Restore your smile and self-confidence at Harrisburg Smiles

If you are self-conscious about your smile due to aesthetic issues like small gaps, misshapen or chipped teeth, or serious stains, porcelain veneers from Harrisburg Smiles can enhance your grin and your confidence. The veneers process usually takes only two appointments and they can completely refresh your smile. This is an ideal cosmetic option for patients looking for efficient solutions and non-invasive treatment.

What Are Porcelain Veneers, And How Do They Work?

Porcelain veneers are thin, durable dental prostheses that are made out of high-quality ceramic material. They are shaped to fit over your existing teeth, covering up imperfections and replacing the front chewing surface.

Veneers can treat a wide variety of cosmetic flaws, including internal and external stains, gaps, misshapen and slightly-crooked teeth, and much more. However, veneers are not a restorative treatment and cannot be used to repair or cover up damaged teeth.

It takes two appointments at our office to have your veneers placed. At your first appointment, Dr. Cherukuri will trim your teeth for veneers, take impressions of your smile, and attach a set of temporary veneers. Then, you’ll be sent home while your permanent veneers are made. They will arrive at our office in 2-3 weeks, and you’ll come back for your second appointment. Your veneers will be checked for the proper fit, and then will be bonded into place permanently with dental cement.

What To Expect From The Veneer Placement Process?

The veneer placement process typically only takes two appointments and is completely non-invasive. During your first appointment, your teeth will be cleaned and a very thin layer of enamel will be removed. Then, impressions and photos of your teeth will be taken and sent to a third-party lab, where your veneers will be created. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks, so you will be given a temporary set of veneers to wear in the meantime.

Once your permanent, custom veneers arrive at our office, you’ll come in for your second appointment. Your teeth will be cleaned, and the veneers will be checked for proper fit and finish. Minor adjustments and corrections may be made, if necessary. Then, the veneers will be bonded into place permanently using dental cement, buffed, and polished to match your natural teeth. You’ll leave our office with a fresh, confident smile.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

• Durable and stain-resistant – Porcelain is non-porous and will not stain, and it’s highly durable, so your veneers will look great for years to come.
• Requires no special care – Just brush and floss normally, avoid using your teeth as tools, and only chew hard foods (ice, nuts, etc.) with your rear molars. In addition, make sure you come to Harrisburg Smiles for regular six-month exams and cleanings.
• Non-invasive treatment – Veneers do not involve any oral surgery and they only require the removal of a very thin layer of enamel. Most patients report absolutely no discomfort throughout the entire process.

Why Would I Need Veneers?

You may need veneers if you have a wide variety of cosmetic issues with your smile, such as teeth staining, minor chipping, gaps in your smile, uneven or misshapen teeth, or minor problems with tooth alignment/crowding.

Veneers are extremely versatile, and can be used to treat all of these cosmetic issues. This makes them one of the best options if you have multiple problems with your smile, and would like to restore your teeth with a single treatment.

However, it’s important to note that veneers are not meant to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Serious damage to your teeth will require restorative treatment, such as dental crowns or fillings. To get veneers, you will need to have a healthy mouth that’s free of serious oral issues like decay, damaged teeth, and gum disease.

Veneers also cannot be used to treat serious issues with teeth alignment, such as very large gaps between the teeth or extremely crooked or crowded teeth. You may need to get orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign to correct these issues before you can get veneers.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

You can expect veneers to last at least 10-15 years, or longer with proper care. Make sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once a day. You should also see the team at Harrisburg Smiles every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up.

In addition, avoid habits that could crack, dislodge, or otherwise damage your new smile, such as chewing hard foods (ice, popcorn kernels, etc.) with your veneers. Don’t chew on non-food objects like pens or fingernails, and never use your teeth to help you tear tape or open packages.