Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color.

Visiting an AACD member dentist and asking about veneers is the first step in determining if veneers are the right option for you, or if there are alternate solutions available. Communication with your dentist about what you want corrected is critical for a successful result. Spend time clearly identifying what cosmetic improvements you want to accomplish.

You’ll often hear people say that celebrities have veneers and this may seem like the best way to replicate picture-perfect teeth, but each mouth is different and porcelain veneers need to be carefully researched.

Your dentist will most likely begin with a smile analysis to determine what steps are necessary to achieve the smile you desire. In addition, your dentist may create a diagnostic mock-up that will allow you to “try on” veneers and other procedures to see if the final result is actually what you’re looking for.

Your dentist may also show you a photo of how your new smile will look. This is called cosmetic imaging.

Deciding that porcelain veneers will create the look you want is only one step in the process. There is much more to learn before proceeding further.

Some patients are looking for an alternative to traditional dental veneers or tooth bonding, but be aware that this treatment option is not appropriate for everyone.

Just as with porcelain veneers, “no-prep” or minimal preparation veneers— so called because they typically don’t require the dentist to remove as much tooth material—are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Often, the placement of no-prep veneers can be done more quickly and with less discomfort than traditional veneers.

Your AACD member dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for minimal preparation or “no-prep” veneers and if this option makes a sensible treatment plan.

Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers resist coffee and tea stains, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech materials.

With veneers—as opposed to crowns—your natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount being altered to fit the veneer.

For teeth that resist whitening, veneers can make even the darkest teeth appear bright white.

Dentists may also recommend veneers to quickly fix minor twists, overlaps, and small gaps

Because a portion of the original tooth enamel is reduced, a veneer is not considered a reversible treatment. Although adjustments and even new veneers can be made, you can never reliably return to the original condition of the tooth.

Creating porcelain veneers requires some laboratory time, so expect at least a week before they’re ready to be applied.

After the porcelain veneers are attached you will probably have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures due to the removal of that thin layer of enamel. This typically disappears within a few days. In a healthy mouth properly treated with porcelain veneers—and where destructive forces are minimized or eliminated—a patient should be able to use porcelain veneers like his or her own teeth. Although they’re very strong, veneers are also brittle. You should avoid the same excessive stresses you would avoid with non-veneered teeth: don’t bite your fingernails, chew ice, or open beer bottles with your veneers!

Maintaining porcelain veneers is actually quite simple: Treat them as you would your original teeth, with routine brushing and flossing. Using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste will typically be suggested by your dental professional.

One week after your veneers are placed, you will be required to return to the office for a follow-up visit and evaluation so the dentist can see how your mouth is reacting to the veneers. Even if you feel the veneers are a success, this appointment is vital to your future oral health.

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, your dentist may fit you with a nighttime bite guard so you do not damage your veneers.

You should also return to your dentist for regular professional maintenance because porcelain veneers should be polished with a specially formulated, non-abrasive paste, and because your dentist needs to inspect your dentistry for any sign of potential failure.

Dental veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Dental veneers can be designed to match your natural adjacent teeth or can be used to improve the aesthetics of your smile.

Dental veneers are made from a high-quality dental porcelain that reflects light like natural teeth. The semi-translucent apperance helps veneers blend with your smile for natural results. Veneers are long lasting, beautiful, and create a smile patients feel proud to share.

The veneer procedure can typically be completed in just a few visits to your local AACD dentist. AACD dentists are highly trained in providing stunning results using dental veneers. In most cases, no one will even know that you have veneers on your teeth. Dental veers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can help you achieve that ” Hollywood Smile” you want.

With veneers—as opposed to crowns—your natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount being altered to fit the veneer. Dental veneers require up to a millimeter of tooth enamel to be removed to make room for the shell-like veneer. Removing less tooth structure, dental veneers help to support the stability of your natural teeth and bite.

A dental crown fits over your natural tooth covering all sides of the tooth. Dental veneers fit over the front and sides of the tooth covering any visible blemishes. Dental veneers are as highly durable and lasting as dental crowns, making them a viable option for patients looking to improve the aesthetics of their smile.

For many patients, dental veneers can be used to address minor cracks, chips or brakes. Dentists may also recommend veneers to quickly fix minor twists, overlaps, and small gaps between teeth.

Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers resist coffee and tea stains, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech materials. With routine dental hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, dental veneers can last for many years without breakages or discoloration.

For teeth that resist whitening, or that are discolored due to trauma or certain medications dental veneers can do what traditional teeth whitening can not. Dental veneers can make even the darkest teeth appear bright white. Patients with whiter, brighter smiles tend to smile more often and feel more confident.