What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin facades of advanced ceramic that are placed on the fronts of your existing teeth to equalize size, close gaps, straighten teeth, cover chips and stains, and give you a younger, healthier smile.
Veneers typically cover the front of the tooth, but they can also extend over the top of the tooth to cover some of the back as well. Porcelain veneers offer many benefits for cosmetic dentistry patients, including:
- Very attractive, natural appearance
- Flexible approach: treat one tooth or all teeth
- Can correct multiple complaints at once
- Rapid results–one month or less
- Durable results
The Porcelain Veneers Process
At StarImage Dentistry we use porcelain veneers to give our patients the boost to their self-esteem that a beautiful smile can provide. In three visits, your smile transforms from something to hide to something to be proud of.
On your first visit we examine your teeth to see if veneers are right for you. Mind you, veneers don’t correct issues such as decay; they are cosmetic only. Any other issues such as decay or gum disease need to be addressed prior to even considering veneers.
On that first visit, we also take digital photos of your mouth. Then we use imaging software to show how your smile will look with the addition of veneers. These enhanced digital images allow you to make an informed decision on whether to proceed.
If you decide to proceed, you return to begin the process. First, we prepare your teeth for the veneers. To make room, we remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the surface of each tooth that will receive a veneer. Next, we take impressions of your tooth or teeth to send to the lab to create the veneers. Fabrication usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, we put temporary veneers on your teeth.
When your they are ready, you return and we temporarily place the veneers on your teeth to check color matching and fit. We trim and adjust the veneers as needed. Next we clean all of your teeth and etch those to receive the veneers (etching creates a stronger bonding process). The veneers are then cemented onto your teeth and a special light is used to rapidly cure the cement. A couple final adjustments and you’re good to go with your new smile.
Veneers do not require any special care, just typical good hygiene. If you care for the teeth they are on, veneers will typically last a decade or more.
Are you ready to learn whether porcelain veneers are right for you? Please call 940-322-2252 or contact us today for an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at StarImage Dentistry in Wichita Falls.