Many people ask me about the veneer procedure.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that we bond directly to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are an excellent choice for improving your smile. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to have unsightly gaps between your teeth, or teeth that are stained, misshapen, or crooked. Veneers placed on top of your teeth can correct these common esthetic problems simply and quickly to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
Will they look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Workman will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
The Procedure
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Workman will review with you what you can expect and help you plan your new smile.
Preparation
The second appointment will take two to three hours. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the added thickness. Approximately one half of a millimeter of tooth is removed. This may require little or no local anesthesia.
Then a mold is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication. If the teeth are too unsightly, a temporary veneer can be placed at this time. The veneer should be ready in approximately one to two weeks.
Bonding
At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Workman will first place the veneers on your teeth with water or glycerin to check their fit and color. At this point, the color of the veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is determined, and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneers, and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement. This appointment takes approximately one to two hours.
Care and Follow Up
- Brush and floss daily
- Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks
Maintenance
Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good homecare regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists, please call the office.
If you are a known clencher, please be sure to let us know. Dr. Workman may recommend a soft nightguard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper homecare and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
