Dr. Munira Lokhandwala in Fremont, California is a dedicated professional ready to assist patients with ways to aesthetically improve their smiles. Not everyone is born with a naturally perfect smile, and over the course of the years, many imperfections can develop on the surfaces of the teeth, which detract from their appearance. Dr. Munira Lokhandwala and the team at StarBrite Dental provide solutions such as porcelain veneers, which can be used to rebuild your smile!
Porcelain veneers explained
At StarBrite Dental, Dr. Munira Lokhandwala describes porcelain veneers as facings that are custom-made to cover imperfections on the teeth, primarily those at the front of the smile that are seen when patients eat, speak, smile, and laugh. When these teeth are permanently stained, gapped, or chipped, porcelain veneers can be fabricated and bonded onto the front of the teeth to hide these concerns. Porcelain veneers are a great option for patients who are seeking a solution that is:
- Affordable
- Natural in appearance
- Fast
- Stain-resistant
- Long-lasting
What is the process of creating and placing porcelain veneers?
First, patients schedule a consultation appointment with their dentist to discuss the options available for cosmetic improvements. While porcelain veneers are an option, patients may also want to consider alternatives such as composite resin bonding, orthodontics, and dental crowns – depending on the patient’s specific needs, desires, and budget. Once patients have learned about veneers and have decided to move forward with creating and placing them, they schedule an appointment for preparations. Preparation of the teeth includes the removal of a thin portion of enamel from the front of the teeth. Impressions are made and used to fabricate the new veneers. Then, the new restorations are bonded into place over the front of the teeth to complete the look.
How can you rebuild your smile with porcelain veneers?
For some patients seeking a complete smile makeover, porcelain veneers may play a key role in achieving results. Dr. Munira Lokhandwala and the dedicated team at StarBrite Dental may suggest the use of several veneers on the front of the smile to get the best possible results. This can be combined with other cosmetic treatments to completely rejuvenate the look of the teeth and transform the smile!
Caring for veneers
Patients who consider porcelain veneers for their smiles need to learn about how to care for them. Veneers do not protect patients against problems such as periodontal disease and cavities. The natural teeth underneath the veneers are still susceptible to these issues and need to be properly cared for. Patients will also benefit from visiting their dentist regularly for cleanings and examinations. Dr. Munira Lokhandwala can have patients complete dental x-rays to monitor for the development of cavities or disease that may be beneath the veneers. While physical evaluations can help detect issues, x-rays provide a more in-depth look for hidden issues. Patients with veneers should be careful not to bite on hard objects such as pens or ice cubes to keep from breaking their restorations, and individuals who have conditions such as bruxism (clenching and grinding) should wear special oral appliances to protect the surfaces of their teeth as well as their new restorations. Brushing and flossing also helps keep veneers beautiful – and the entire smile healthy!
Problems improved with veneers
Porcelain veneers are effective in addressing some of the following concerns:
- Gaps between the teeth
- Misalignment
- Crooked teeth
- Permanent staining
- Fractures in the natural tooth structure
Who is a candidate?
Candidates for porcelain veneers are patients who are interested in cosmetic changes to their smiles and have an overall healthy mouth. This is determined during an examination by Dr. Munira Lokhandwala and her StarBrite Dental team of professionals.
Book an appointment at StarBrite Dental
Schedule your visit today to learn more about porcelain veneers and how they can positively impact your smile’s appearance! Call (510) 795-7786 and speak to our front office staff at StarBrite Dental about making an appointment with Dr. Munira Lokhandwala to educate yourself further on veneers and other cosmetic solutions for addressing imperfections of the smile in a fast, affordable, and natural-looking manner.
