Porcelain Veneers

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic used to recreate the natural look of teeth while also providing strength and resilience comparable to tooth enamel. They bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth.

These veneers are often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, to change tooth shape, size, and color, and to improve your smile. Veneers have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.

Porcelain veneers do require a high degree of technical skill as well as attention to cosmetic detail. Each individual case is customized to match and enhance the characteristics of each patient’s smile.

Will They Look Like Normal Teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, and even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because veneers are thin, they can mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.

Veneer Consultation

A consultation and evaluation will be necessary in order to determine whether veneers are the right option for you or if an alternate solution would be more appropriate. Communication with Dr. Hoffman about what you want corrected is critical for a successful result. Spend time clearly identifying what cosmetic improvements you want to accomplish.

Porcelain Veneer Procedure

Preparation

Fabrication of porcelain veneers requires two visits to our office. The first visit may take a couple of hours depending upon the number of teeth involved. We will prepare (shape) the teeth by removing a very small amount of the enamel from the teeth, usually less than a millimeter. This is essential as it creates room for the veneers (compensates for their thickness) to fit within the mouth. Next, an impression is taken of the prepared teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication of the veneers. Temporary veneers will then be placed on your prepared teeth.

Bonding

Depending on the number of teeth involved, the subsequent appointment two weeks later takes approximately one to two hours. During this visit, the permanent veneers will be placed on your teeth with water or glycerin to check their fit and color. Once the fit and color of the veneers are verified and approved, the teeth are cleansed with specific agents in order to obtain a retentive bond. The veneers are then permanently cemented into place and a bonding light is used to harden the cement. Dr. Hoffman will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains.

Care And Maintenance

You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneers. This is due to the removal of the thin layer of enamel. This sensitivity is normal and usually dissipates in one to two weeks.

Routinely brush and floss as you normally would, as this will not damage your veneers. Use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Good oral home care will help ensure the best esthetic success and longevity of your veneers.

If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, please be sure to let us know. Dr. Hoffman may recommend fitting you with a night guard so that you do not damage your veneers.

Although veneers are strong, they are also brittle. You should avoid the same excessive stresses you would avoid with non-veneered teeth: don’t bite your fingernails or chew ice. Refraining from using your veneers, as tools to open and cut things will also prolong their life. If accidental breakage or damage occurs, it is usually possible to replace only the veneer involved.

It is important to remember that teeth with porcelain veneers are still susceptible to decay and periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings and exams are vital in order to prevent these future problems.

Porcelain veneers are a conservative cosmetic option in which a new smile can be fashioned with minimally invasive dentistry. Your natural teeth remain largely intact when veneers are constructed. Veneers can accurately restore natural tooth function while creating an even better appearance than the original teeth. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers will improve your smile for many years to come. If you have any questions or are interested in porcelain veneers, please contact our office at Exton Office Phone Number 610-524-0115.

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Want to learn more about after care? Go to Home Instructions for Veneers