Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Laminate Veneers
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells of ceramic that are custom-fit and bonded to the front of the teeth. They can give a bright, white, even, and attractive smile. Veneers make it possible to correct a variety of problems, including spaces between the teeth, chipped teeth, yellowing or stains, and misshapen or crooked teeth. A veneer placed on top of a tooth can quickly and easily help achieve a beautiful smile.
Before
After
Will Porcelain Veneers Look Like Normal Teeth?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory to look exactly like the patient's natural teeth. They are truly among the best of the restorative options when it comes to their similarity in appearance to healthy tooth enamel. Another benefit is that they are resistant to future staining due to coffee, tea or cigarettes. Since veneers are so thin, light shines through them, helping them blend in beautifully with natural teeth.
How Durable are Porcelain Veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers are a strong and durable treatment method. They will often last for 10 to 15 years. Veneers are manufactured from the highest quality porcelain, fitted with precision, and bonded with the most advanced adhesive materials available.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
The placement of porcelain veneers will require three appointments to:
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
This initial appointment provides an opportunity for you to take an active role in designing an improved smile. Our dentists will discuss with you the corrective abilities and limitations of this procedure and help you plan the changes you would like to make.
Preparation
The second appointment will last approximately one hour. Although the porcelain veneers are very thin, the teeth receiving them are lightly buffed to compensate for the added thickness of the veneers. The tooth is typically reduced by approximately one half of a millimeter. This portion of the procedure may be performed with little or no local anesthesia.
Next, an impression is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for creation of the custom-made veneer. A temporary veneer can be placed if the patient is uncomfortable with the appearance of the natural teeth. The veneer is usually ready one to two weeks later.
Bonding
At your third appointment, your dentist will initially hold the veneers in place on your teeth with water or glycerin to determine that they are perfect in fit and color. The color of the veneer can still be adjusted at this time by altering the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is finalized, chemicals are applied to the tooth to optimize the bonding. Dental cement is then applied between the teeth and the veneer and a special light is used to quickly harden the cement. You can expect this visit to take between one and two hours.
Care and Follow Up After Porcelain Veneers
Continue a routine of proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. Return for a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later.
Maintenance of Porcelain Veneers
Veneers should be treated just like natural teeth. They should be brushed and flossed regularly. Porcelain veneers will not be damaged by brushing and flossing, although using non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. Careful home dental care will result in long-lasting esthetic success of new veneers.
Sensitivity to hot and cold may occur after placement of veneers. This is caused by the reduction of enamel on the prepared teeth. Sensitivity is a very common residual effect that typically dissipates in one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists beyond that time, please call the office.
A diagnosis of bruxism, also known as clenching of the teeth, is important. Please inform us. The dentist may recommend wearing a soft night guard to minimize the amount of stress placed upon ther teeth during sleep.
New veneers will help achieve the goal of improving the appearance of teeth. With proper home care and regular dental visits, they will surely help you to smile proudly from now on.
For more information about Cosmetic Dentistry or to schedule an appointment, feel free to fill out our convenient contact form or call us directly at 212-935-9300.