Porcelain Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers can instantly change the size, shape, and color of your teeth. Made of very thin layers of porcelain bonded to the surface of your teeth, porcelain veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties and translucency of real teeth giving you that beautiful and natural-looking smile.
As a cosmetic dental procedure, having porcelain veneers is an amazing way to improve your smile and dramatically enhance your appearance. This is the reason why most people refer to Porcelain Veneers as the “Hollywood Smile” treatment.
Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile by addressing a variety of dental concerns, including:
Discoloration of teeth.
Mildly misaligned teeth.
Worn down teeth.
Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth.
Chipped or broken teeth.
Diastema or gaps between teeth.
Process of Having Porcelain Veneers
Read More About The Procedure
1. Consultation
The first step to having porcelain veneers is consultation. During the consultation, our dentist will personally examine your teeth, evaluate your case, advise you of your options, and provide you with a detailed treatment plan. Photographs, x-rays, and a dental impression of your teeth will also be taken during your consult.
2. Mock-Up
On your next visit, the dentist will create a mock-up of the planned veneers to show you the possible outcome. If you like and approve the mock-up, the dentist shall proceed to the next step.
3. Preparing the Teeth
The dentist can then start preparing your tooth or teeth by removing a layer of enamel around your tooth/teeth. Your dentist may use topical or local anesthesia during this process.
4. Dental Impression
When all the teeth are prepared, the dentist will now take a dental impression of your teeth. The dental impression will be sent to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of your porcelain veneers.
5.Temporary Veneers
While your veneers are being fabricated in a dental laboratory, the dentist will install a set of temporary veneers to protect your teeth and prevent sensitivity.
6. Fabricating the Veneers
Using the dental impression, the dental laboratory shall fabricate your veneers by layering and building up multiple layers of porcelain. The porcelain is then baked in a special oven to strengthen the veneers.
7. Fitting the Veneers
When the veneers are delivered on your next appointment, the dentist will inspect the quality and fit of the veneers on your teeth. Your approval will also be asked. Any change needed will be noted and the veneers will be sent back to the laboratory for adjustments.
8. Installing the Veneers
When the veneers are ready for final installation, the dentist shall etch your teeth with a special acid to prepare the surface of your teeth. Each tooth is then individually coated with a bonding agent. Dental cement is then applied on the back of the veneers before affixing it to the front of each tooth. Each veneer is cured with a special light to harden the cement and to fix your porcelain veneers permanently on your teeth.
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Candidate for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can dramatically enhance your smile, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Consider the following factors:
Oral Health
If you have existing dental issues like untreated cavities, gum disease, or severely damaged teeth, addressing these problems first is crucial.
Oral Habits
If you grind your teeth (e.g. Bruxism), the pressure can damage veneers. A night guard may be necessary to protect them.
Bite Alignment
Bite issues may require orthodontic treatment (braces or Invisalign) to correct your jaw alignment before considering veneers.
Missing Teeth
Veneers are not designed to replace missing teeth. Dental implants, bridges, or dentures are more suitable options.
It's essential to consult with a qualified dentist to determine if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. They will evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
How long will Porcelain Veneers last?
How long will Porcelain Veneers last?
With proper care and good oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last an average of 10 years. Keep in mind that veneers will need to be replaced at some point, no matter how well you take care of them but proper oral hygiene will help them last as long as possible.
Like your real teeth, porcelain veneers can chip, break, or come off. When your porcelain veneers are damaged, immediately visit your dentist to check if it can be repaired, or reattached or if it should already be replaced.
How to take care of your Porcelain Veneers?
How to take care of your Porcelain Veneers?
Having porcelain veneers is an investment for yourself. Like any investment, you must commit yourself to taking care of your veneers
To ensure the longevity of your porcelain veneers, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid excessive force: Refrain from using your teeth as tools. Do not bite nails, open packages, or chew on hard objects like ice or hard candy.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly. Schedule routine dental check-ups every six months for professional cleaning and examination.
- Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions to prevent gum recession.
- Protect against stains: Limit smoking and consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages. While veneers are stain-resistant, the edges can be susceptible.
What are the advantages of Porcelain Dental Veneers?
What are the advantages of Porcelain Dental Veneers?
Porcelain veneers offer a multitude of benefits for enhancing your smile:
- Customization: Unlike teeth whitening, veneers can be precisely matched to your desired tooth shade and shape, creating a truly customized look.
- Durability and Stain Resistance: Stronger and more natural-looking than composite veneers, porcelain resists stains for a long-lasting, brilliant smile.
- Minimal Invasiveness: Porcelain veneers require less tooth preparation compared to dental crowns, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Cost-Effective: While more expensive than composite veneers, porcelain veneers are generally a more affordable option than zirconia crowns.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can significantly enhance your smile, but they may not be the ideal solution for everyone. Here are some alternative treatments:
- Direct Composite Veneers: A less expensive option that uses tooth-colored resin to address minor imperfections like stains, chips, and gaps.
- Teeth Whitening: A non-invasive procedure that lightens the natural color of your teeth to improve their appearance.
- Dental Crowns: Recommended for severely damaged or weakened teeth, crowns restore both function and aesthetics.
- Orthodontics: For significant alignment issues, braces or Invisalign can correct crooked teeth and bite problems before considering veneers.