Veneers
Porcelain veneers help our team deliver gorgeous smile makeovers. Veneers are thin, natural-looking, and highly customizable to craft the precise smile you have in mind.
What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
There are many ways to make over a smile. Why should you choose porcelain veneers? These restorations are unique in that they allow for significant changes to your teeth without significant tooth preparation. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain which are cemented over the front of your teeth. They are v-shaped and transform the tooth’s appearance. Some of the most impressive veneer benefits include:- Able to accomplish a wide range of cosmetic changes, improving teeth that are chipped, stained, misshapen, unevenly spaced or mildly crooked
- Accomplish long-term whitening, even for teeth darkened or stained during development or injury
- Long lifespan with appropriate care and maintenance (longer than dental bonding)
- Resistant to staining or discoloration, even from coffee or smoking
- Can be applied in a low-stress procedure (possibly without anesthesia being necessary)
- Porcelain material looks like natural enamel and blends with your smile
Veneer Procedure Steps
- Consultation – During your consultation, Dr. Khaghany-Duffy will examine your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals. In addition to changing the appearance of your smile, veneers can strengthen and protect teeth that have lost enamel, been chipped or whose roots have become exposed. She will discuss your overall treatment plan and outline the process and what to expect.
- Tooth preparation – Teeth are prepared so that the veneers will fit in place and won’t make teeth appear bulky. A small amount of tooth structure is removed to create space (typically about half a millimeter). Local anesthetic may or may not be necessary. At this appointment, an impression is also taken of your teeth to be sent to the dental lab. You will receive temporary veneers to allow your teeth to look full while you are waiting for the final veneers to return from the lab. Take care eating and brushing these temporaries, as they are not intended to be long-term and are somewhat fragile. Avoid especially sticky/chewy foods while wearing temporaries.
- Lab fabrication – Our dental lab uses the model of your teeth to create porcelain veneers that will fit perfectly in place.
- Bonding – After we have received the veneers back from the lab, you will have another appointment so that the veneers can be cemented in place. Dr. Khaghany-Duffy checks the veneers and adjusts them as necessary to look natural and blend with your other teeth. Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded in place and the cement is hardened with a catalyzing light.
- Adjustment period – After your veneers are in place, your mouth may feel a little different in the 1-2 weeks that follow. You will gradually become accustomed to the slightly different shape of your teeth, and will love your new smile along the way.