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What are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are a thin, semi-translucent laminent that are permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers are a aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the front teeth, including:

• Crooked teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Stained or washed-out fillings
• Discoloration that can't be corrected with bleach

Advantages and Benefits of Veneers

There are many benefits and advantages to porcelain veneers:

• Actual treatment usually involves only two visits
• A conservative amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure
• Veneers are the most biocompatible material you can use next to the gingival
• A healthy "natural" look is achieved; in fact, porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic restoration in dentistry

How are Veneers different from Bonding or Crowns?

Bonding is a resin filling material that was used for several years to cover the front surface of teeth. Today, we generally use bonding only to fill in small surfaces or cavities and repair chips in teeth. A full crown is when a tooth has had root canal treatment, or when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost.

How are Porcelain Veneers done?

At the first appointment the teeth are prepared for the veneers and an impression is taken. This impression is then sent to a lab where each porcelain veneer is custom made to the dentist's specifications. In the meantime, beautiful temporaries are created so you can expect to leave the first appointment looking better than when you came in. At the second appointment the veneers are permanently adhered to the natural teeth.

What to Expect

Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are cared for, and are more resistant to stains and chipping than bonding. To ensure your veneers keep their new, beautiful look, you must maintain regular oral hygiene at home, and visit us for routine cleanings and exams. Another important point is that oral habits that damage natural teeth such as nail biting, opening bobby pins, and chewing on hard objects can also damage your new veneers. Once veneers are applied, just treat them like natural teeth. They look great and are extremely durable.