If you’re looking to radically improve the look of your teeth and create the smile you’ve always dreamed of, dental veneers may be the way to go. Here’s how it works: dental veneers are made from very thin porcelain piece, which is bonded onto the front of a crooked, misshapen, or discolored tooth. The intention is to create a more uniform, attractive appearance. Porcelain veneers can be applied to a few as a single tooth, or as many as your entire smile.
Porcelain is used in dental restorations because it is durable and can be made to resemble your natural teeth in color, texture and shape for a natural looking and long-lasting, beautiful smile.
Done correctly, dental veneers can completely reshape your smile by correcting slight color and irregularities.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are a razor thin layer of porcelain that is adhered to the front surface of your teeth. Less invasive than placing a crown (which covers the entire tooth), dental veneers are a relatively simple way to dramatically improve the look of your smile.
Each veneer is made custom to fit the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Teeth receiving a veneer are prepped before the veneer is set with a bonding cement. For more about the process, see our frequently asked questions below.
Overview of porcelain dental veneers in Vista, CA
Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure that creates a whiter smile by concealing discoloration and repairs minor chips and other damage. Veneers can also alter the size and shape of teeth to correct small gaps, make teeth more even, and address slight misalignments.
Veneers cover the front, sides, and top of teeth. In most cases, teeth receiving veneers will be carefully prepared prior to application. This typically involves removing a thin (usually less than one millimeter) layer of enamel from the tooth in the areas where the veneer will sit. This creates a seamless look that matches the contours of your teeth. Bonding material is applied and cured using a specialized light.
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment. They’re designed to look great and help create the smile you want – and they do it exceptionally well! The results that can be achieved with porcelain veneers look fantastic, and are indistinguishably from natural teeth. Porcelain veneers make it possible to fix small misalignment or cosmetic blemishes, and refinish the surface of teeth that’s been lost due to erosion, abrasion, or trauma.
Using premium materials, our porcelain dental veneers:
- Create a white, beautiful smile, even if teeth are discolored or stained
- Correct crooked teeth, ensuring your smile is uniform
- Adjust and mask misshapen teeth
- Fill in unwanted or uneven spaces between teeth
- Resurface worn or chipped teeth
Frequently asked questions about dental veneers
Are dental veneers damaging to my teeth?
No. One of the main advantages of porcelain veneers is that your natural teeth require only minimal reduction, a very conservative approach. In essence, a very thin outside layer of the teeth is removed and replaced by the veneers. Veneer preparation is done only on enamel and does not extend into the dentin, which is considered the “living” part of the tooth.
How are porcelain dental veneers made?
Once our doctor has determined that dental veneers are the right choice for you, and developed a treatment plan, we send a pre-treatment wax impression to the lab to create a model of your teeth. We also take a 3D digital scan with our TRIOS® 3Shape scanner to determine the exact color shade of your teeth. This information is digitally transferred to the lab technician to ensure veneers match the color and tone of your teeth perfectly.
Will I get to see what my smile will look like beforehand?
Yes. Once the models of your teeth are back you and the doctor have a chance to review them. These models are designed to help you visualize, and have more control over, the end result. Modifications can also be made as necessary. After you and the doctor decide on any changes, the fitting is sent to the lab and the final veneers are made to your exact specifications. Turnaround times are generally about a week, sometimes less.
Am I a good candidate for dental veneers?
Dental veneers are for patients who want a semi-permanent solution to improve the look of their teeth. The beauty of veneers is that they preserve your natural teeth; there’s no pulling, yanking, or removing. The work is entirely cosmetic, making your teeth look more attractive. Porcelain veneers are great options if you want to:
- Restore chipped or worn teeth
- Eliminate stains and discoloration
- Fix uneven teeth
- Fill minor gaps between teeth
Caring for dental veneers is easy: treat them just as you would regular teeth. In fact, they are your regular teeth. Veneers simply add a new surface that can last decades.
How long to porcelain dental veneers last?
Advances in dental porcelain ensures that your veneers are made durable. With proper care and a good oral hygiene routine, porcelain veneers will last many years. However, true with most dental restorations, veneers wear over time and may eventually need to be replaced. Quality veneers can last up to twenty years; applying new ones follows a very similar process to the first application.
How do I care for dental veneers?
Caring for veneers requires little, if any, alteration to a good oral hygiene routine. Regular and thorough brushing, flossing and visiting us regularly for exams and cleanings are all key to keeping your veneers looking good for a long, long time. However, there are a few minor considerations to keep in mind. We recommend patients with veneers use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste as they can scratch dental veneers over time. Patients should also avoid whitening products to avoid discoloring veneers.
Additionally, it’s best to avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and tough meats. Cut up these foods and chew them with your back teeth. Porcelain veneers are durable, and you can still enjoy all your favorite foods; however, it is advised to be mindful and gentle when possible.
Finally, porcelain veneers are stain resistant. That said, it’s still a good idea to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages, such as berries, red wine, coffee and tea. These foods and drinks can stain your veneers over time. When consumed, brushing soon after is advised.
In general, porcelain dental veneers are relatively easy to care for and maintain. They do not need to be babied, but they should be cared for.
Does applying dental veneers hurt?
Not at all. Very little of the tooth is shaved in preparation, making this a minimally invasive process. All work is done at the surface level, meaning we never get near the sensitive root or interior of the tooth. While some report preparation as feeling unusual, the process is completely painless. The same holds true for the application stage. Most patients require little to no local anesthesia, though this is an option.
Schedule a consultation for porcelain veneers in Vista, CA
Ready to take the next step and learn more about porcelain dental veneers? Call us to schedule a consultation, during which we’ll discuss options and a treatment plan.
Dr. Yaron Miller of Ivory Pointe Dentistry is your top choice for Porcelain Veneers in Vista, San Marcos or Oceanside, CA.
