Porcelain veneers are customized shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve and brighten their appearance and improve your smile. Veneers can correct problems with shape, length, size and color. While veneers can also be made of composite material, porcelain is a better choice and the preferred choice of the OMD dental team in Mission Viejo because it reflects light like natural teeth and is more stain resistant. Porcelain veneers are much thinner than composite ones, which means less tooth surface needs to be removed before bonding. Veneers are uniquely sculpted with custom shading and shaping, and they have helped many of our patients to realize more vibrant smiles and the enhanced self-esteem that goes along with them.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?
Veneers are typically used to correct the following dental issues:
- Discolored teeth. Tooth color can change because of medication, fluoride, fillings or root canal procedures.
- Teeth that are chipped, worn or broken. This can happen due to age, bad habits or injury.
- Teeth that are misaligned, badly shaped, uneven or gapped. Bulges and pits can make teeth appear unattractive, while gaps may lead to gum disease.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Modern dental technology has created thinner, more comfortable and easier to place veneers. For our clients, this means the procedure is convenient and only requires them to commit to three appointments in our office. The first step is a consultation, and the final two steps involve creating and placing the veneers. The procedure may be performed on several teeth at one time.
- The patient discusses veneer goals with the dentist who will then inform the patient of options. X-rays may be taken to rule out other dental problems.
- The second phase is preparation. Approximately one-half millimeter of enamel will be removed from the tooth surface to accommodate the veneer. The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab to create the veneer. This can take up to 14 days.
- The final stage is bonding. The dentist will trim the veneer if needed and etch, clean and polish the tooth prior to permanent bonding. The bonding process is completed with a special light that causes the cement to harden. The patient’s bite is then evaluated, and the procedure is done. In some cases, further adjustments may be needed weeks or months later. Patients should be cautioned that poor oral habits and teeth grinding can damage veneers, and certain foods and beverages can stain them.
Veneers are changing lives and improving smiles, one patient at a time. They are comfortable, convenient and boost oral health. With proper care, they can last up to a decade before requiring replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How are porcelain veneers created?
Oso Marguerite Dental creates porcelain veneers by taking an impression of your teeth to precisely match the size and shape of your existing teeth. A shade guides is also used to match the color of surrounding teeth. These results are then sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers are created. Very thin porcelain is used to create veneers that are realistic looking, comfortable and enhance your smile.
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How long will the process take?
In most cases, patients visit Oso Marguerite Dental two to three times to place the veneers. The first visit involves creating an impression of your teeth. During the first or second visit, the teeth are reshaped and a small amount of enamel is removed to prepare them for the veneers. At the second or third visit, the veneers are bonded to your existing teeth using a resin cement.
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How long will my porcelain veneers last?
Since veneers are not living tissue, they can last decades or even a lifetime. However, sometimes, the natural teeth shift and change with time. Therefore, your veneers may need to be re-bonded or replaced at some point, typically within 7 to 20 years.
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Are there alternatives to veneers I should consider?
Yes, there may be. If you are considering porcelain veneers, the best course of action is to first speak with a dentist. We will evaluate your smile, discuss your goals and develop a treatment plan that makes sense. Call Oso Marguerite Dental to schedule your appointment.
