Porcelain Veneers

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of unsightly teeth. They are crafted from tooth-colored porcelain to present a natural, bright smile. Veneers are often referred to as porcelain laminates.

Should You Consider Veneers?

Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshapen, or crooked teeth. If these conditions apply to your mouth, veneers may be your best option.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Veneers are intended to last many years. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers will not change color over time. You should consult with your dentist to find out exactly how long veneers will last in your mouth.

How Are Veneers Applied?

The tooth is first reshaped to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. A molded image is then taken from the tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-fitted to your tooth. When the veneer is ready, we apply it to the tooth with water or glycerin to make sure the color and size match the original. If it is a match, the veneer is applied with a special adhesive that bonds it to the tooth. A special light is used to cure the adhesive and ensure a permanent bond.

Porcelain vs. Direct Composite

The advantages of porcelain veneers over direct composite bonding include:

• Tooth-like Appearance: Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between the veneer and the natural tooth.
• Stain-resistant: While direct composite bonding resins have a reputation for staining or discoloring over time, porcelain veneers resist staining by coffee, tea and cigarette smoke.
• Longer Lasting: Porcelain veneers are made of stronger and more durable materials than their resin counterparts.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

• A minimal amount of the natural tooth must be altered to fit the veneer
• Veneers can be matched to make even the darkest teeth appear to be bright white
• Few problems and fewer return visits to the dentist arise from veneers because they do not stain and are strongly attached to the teeth