A: Porcelain veneers are custom shells of porcelain that are hand made for front teeth only. The porcelain veneers are placed on the front of your teeth in order to change their color, shape, position, and size. Our dentist will work with you and lab technicians to determine the best color, shape, and translucency of the porcelain veneers for your mouth. Porcelain veneers reflect light much like the way natural teeth do, they are stain resistant, and they are a wonderful option for people who want a straighter, brighter smile that is free of irregularities without orthodontic braces.

2. What do porcelain veneers correct?

A: Porcelain veneers are used to correct many different problems. Our dentist uses porcelain veneers to correct gaps, chipped or cracked teeth, worn teeth, and discolored teeth. Porcelain veneers provide a cosmetic dentistry option that can be used to give you a smile that you have always wanted in just two visits to the dentist office.

3. How do I get porcelain veneers?

A: Our dentist will work with you and a lab technician in order to create porcelain veneers that are the perfect size, shape, color, and translucency for you and the smile you want. In order for the porcelain veneers to look good and fit correctly in your mouth, a small amount of enamel must be removed; and your gums may need to be reshaped so that there is a perfect match between the shape of your gums and the shape of your new porcelain veneers. Our dentist will then make impressions of your teeth and create master molds so that the dental lab can create custom porcelain veneers that will fit perfectly over your teeth.

Our dentist will give you temporary veneers until the custom porcelain veneers arrive from the lab. Many people are amazed with the transformation that the temporaries provided and are even happier when they get their permanent porcelain veneers.

The new porcelain veneers will be laser bonded to your teeth so that you can have the exquisite, natural looking smile that you have always wanted. After the porcelain veneers are placed on the teeth, they may be sensitive for a few days, but before long they will feel just like your natural teeth.

4. What are the advantages of porcelain veneers?

A: Porcelain veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry option that provide better results than the minor reparations tooth bonding provides and do not require the amount of time or commitment that is associated with braces. Porcelain veneers are also stain resistant and the color of the porcelain can be selected so that darker teeth will appear whiter. Porcelain veneers give the appearance of natural teeth and gum tissues react well to them.

5. How much do porcelain veneers cost?

A: Because porcelain veneers offer a custom cosmetic dentistry solution, and require two visits and the assistance of a lab, porcelain veneers are not inexpensive. Even so, our dentist will not only advise you of alternate treatment options, but he will also provide flexible financing options to ensure that your smile is beautiful and affordable.

6. How long do porcelain veneers last?

A: Porcelain veneers are laser bonded to your teeth so that there is little chance of them falling off. Porcelain veneers tend to last between five and ten years. Although the veneers are stain resistant, the cement used to bond them to the teeth can become stained and the porcelain veneers should be replaced so that they continue to match the color of your natural teeth.

There are several ways to prolong the amount of time that your porcelain veneers last. Clenching or grinding your teeth applies excessive pressure on the veneers and can chip or crack them. Dark foods, red wine, coffee, tea, and other beverages should not be excessively exposed to the porcelain veneers.