Porcelain veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells of ceramic that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth. They can give you a bright, white, even and attractive smile. Veneers make it possible to correct a variety of problems, including spaces between the teeth, chips, yellowing or stains and misshapen or crooked teeth. A veneer placed on top of a tooth can quickly and easily help you achieve a beautiful smile!

Will they look like normal teeth?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory to look exactly like the patient’s natural teeth, making them virtually undetectable. They are truly among the best of the restorative options when it comes to their similarity in appearance to healthy tooth enamel. Another benefit is that they are resistant to future staining due to coffee, tea or cigarettes. Since veneers are so thin, light shines through them, helping them blend in beautifully with natural teeth.

How durable are porcelain veneers?

With proper care, porcelain veneers are a strong and durable treatment method. They will often last for 10 to 15 years. Our dentists will ensure that your veneers are manufactured from the highest quality of porcelain, fitted with precision and bonded with the most advanced adhesive materials available.

The Procedure

Porcelain veneer placement will require three appointments:

• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Preparation
• Bonding

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning:

This initial appointment provides an opportunity for you to take an active role in designing an improved smile. Our dentists will discuss with you the corrective abilities and limitations of this procedure and help you plan the changes you would like to make.

Preparation:

The second appointment will last approximately one hour. Although the porcelain veneers are very thin, the teeth receiving them are lightly buffed to compensate for the added thickness of the veneers. The tooth is typically reduced by approximately one half of a millimeter. This portion of the procedure may be performed with little or no local anesthesia.

Next, an impression is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for creation of the custom-made veneer. A temporary veneer can be placed if the patient is uncomfortable with the appearance of the natural teeth. The veneer is usually ready one to two weeks later.

Bonding:

At your third appointment, your dentist will initially hold the veneers in place on your 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, chemicals are applied to the tooth to optimize the bonding. Dental cement is then applied between the teeth and the veneer and a special light is used to quickly harden the cement. You can expect this visit to take between one and two hours.

Care and follow up

Continue a routine of proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Return for a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later.

Maintenance of your new veneers

Treat your veneers just like natural teeth and brush and floss normally. You will not damage your veneers by brushing and flossing, although using non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. Careful home dental care will result in long-lasting esthetic success of your new veneers.

You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold after the placement of your veneers. This is caused by the reduction of enamel on the prepared teeth. Sensitivity is a very common residual effect that typically dissipates in one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists beyond that time, please call the office.

If you clench your teeth and have been diagnosed with bruxism, please inform us. Your dentist may recommend wearing a soft night guard to minimize the amount of stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.

We hope that your new veneers achieve your goal of improving the appearance of your teeth. With proper home care and regular dental visits, they will surely help you to smile proudly from now on.