Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a thin shell of ceramic that bonds directly to the front side of  a tooth or teeth to change their color or shape. They improve teeth with gaps, teeth that are chipped, worn, have stains, are oddly shaped, or crooked. Porcelain veneers are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are used when a patient has teeth that are:

• Discolored
• Worn down, chipped, or broken
• Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped

Advantages to Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth and gum tissue reacts well to porcelain. Veneers also don’t require extensive shaping or changing of the teeth, preserving more of a natural tooth but giving the tooth a stronger and better looking appearance.

Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding, and highly resist permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.

Disadvantages to Porcelain Veneers

Though porcelain veneers are strong and aesthetically pleasing, they have a few disadvantages. The process is irreversible, more costly than cosmetic bonding.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

Typically, veneers are applied over three appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding.

During the preparation visit, usually lasting one to two hours, the teeth are lightly prepped to allow for the thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. During the same visit, a mold is taken of the teeth, and sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers.

During the final “bonding” visit, the veneers are placed on the tooth surface to match fit and color.  To prepare the tooth, it will be cleaned, polished, roughened and then a bonding agent is applied to the tooth. The veneer is then placed on the tooth and an ultra violet light bonds the veneer to the tooth.

Schedule an Appointment

To enhance the appearance of a tooth with a porcelain veneer, call us to schedule an appointment today at (734) 464-8020.