Q.  What are porcelain veneers?

A.  A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of ceramic material that is bonded to the front of your teeth.  The procedure requires little to no anesthesia.  It could be your best choice to improve your front teeth.  A porcelain veneer is placed to mask discoloration or brighten teeth and improve your smile.  It is resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, and even cigarette smoke. Proper design and placement of veneers creates an unsurpassed natural appearance.

 

Q.  Why should I choose porcelain veneers?

A.  Porcelain veneers are a more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size and shape.  They can mask undesirable defects such as teeth stained my tetracycline or by root-canal procedures, injury, or discolored fillings in the front teeth.  You may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers if you have a gap between your front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn. With consistent home care and regular dental visits, veneers will last for many years,

 

Q.  What is involved in the procedure?

A.  The procedure is broken up into three separate appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding. 

 

In the diagnosis and treatment planning stage, you are your dentist must make decisions about the color and shape of the veneers.  Take an active roll and spend the necessary amount of time to plan your smile.  Set up more than one consultation with your dentist if necessary so that he or she understands your objectives.  It is important that you know the corrective limitations before you begin the procedure.

 

The preparation of teeth appointment will take one to two hours.  During this appointment, your teeth are lightly buffed to prepare them for the small, added thickness of the veneer.  About one half of a millimeter of your tooth is removed.  This may require a local anesthetic.  A mold of your teeth is then taken and sent to a laboratory for fabrication of the veneer.  This will take an additional one to two weeks.  If your teeth are too unsightly to wait for the veneer, a temporary veneer can be placed for an additional cost.

 

The bonding of teeth appointment will take one to two hours.  During this appointment, the veneer is initially placed with water or glycerin in order to check the fit and color or shade.  While the veneer is resting on your teeth, pay attention the esthetic result, especially the color.  The color of the veneer can still be changed by the shade of the cement that you choose.  No more changes can be made after the veneer has been cemented to your tooth.  To place the veneer, the teeth are cleansed with a specific chemical in order to achieve a bond.  Special cement is placed between the veneer and the tooth.  A visible light beam is used to trigger the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.

 

Q.  What do I need to do for maintenance?

A.  There will be a period of adjustment for about the first week or two as you get used the new size and shape of your teeth.  Make sure to brush and floss daily.  After one or two weeks you should have a follow-up appointment with your dentist.

 

Q.  What are realistic expectations?

A.  Porcelain veneers are beautiful replicas of natural teeth. They are not replacements.  You should expect to notice slight variations in the color of your porcelain teeth on close inspection.  This is common even in real teeth.  Despite these limitations, veneers will greatly enhance your smile and improve your inner satisfaction and self-esteem.