Porcelain Veneers

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory to look exactly like the patient’s teeth. Many patients choose to have porcelain veneers because they are natural looking and resistant to future staining.

Veneers are an excellent solution for several cosmetic and restorative concerns. These dental issues include chipped or cracked teeth, resistant discoloration, gaps, odd shape, and minor misalignment. Having porcelain veneers can also create the illusion of length in teeth that are short, giving a more symmetrical appearance. For this type of procedure, two or three appointments may be necessary.

Veneers procedure:

Am I A Candidate For Veneers?

It is ideal to have good oral hygiene habits before seeking cosmetic dental treatment. Before applying veneers, we must confirm that teeth and gums are free of plaque buildup, inflammation, and decay. If necessary, treatment can be performed to correct such issues at the onset of your cosmetic treatment protocol. We are also careful to discuss what veneers can and cannot do.

What Is The Process Of Placing Porcelain Veneers?

The placement of porcelain veneers will require three appointments for three different steps. The initial appointment involves diagnosis and treatment planning. The second appointment will be the preparation of the teeth, Lastly, the third appointment will include the bonding of the veneers onto the teeth. These are the stages of placing porcelain veneers:

Diagnosis And Treatment Planning

For this appointment, your dentist will examine the teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate. An X-ray may be taken at this time. The dentist will also discuss the corrective abilities and limitations of the procedure, as well as provide the patient an opportunity to take an active role in designing and discussing the restorative veneer process.

Preparation

During the second appointment, the tooth is typically reduced by approximately one half of a millimeter. An impression is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for creation of the custom-made veneer. A temporary veneer will be placed while the real veneer is processed in the lab. The veneer is usually ready one to two weeks later.

Temporary veneer care:

Bonding

At the third appointment, the dentist will test the veneers onto the teeth with water or glycerin to determine that they are perfect in fit and color. The color of the veneer can still be adjusted at this time by altering the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is finalized, bonding is applied to the tooth and dental cement is then applied between the teeth and veneer. Finally, a special light is used to harden the cement.

Porcelain Veneers Benefits

There are several reasons why the porcelain veneer treatment has become one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures. From a natural appearing tooth to personal customization, the advantages of having veneers are endless. Benefits of the treatment include:

  • The customization makes it virtually impossible to differentiate between veneers and natural teeth.
  • Veneers can be customized to a shade that complements your complexion
  • The veneering process is a conservative way to enhance the appearance of a tooth or teeth.
  • Changing the shape, color, or proportions of teeth lends beauty to the smile which in turn supports optimal self-confidence.

Porcelain Veneers Results

The results of porcelain veneer treatment can be as subtle or dramatic as you wish. Some patients select this treatment as the sole aspect of a complete smile makeover. While it’s possible to cover every visible tooth with a veneer, this may not be necessary. Many of our patients obtain one or two veneers to correct specific concerns. In the end, the ultimate result of treatment is that you will love your smile.

How Durable Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made with a specific layering technique that makes the ultra-thin sheath incredibly strong for its size. Each veneer is resistant to chips and cracks, just like natural teeth. The bonding process also supports the normal use of teeth. However, veneers are susceptible to damage if you bite on hard objects like pen caps, your fingernails, or ice. Treat them with care as you would for your other teeth.

Porcelain Veneers Vs. Crowns

Porcelain veneers are an excellent cosmetic and restorative solution for front teeth. These jackets of porcelain differ from crowns in that they cover only the front surface of individual teeth; a crown covers the entire natural tooth from tip to gum line. Your dentist determines which fixture is most appropriate after conducting a thorough examination.

Veneers Maintenance

Veneers should be treated like natural teeth, and brushed and flossed regularly. Porcelain or Composite veneers will not be damaged by that, although non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended.

New veneers will help achieve the goal of improving the appearance of teeth. With proper home care and regular dental visits, patients will experience long-lasting success with their new veneers and smile.

Permanent veneer maintenance:

Porcelain Veneers Side Effects

One of the side effects includes a sensitivity to hot and cold, this may occur following the placement of veneers. This is due to the reduction of enamel on the prepared teeth. Sensitivity is a very common residual effect that typically dissipates in one to two weeks.

Schedule A Consultation

To learn more about Porcelain Veneers or to schedule a consultation at our office call 281-358-6330.