Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are an attractive, safe, and less expensive alternative to crowns for people with stained, chipped, or gaps in their teeth. Made to imitate the natural shape and color of regular teeth, veneers are made of very thin sheets of plastic or porcelain. A mold is made of your mouth at your first dental appointment and the teeth are prepped for the veneer placement. Sometimes teeth must be reshaped or parts removed to make the veneer fit more naturally and comfortably, but generally the placement of the veneer is a painless procedure that requires little to no anesthesia. Once a cast has been created and the veneer made, your dentist will prep the application area and glue the veneer on to the front of your teeth. Temporary glue can be used to test out the veneer before it is permanently glued to your teeth. This way you can walk around with the veneer, see your new teeth in natural light and decide if it's the right color, size, and shape for your mouth. The veneer should be a natural shape, size, and color, to give you a radiant smile and confidence in your day to day activities. If you decide that you like your new appearance, the veneer will then be applied with glue that will cement it to your natural teeth.

Veneers are extremely durable, which make them a perfect option for those patients who wish to hide stained teeth or a chipped smile. There are two types of veneers that can be chosen - composite and porcelain. Composite veneers can be applied the same day as the appointment, and are often made of a thin, extremely durable plastic. There is only one visit needed for composite veneers, which are glued to the tooth using a combination of bond and enamel. Composites last from five to seven years typically, but are less expensive than many other cosmetic dental procedures. Porcelain veneers require two visits to your dentist office. At your first appointment, your dentist will make a cast of your mouth which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the porcelain veneer will be formed and color-matched to your specifications. Once the porcelain veneer has been created and meets your satisfaction, your dentist will check it for color then attach the veneer in place. After the procedure, you should experience no pain or soreness and should be able to continue your normal routine. Unlike composites, porcelain veneers' typical lifespan is from ten to fifteen years. They are more expensive than composite veneers, but their lifespan and quality make them an excellent choice for those patients interested in a longer lasting cosmetic dental procedure.