Porcelain veneers can be used for subtle changes or a complete smile makeover. A porcelain veneer is a thin, almost clear shell of tooth like material that a dentist will bond to the front of a tooth. This is a very popular cosmetic dental procedure because of the dramatic changes they can make to your smile. Dr. Alla Brown and Dr. Amanda Newberry offer porcelain veneers to patients who want to improve the beauty, health, or function of their teeth.
Porcelain Veneers Before & After
Before Porcelain Veneers Treatment
After Porcelain Veneers Treatment
We restored this patient’s smile using a combination of porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns.
A dentist can use porcelain veneers for a number of cosmetic and functional concerns including:
- Closing spaces between teeth
- Repairing chipped or broken teeth
- Covering stained or discolored teeth
In some cases, the dentist can use them to correct the appearance of crooked or misshaped teeth and help you avoid orthodontic treatment.
What to Expect
The material that forms porcelain veneers closely resembles tooth enamel in part because it is almost clear, much like actual tooth enamel. This effect is what makes for a bright, beautiful, natural looking smile. With the use of porcelain veneers, anyone can have the perfect smile they have always wanted.
It generally takes about three to five visits to complete the process of designing, creating, and applying porcelain veneers.
Consultation & Evaluation – The application of porcelain veneers requires the services of an expert cosmetic dentist, who will complete a very thorough evaluation before beginning the process. Our dentist will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth using high-tech dental imaging to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. Next, she will create a treatment plan that outlines your specific process.
Preparation – In order to apply the porcelain veneers, the dentist must remove a small amount of tooth enamel. Then, they will place temporary veneers on the teeth to protect them while the permanent veneers are skillfully crafted in a dental lab.
In most cases, we will place temporary dental veneers over the teeth to protect them until the permanent dental veneers are ready. However, this is not always necessary.
Final Placement – Once the permanent veneers are complete, your dentist will secure them to your teeth to create an unforgettable smile that will last a lifetime. Unlike tooth whitening or other cosmetic procedures, which you must repeat often, porcelain veneers are a long lasting solution which will provide you with a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
Aftercare – Porcelain veneers require some special care. Your Lanier Smiles dentist will review instructions with you, and show you how to floss and brush the dental veneers.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of veneers depends on a few things. The health and condition of your teeth, the number of veneers you need, and the type of veneer we use are all factors that will effect the cost. We will evaluate your smile to see if this treatment is best for you and your needs and goals. We will review all costs before you make your final decision.
Are there any alternatives to porcelain veneers?
Some patients who have minor concerns or who are not ready for veneers may be able to have tooth bonding. This treatment is cheaper. However, it will not last as long.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a brand of minimal prep dental veneers. This means they require little to no tooth enamel removal before the dentist places the veneers. This type of restoration is not for everyone. Your dentist will evaluate your smile to determine if a no prep veneer is right for you.
Is it painful to get porcelain veneers?
Most patients experience very little to no pain at all during the veneer process. We will numb your mouth for your comfort so you should not feel any pain.
Will I need to replace my porcelain veneers?
If porcelain veneers become loose or damaged you will need to replace them. They will not stain so there is no worry of discoloring. However, you must replace damaged or loose veneers.