If you're considering changes to the appearance of your smile, you may wonder what your options are. Cosmetic dentistry is highly personalized, and Dr. Mike provides treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Here's what you should know about the difference between dental veneers and a full smile makeover in Centennial.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin slivers of ceramic porcelain that Dr. Mike customizes to fit over the front surface of your tooth. Veneers allow us to preserve much of the natural tooth structure, as Dr. Mike removes only a small amount of tooth enamel for placement.
Because veneers cover your tooth, they can change its shape, size, and shade, allowing for a smile redesign in some cases. This is often how veneers get confused with a full smile makeover: it is a transformation of your smile, but it also aims to restore bite alignment and function and may combine several treatment procedures. Veneers have more of a cosmetic focus.
Some of the problems that porcelain veneers can fix are:
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Tooth size or shape discrepancies
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Tooth stains or discoloration
- Severely worn teeth
- Slight tooth misalignment
Porcelain veneers require two appointments with Dr. Mike to complete. During the first visit, he prepares your teeth for their new restorations and creates temporary veneers for you to wear while a dental lab fabricates the final restorations. It can take two to three weeks for the dental lab to complete your veneers. When they're ready, you'll return to our Centennial dental office for Dr. Mike to permanently place them.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Once your veneers are placed, you're ready to enjoy your new smile! With the right home care and routine checkups with Dr. Mike, you can expect your veneers to last anywhere from seven to ten years before needing replacement.
The better care you take of your veneers, the longer they will last. The good news is that they're easy to take care of because it's just like caring for your natural teeth. Here are some helpful tips for proper veneer care:
- Consistent home care — Daily brushing and flossing are critical for proper veneer care. While your veneers can decay, the natural tooth structure underneath still can, so you need to protect it.
- Don't use teeth as tools — Just like your natural teeth, using your veneered teeth to open or carry things could cause damage to your veneers.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods — Don't bite directly into hard foods that could damage veneers; instead, cut foods into bite-sized pieces. Avoid sticky foods that could pull your veneer off.
- Routine checkups — Visit your dentist every six months for routine teeth cleanings and checkups. Your dentist will check your veneers for any signs of wear or breakdown that could cause future concerns.
What Is a Full Smile Rehabilitation?
Like porcelain veneers, a full smile rehabilitation will improve your smile's aesthetics; however, it also aims to restore jaw joint (TMJ) function, chewing function, and bite alignment. A full-smile rehabilitation plan is usually recommended for patients with multiple complex issues. It typically combines multiple procedures and may have phases of treatment before completion.
Porcelain veneers may actually be part of a full smile rehabilitation plan. Here are some of the other treatment recommendations that Dr. Mike may make:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Porcelain crowns
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Dental implants
- Professional teeth whitening
- Dental bridges
- Orthodontic treatment
Dr. Mike may break your full-mouth rehabilitation plan into phases to better fit your schedule and budget. For example, a patient may need orthodontic treatment before Dr. Mike places veneers as the final touch. Orthodontic treatment may take several months to complete before moving into the next phase.
What Are the Benefits of a Smile Transformation?
Whether you choose porcelain veneers or a full smile rehabilitation, investing in your smile can have a meaningful impact beyond appearance. Many patients find that correcting chips, stains, gaps, or bite issues boosts their confidence in everyday interactions, from job interviews to social gatherings. A healthier, more functional bite can also make chewing more comfortable and reduce strain on your jaw over time.
Because both treatment paths are customized to your specific goals and oral health needs, Dr. Mike can help you achieve results that look natural and complement your facial features, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. And with proper care, the results are built to last for years, making this a long-term investment in both your oral health and your self-esteem.
Understanding these benefits can help you feel confident moving forward with whichever treatment best suits your needs.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
The first step when considering repairs or enhancements to your smile is to book an evaluation with Dr. Mike. During your evaluation, Dr. Mike gathers information about your smile with x-rays, photos, a thorough exam, and a discussion of your smile goals. He will present your options to you, including treatment options, timelines, and financial estimates for your out-of-pocket expenses. You'll be able to make an informed and confident decision about your next steps and the treatment that's right for you.
You can request a visit with Dr. Mike online or call our team at (303) 795-0066 to schedule an appointment.