Porcelain Veneers

What are some of the most common benefits of this treatment?

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that fits over a damaged, discolored, or misshaped teeth. This procedure has several advantages over other tooth restoration procedures. Porcelain is an extremely durable material with a color, translucence and texture that is similar to tooth enamel. It is not susceptible to decay and resists staining while maintaining a natural appearance. Veneers can effectively close diastemas (gaps between teeth), lengthen and reshape teeth, repair chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth, and cover stains and discolorations.

What will happen at the initial consultation?

During the consultation, you and your dentist will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required if any, and costs. Your dentist will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your teeth and gums. He/she may also take photos and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.

How is porcelain veneering performed?

At your first appointment following the initial consultation, your teeth will be roughened and shaped to remove part of the outer tooth enamel. This provides a better surface for bonding and allows room for the placement of the thin porcelain shell. After shaping, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create veneers that fit your mouth precisely. He/she may suggest applying temporary veneers to protect your teeth until your customized veneers are completed. At your next appointment, your dentist will test your veneers to make sure that they fit properly and that they are the correct size and color. At this time, you and your dentist will work together to make sure that you are satisfied with the result. If needed, more shaping or trimming of the veneers can be done before the final fitting. Before your veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth with a composite resin cement, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, since clean teeth and healthy gums are necessary in order for bonding to be successful.

Where will the procedure be performed, how long will it take and how much pain is there?

Porcelain veneers usually require at least two appointments to be completed. The length of time of each appointment will depend on the condition of your teeth and on how many veneers you are having done. The procedure is done in your dentists office with a local anesthetic and is relatively pain-free.

What can I expect afterward?

After your teeth have been prepared and before your permanent veneers have been applied, appearance should be fairly normal. Some sensitivity may be encountered mainly with cold drinks. Using a straw can alleviate this problem. During this period, you should brush regularly, as your teeth will be more susceptible to staining. Regular flossing is important, too, since swollen or bleeding gums compromise bonding the veneers on permanently. Once your veneers are permanently placed, they will feel like a natural part of your teeth, and you can use them just as you would your regular teeth. However, veneers are not indestructible. To protect your veneers from chipping, avoid biting down into hard substances. Slice apples before eating them. Avoid bad habits like chewing on fingernails, pencils, or paperclips and clenching or grinding your teeth.

In general, the best candidates for porcelain veneers:

Enjoy good oral health

Want to improve appearance

Are well informed in regard to the procedures outcome

Have realistic expectations

The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your dentist will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your dentist if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers

Other important information:

Depending on the structural integrity of your teeth, the health of your gums, and your occlusion (bite), crowns or orthodontics may be recommended instead of, or in addition to, veneers in order to achieve the desired results. If your natural teeth are discolored, you may want to consider whitening your teeth before veneers are applied, since extremely dark stains could show through the thin porcelain shell. Whitening after will not change the color of the porcelain veneers.

Risks and Limitations:

Since the oral cavity contains many kinds of bacteria and experiences many temperature and/or pressure changes throughout a typical day, all dental restorations contain some degree of risk. It is important to follow good oral hygiene and keep the margin (the area where the tooth and the veneer meet) as clean as possible so that decay doesnt develop underneath the veneer. Restorations with margins above the gumline are easier to maintain than those with margins below the gumline. In order to minimize these risks, it is important that you follow all of your dentists instructions, both before and after the procedure.

Cost:

Fees for porcelain veneers will vary depending on the area you live in and the difficulty of your case. Talk to your doctor at the consultation appointment to get an estimate of the costs. There is a very wide range in cost for veneers, because of the many variables involved with each patient. You can expect approximate costs to fall in a range from $700 up to $2000. This does not reflect what your actual cost may be.

Questions to ask your dentist:

Are the desired results I described realistic?

Is there an alternative treatment that I should consider as well?

How long will the procedure take and how many appointments are necessary?

What kind of anesthesia is used, if any?

How much does it cost?

What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)

What percentages of patients have had significant complications? (The dentist should disclose this information to you.)

Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals?

And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The dentist should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)

What kind of longevity can I expect?

May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The dentist should provide many photos of recent patients.

Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have it done? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)

What should I expect after the procedure, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, and any limitations?

Do you offer patient financing?