A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is permanently bonded to the front of a tooth. You can have a single tooth, several teeth, or your entire smile beautifully transformed.
When Are They Used?
Porcelain Veneers - Bayou Dental Group - Monroe, LA - Dr. David Finley
Read TranscriptA porcelain veneer is something where we can create a smile for somebody that they never thought they’d have that. Maybe they’ve got really, really dark teeth and we can cover that darkness up with porcelain in such a way that it hides the darkness and creates a natural look for that patient. That’s the problem sometimes that people have, when they go somewhere to somebody that’s been to a weekend course and decides he wants to put some kind of veneer on teeth. If you don’t plan it in the right way, it doesn’t look natural.
So, our planning process is very extensive in the way that we plan a patient’s smile so we end up at a point where they’re happy with it. Porcelain is a great way for us to create veneers and create a smile with those veneers, so that the patient doesn’t have to worry about what they look like, what they chew, what they eat, because it’s durable and long-lasting.
Porcelain veneers conceal a variety of imperfections in teeth, including:
- Misalignment
- Small gaps
- Discoloration
- Chips
- Cracks
- Misshapen teeth
- Teeth too short or too long
Porcelain Veneers vs. Other Treatment
Porcelain veneers are often called “instant orthodontics.” Instead of a year or more of orthodontic treatment, it only takes about three visits to align your smile.
Although your entire tooth must be tapered for a dental crown to fit over it, preparation for a veneer only removes about 0.5 mm of the enamel on the front and sides of a tooth.
Unlike dental bonding that can stain, chip, and need to be replaced, porcelain veneers are stain resistant. And they have the strength and resilience of tooth enamel.
What Can You Expect with Porcelain Veneers?
Today’s dental technology helps veneers mimic natural teeth. You can maintain the character of your smile because dental ceramics can be manipulated to match the translucency, color, and gloss of natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the fronts of teeth
The craftsmanship and bonding of veneers are vital to their esthetics and longevity. When you receive veneers from an artistic cosmetic dentist and master ceramist, it’s almost impossible to distinguish them from your natural teeth.
The Process
- Dr. Finley will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy and to determine if veneers are the right option for your smile.
- As you describe your ideal smile, he will listen carefully. He’ll review any smile photos you bring in, and he will show you pictures of smile makeovers he has completed.
- Your ideas and Dr. Finley’s expertise will help you make decisions about the shape, size, and color of your teeth for a smile design that complements your facial features and looks natural.
- After we take pictures of your face and current smile, if necessary, Dr. Finley will conservatively remove tooth enamel from the front and sides of your teeth. Sometimes preparation is needed to ensure the veneers fit well around your gumline and look natural—not bulky.
- Using a handheld intraoral camera, we will scan your teeth to create a digital model of them. The model will be used to craft porcelain veneers that fit precisely.
- You’ll wear temporary veneers that match the look and feel of your ultimate smile. If you have any uncertainty about them, Dr. Finley will make the needed changes until you love them. He will also communicate the changes to his master ceramist.
- After you’re confident about the temporary veneers, the ceramist will use them to sculpt your porcelain veneers.
- Before they are permanently bonded on, we will use a try-in paste to place the veneers on your teeth. You’ll likely love your new smile. But if you have any hesitation, Dr. Finley will return the veneers to his ceramist to be adjusted or completely remade.
Dr. Finley has a beautiful smile guarantee. And that means he will permanently bond the veneers to your teeth only when you’re confident that you love the look and feel of your new smile.
How to Take Care of Your Porcelain Veneers
- Keep your follow-up appointments to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy.
- Brush daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss daily.
- Let us know if you grind or clench your teeth. You’ll need a customized nightguard to protect your porcelain veneers from damage.
- Schedule your dental hygiene and exam appointments with a cosmetic dentist and hygienist who are trained to care for porcelain veneers. Specific dental tools must be used to avoid damaging them.
Would You Like a Gorgeous Smile?
Dr. Finley is an accredited fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His advanced training and artistry will help him design a natural-looking smile makeover that complements your face and personality. He will examine your teeth and explain your options and the results you can expect. Call us to schedule an appointment or complete our Request an Appointment form.
