Porcelain Veneers

If you are looking for a more radiant smile, veneers can provide an excellent solution. In fact, they are the secret to many of those brilliant celebrity teeth you see flashing down the red carpet.

Veneers are an incredibly strong form of thin porcelain that fit around your teeth to form a protective outer layer which are custom made by a professional dental laboratory. Some veneers are made from composite resin, however porcelain is much better at imitating the properties of natural teeth. Veneers will protect your teeth while also giving you a smile that is both whiter and brighter. They often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions. 

Who are Veneers right for?

Porcelain veneers are an excellent solution for people with teeth that are chipped, worn, misaligned, uneven, and irregularly shaped as they simply fit over these imperfections. For the same reason, they are also appropriate for patients with discoloured teeth or to fill in gaps between unevenly spaced teeth. Many patients opt for porcelain veneers after they have damaged a tooth, while others add them widely throughout their mouth to improve the appearance of their smile. They are a long lasting and impactful solution to create a beautiful and attractive smile

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

• Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile

• Crooked teeth

• Misshapen teeth

• Severely discolored or stained teeth

• Teeth that are too small or large

• Unwanted or uneven spaces

• Worn or chipped teeth

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers generally requires a four step process. 

Step 1 Treatment Planning

In your first session, your dentist will diagnose your teeth and determine whether or not you are an appropriate candidate for porcelain veneers. This is your time to communicate vocally about what you’re looking for. At this time, your dentist may also take x-rays of your teeth. They will also note the colour and texture of your teeth to ensure your veneers are well-blended with your natural teeth.

Step 2 Tooth Preparation

In order to apply porcelain veneers, your dentist will need to remove about as much enamel from the tooth as the veneer will add so that your teeth don’t bulge after the procedure. Generally, this is about half a millimeter of enamel. Don’t worry: you’ll receive an excellent anesthetic before this part of the procedure begins. Your dentist will then take an impression of your teeth and send it to the dental lab that will be constructing your veneer.

Step 3 Bonding

Once the veneers are sent back from the lab (generally in about one to two weeks), your dentist will first ensure that they match your teeth. Your dentist will then roughen the tooth by cleaning, polishing and etching it so that it can better bond to the cement to which the veneer will be applied. When the veneer is properly positioned on your teeth, your dentist will use a light to activate the bonding chemicals so that they harden. Now completely bonded, your dentist will remove any excess cement.

Step 4 Follow-up

Your dentist will want to follow-up with you in a few weeks to make any tweaks and see how you’re doing. They will take special care to check your gums to make sure the procedure hasn’t caused them any irritation. You will receive care instructions for veneers which includes proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.

How effective are Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are designed to be used long term and they can be as long as you maintain them. This includes brushing, flossing, regular dental cleanings, and taking care whenever you bite into hard foods.

Porcelain Veneers are an excellent way to protect your teeth and improve the look of your smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about this procedure, contact one of our specialists today to make your first appointment.