Porcelain Veneers

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers consist of extremely thin layers of porcelain that cover the front surface of the teeth. They are applied to the teeth that are exposed when smiling. Because porcelain veneers are designed to solve appearance issues, they are not applied to the back teeth. Often, porcelain veneers are used only on the upper teeth, but this is an option that patients can discuss with their dentist.

How are Porcelain Veneers Manufactured?

Porcelain veneers are made in dental laboratories. Your dentist does not make the porcelain veneers at the dentist office. Your dentist makes a mold of the teeth and determines the shape of the porcelain veneers. The dentist then sends that information along to the dental lab, where they manufacture the porcelain veneers to the specifications indicated by your dentist. The lab then sends the porcelain veneers back to the dentist office.

What are Porcelain Veneers Made With?

Porcelain veneers are so named because they are made from porcelain. Porcelain is a natural substance that is completely non-toxic. Since porcelain veneers first became available, other materials are sometimes used to make porcelain veneers, such as composite resin. The two forms of porcelain veneers are nearly identical. The big difference is in the price point. You and your dentist can discuss the price comparisons between veneers made from pure porcelain and composite resin porcelain veneers.

How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?

One of the most common questions that patients ask is how long do porcelain veneers last. Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and can withstand the everyday demands of teeth activity. However, they don’t last forever. The average length of time that porcelain veneers last depends on the quality of the veneers that you get, how well you take care of your veneers and other factors. In general, porcelain veneers can last anywhere between seven and 15 years. After that, you would need to get new porcelain veneers. Bear in mind that the better you take care of your porcelain veneers, the longer they can last.

How are Porcelain Veneers Applied?

There is a certain process that the dentist will use to apply the porcelain veneers, and it all begins with an assessment of your oral health. Porcelain veneers are not a solution to oral health problems; they are a cosmetic solution to dental appearance. They can’t solve problems with decaying teeth or chipped teeth; they mask certain problems. Teeth can still decay underneath porcelain veneers. Your dentist will want to make sure that you don’t have any existing dental health problems before applying porcelain veneers. Your mouth, teeth and gums need to be as healthy as possible before the veneers are applied. Y That’s why the very first step will be a thorough cleaning. Then the dentist will asses what else needs to be done, such as filling cavities, treating gum disease, etc.

The dentist will likely also take x-rays and make dental molds of your teeth. You and your dentist will discuss your options regarding the veneers. This will include choosing between porcelain and composite resin, as well as the shade of your veneers. Most patients prefer a natural shade that closely matches the shade of their natural teeth. Then the dentist will place the order for the veneers and the staff will call you when they arrive back at the dentist’s office.

Next, you’ll come in to have the veneers applied. This will take the afternoon, but you will leave with a perfect set of beautiful teeth. The dentist will remove a micro-thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth. Some kind of sedation or anesthesia will likely be offered to enhance your comfort during this step.

One by one, the dentist will test fit each veneer to the teeth. If any trimming or reshaping needs to be done, the dentist will do it right then and there. This is to assure a perfect and attractive fit.

The dentist will then apply a bonding agent to the teeth. This is like a “dental cement” that facilitates the permanent adhesion of the veneers to the teeth. The dentist will then apply the veneers individually. A special beam of light will then be directed toward each veneer, which makes the cement harden very quickly. After some final polishing and removing any excess bonding agent, the process is complete!

Porcelain veneers are very durable and will not stain, making them a very popular solution for those seeking to restore or enhance the beauty of their smile. If you would like to see about getting porcelain veneers, please contact us today.