Teeth that are gapped, worn, chipped, misaligned, or discolored can be beautifully restored with porcelain veneers.
Even teeth that resist whitening get brilliant results. In just a few visits, you can have the stunning smile you’ve always wanted.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, but very strong, slices of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. The porcelain has a lifelike appearance and is made to match the translucence, color, and characteristics of natural teeth. Porcelain veneers create celebrity smiles.
- We will examine and x-ray your teeth, and examine your gums to ensure they are healthy. These steps help us determine if you are a candidate for veneers. If you are a candidate, any problems with your teeth or gums will be treated first.
- When you receive porcelain veneers, your smile is custom designed, and you have an active role in the process. We will listen closely to your goals for your smile. You probably have preferences about the shape, size, length, color, and other details for your new smile. Our smile guide of photos can help you make decisions about the look of your smile makeover.
- There are no-prep veneers, which require no preparation of your natural teeth. Other types of veneers require that we trim a very small amount of enamel (approximately 0.5 millimeters) from the front of your teeth. This process prevents your veneers from looking too thick or bulky. It also provides a natural look in the areas where your veneers meet your gumline. We will take impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit.
- Our experience and your input will help produce a wax model of your new smile. We will discuss what you like and don’t like about the model. Adjustments will be made until it’s exactly as you want it. After you approve the model, we’ll record the details for translucence, color, and other characteristics that will make your veneers look completely natural. Provisional, or temporary veneers, will be made for you to try on.
- The temporary veneers are a close model of how your porcelain veneers will look and feel. They will be secured to your teeth with dental try-in paste. Wear them, look at them closely, and ask a friend or family member how they look. We want you to love your new smile and be fully convinced that it complements your facial features and personality. At this stage, most patients love the new look, but if you don’t, the adjustments you want will be made.
- After you approve the temporary model, we will send instructions and pictures of your teeth and face to our ceramist, who will craft your porcelain veneers. At your next appointment, you will try them on for look and feel. The veneers will be permanently bonded to your teeth only when you’re completely thrilled with your new smile.
- You will return to our office for a checkup appointment to ensure the veneers look and function like healthy, natural teeth.
- They are customized for each patient with the color, translucence, and characteristics of natural teeth. They are the most beautiful way to restore your teeth.
- They are durable—harder than natural teeth.
- They are colorfast. Your smile will remain white over time.
- Most veneers require some preparation of your natural teeth, even if it’s minimal.
- The process cannot be reversed. You can’t “go back” to your natural teeth. You can only get new porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.
- The cost is per veneer. This treatment is more expensive than porcelain crowns and other ways to restore your teeth.
If you take good care of them, quality veneers can last ten to twenty years. Only have your veneers cleaned and polished by a dentist and hygienist who have received the training required to maintain them.
Care for them as you would your natural teeth. Floss daily, and brush them with non-abrasive toothpaste. Keep your regularly scheduled appointments for dental exams and cleanings. Although they are stronger than natural teeth, you shouldn’t bite sharp or hard objects, or use your teeth as a bottle opener. It can damage your veneers. Even if only the outer glaze cracks, your veneers will easily pick up stains.
Although your dentist will check for signs of it, let us know if you clench or grind your teeth. These habits can shorten the life of your porcelain veneers. A customized mouth guard will be recommended for you to wear at night and protect your investment in your new smile.