Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
If your teeth are less than perfect aesthetically, porcelain veneers may be the ideal dental solution for you. Porcelain veneers are used to correct aesthetic issues such as gaps between teeth; broken, chipped or cracked teeth; unsightly stained or yellowed teeth; and misshapen or crooked teeth.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material that are approximately .3mm to 0.5mm thick but are very strong once bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Porcelain is an extremely durable material that possesses properties similar to natural tooth enamel. For instance, porcelain is similar to enamel in color, translucence and texture. However, unlike natural teeth, porcelain does not decay, stain or yellow over the years like natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are wonderful cosmetic dentistry option because they are custom made and colored to create the perfect smile for you.
What kind of Veneers do you use?
As a cosmetic dentist that is also a family dentist, trained in periodontal and orthodontic treatment, I believe in offering the best and most complete dental care available anywhere, period. This means I maintain up-to-date training and use the latest methods and procedures and the best materials. We use MAC Veneers made by MicroDental Laboratories, the world’s largest and most advanced cosmetic dental laboratory, which holds over 30 patents and has been setting quality standards for several decades. Importantly, MAC veneers are twice as strong as other veneers, and can last a lifetime.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Porcelain veneers require several visits in just a few short weeks. Your first visit will be a consultation with me to go over your smile issues, discuss the results you would like to see, to talk about the porcelain veneer procedure and determine whether porcelain veneers are right for you.
In the second appointment, your teeth will be prepared for the porcelain veneers. This involves removing a very small amount of enamel from the front sides of the teeth in order to receive the porcelain veneers. This is done to make sure the porcelain veneers fit seamlessly on your teeth and that they look completely natural. After your teeth have been prepared, a mold of your teeth is taken and sent to our dental lab with specific instructions on creating your veneers. You will also be fitted with temporary porcelain veneers for you to wear while your custom-made veneers are being created.
On your final appointment, your permanent porcelain veneers will be placed and permanently bonded to the front sides of your teeth.
Caring for your Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers require the same care that natural teeth do; daily brushing and flossing. You should come in for a check-up and professional cleaning every six months, just as you normally would. With good care, your porcelain veneers will look good for many years to come.