Porcelain Ceramic Veneers

With advancing age, teeth become more vulnerable to damage and begin to degrade and deteriorate. It becomes almost impossible to prevent chips, fractures, and discoloration. As a result, the smile becomes unsightly and unattractive.

Porcelain veneers are used to fight such dental issues and restore the aesthetic appeal of the smile. They are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are cemented on to the topical or visible surface of teeth to restore their function and appearance. Porcelain veneers can be used to fix the following dental issues:

• Cracked and chipped teeth.
• Stained or discolored teeth.
• Gaps between adjacent teeth.
• Poorly shaped or sized teeth.

How porcelain veneers are placed?

The veneer placement procedure is fast and quick and can be completed in just three visits to the dentist's office. Below is a step-by-step guide to the placement of veneers.

First visit: Diagnosis and treatment planning

Step 1

This step requires the patient's active preparation. The patient needs to communicate with the dentist their requirements and the results they are expecting. The damaged tooth is examined using X-rays to determine whether the patient is an ideal candidate to receive porcelain veneers or not. If the dentist deems them as an ideal candidate, a treatment plan is designed and digital impressions of the teeth are recorded.

Second visit: Tooth preparation

Step 2

On the second day of your visit, the dentist begins the treatment. The damaged tooth and its surrounding area are numbed using a local anesthetic. It keeps you from experiencing pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Step 3

0.5 to 0.75 mm of the tooth's enamel is filed down to make room for the veneer. The thickness of the enamel removed depends on the thickness of the veneer to be placed.

Step 4

Next, impressions of teeth are obtained and sent to a dental laboratory along with the shade that matches the color of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are custom-designed at a dental laboratory and guarantee that the shape and color of the porcelain shell match that of the adjacent teeth.

The veneer is usually returned to your dentist's office in two to three weeks.

Step 5

A temporary veneer is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it from breaking or cracking.

Third visit: Receiving the permanent veneer

Step 6

During the third or final visit, the temporary veneer is removed and the prepared site is flushed with antimicrobials and disinfectants to remove any trace of remaining debris. It also prevents future bacterial infestation.

Step 7

The permanent veneer is examined for its fit and shade and if everything is acceptable, it is permanently cemented in place.

What are the advantages of porcelain veneers?

The advantages of porcelain veneers are:

• Porcelain veneers not only restore the damage but also improve the aesthetic appeal of the smile. They are tooth-colored and lustrous and make the smile look attractive.
• Porcelain, as a material, is good at reflecting natural light just like natural teeth. This property helps the restored teeth look more natural and beautiful.
• Porcelain veneers are highly efficient. Not only do they fix the cosmetic issues inflicting the smile but also fix the mild to moderate orthodontic issues. They are used for improving the bite and closing gaps between teeth.
• With porcelain veneers, you don't have to worry about stains and discoloration. Porcelain is stain-resistant and allows you to enjoy every kind of food including wine and coffee.
• Porcelain is well-tolerated by the gums and tissues. It does not cause any irritability or sensitivity.
• Dental porcelain comes in a wide selection of shades. It can be easily color-matched to anyone's teeth.
• If properly cared for, porcelain veneers last up to 30 years.
• The placement procedure is less invasive compared to other restoration techniques. A very small amount of the enamel is drilled out to make room for the veneer.

At Jones and Hindbaugh Dental, the art and technology of modern dentistry are tactfully employed to systematically restore the damage and improve the cosmetic appeal of your smile. Dr. Erica Hindbaugh Jones' and Dr. Russel Jones specialize in creating a coordinated treatment plan to give you a complete smile makeover. Book an appointment with us today for a more youthful and healthy smile.