile, laugh, and talk to others. When problems exist with these teeth, patients may find themselves hiding their smiles behind their hands – or avoiding smiling altogether. Our practice wants to provide patients with solutions to improve the appearance of the smile, and porcelain veneers can help.
Why might a patient consider dental veneers?
There are several reasons a patient may use dental veneers.
- Porcelain veneers can cover teeth that are broken or chipped.
- Porcelain veneers can cover teeth that are permanently discolored and not responding to professional bleaching products.
- Porcelain veneers can cover teeth that are unusually shaped and provide a more attractive look.
- Porcelain veneers can cover gaps in-between teeth that may otherwise need to be improved with composite resin bonding or orthodontics.
What is the process of obtaining porcelain veneers?
The process starts with a consultation appointment. During this visit, Dr. Andrew Greenberg will evaluate patients to determine if porcelain veneers are appropriate. If patients choose to move forward with this cosmetic restoration, our dentist begins. Preparation of the tooth needs to be done. The dentist files down a small portion of the enamel from the front of the tooth before taking impressions. These molds are sent to a dental laboratory by Dr. Andrew Greenberg. He will also provide specifications regarding the shape, size, and color of the veneers. Once a ceramist completes the restorations, they are sent to the office and patients return for the veneers to be bonded in place. The entire process from start to finish takes approximately one week.
What are alternatives to porcelain veneers?
Alternatives to veneers may include:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Composite resin bonding
- Dental crowns
- Orthodontia
How long can I expect porcelain veneers to last?
In most cases, patients can enjoy them for a decade or longer. It is important that patients in the area of Charleston, SC who are faced with porcelain veneers to learn about how to care for them properly. This includes brushing and flossing around the veneer and maintaining good oral health. This is because the natural tooth structure underneath the veneer is still susceptible to damage from periodontal disease and tooth decay. Patients should also avoid chewing on hard objects with veneers, such as pens or ice cubes. While porcelain is a strong restorative material, it can still break with improper use. Patients who have bruxism, which results in clenching and grinding of the teeth at night, may want to ask their dentist about the use of an oral appliance at night. Patients can wear this specialized mouth guard to avoid causing damage to their porcelain veneers, natural teeth, and even other restorations in the smile. It can be a proactive way to protect the smile. As with the smile in general, the better patients care for their teeth, the longer they will last without incident.
Visit a dentist today to learn about dental veneers
At Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA, Dr. Andrew Greenberg works directly with patients to help them determine what type of restorations are perfect for their smiles. If you are interested in addressing imperfections on the anterior teeth, we encourage you to take the time to learn about solutions such as porcelain veneers. Call the practice for an appointment at (843)751 4262 and visit the office at 3 Gamecock Avenue, Suite 302 in Charleston, SC. Patients in the area of West Ashley may also consider visiting our team for quality dental care.
Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA - Dr. Andrew Greenberg
Dr. Andrew Greenberg completed his Bachelor’s Degree in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University. He graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Dental Medicine in 2009, where he portrayed excellent academic performance. He exercises his academic brilliance to the benefit of his patients every day. He grew up in a family with a dental background and showed interest in the field since his early days.
