Porcelain Veneers

Teeth that are badly stained, shaped or crooked may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth.

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding, and highly resist permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.

Veneers are usually made by a dental lab technician working from a model provided by your dentist. Veneers are usually irreversible because it`s necessary to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the shell.

Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.

Typically, veneers entail at least three appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding.

During the tooth preparation visit, usually lasting one to two hours, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added 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, also about one or two hours, the veneers are placed on the tooth surface with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, they can be adjusted with various shades of cement to match the color of your teeth. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam, or laser, causes a catalyst to be released, hardening the cement.

During a two-week period of adjustment that follows, you may notice the change of size and shape in your teeth. It is important to brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, you`ll return for a follow-up appointment. Porcelain veneers are reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It`s not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of porcelain veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth.

For certain patients no preparation of the teeth may be necessary. Please see our specialties page for more information.

Common Questions about Veneers

For anyone who wants to consider improving their images with porcelain veneers, we have provided frequently asked questions and answers to offer more information about these restorations. If you want to discuss your options, call your dentist and schedule a consultation appointment.

How do veneers work?
Crafted from solid dental porcelain, veneers cover your front teeth to remove flaws that hinder your beautiful smile. Traditional porcelain veneers are customized to fit the size, shape, and color of your teeth so that you achieve a gorgeous appearance and natural-looking restorations.

What do porcelain veneers cost?
We can't give you an estimate on the price because each set of veneers is specifically designed for that individual patient. During your consultation appointment, the dentist will discuss your visions, evaluate your mouth, and create a complete plan for updating your smile. At that time, we will review costs and payment options.

Can I remove the veneers at a later date?
If you choose custom veneers, the restorations are permanent because your doctor will remove a thin layer of enamel to prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers. Little or no-prep options like Lumineers do allow patients the flexibility of returning to their original smiles. However, Lumineers don't work in all cases, so you will need a consultation and exam to determine the best option for your smile.

Why can't I just whiten my teeth instead?
In some cases, professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile and revive your appearance. When you have gaps, permanent stains, or chips, bleaching your teeth won't address the issues. Porcelain veneers literally cover the teeth and create a straight, attractive smile.

Does it take a long time to get veneers?
Most of the time, patients complete the whole process in four to six weeks. During this time, you will have an initial exam, take impressions for the veneers, and return for final placement.