What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are very thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Customarily, the material used to fabricate a natural looking veneer is Porcelain. The Porcelain is bonded to your teeth and can enhance the color, size, length or shape of the tooth. In just 2 appointments with Dr. Mahallati veneers can provide his patients with a great smile that have long-lasting years of beauty and function.
What type of material is used to fabricate a veneer?
Dental porcelain is an ideal choice for many cosmetic procedures especially veneers. The very high degree of biocompatibility along its superior esthetic properties as well as its strength once bonded to the tooth makes porcelain the ideal material for fabrication of veneers. Customarily, patients report that the porcelain feels as natural as their own teeth.
Dental Veneer vs. Crown
A veneer is a more conservative dental treatment than a dental crown. It is only a facing. If the tooth is generally healthy and does not have large existing restorations or a root canal, it is more than likely that a veneer will be the restoration of choice. Very often in dentistry, less is more! The more conservative a restoration, the better the long term outcome of the treatment. Generally, a veneer is a better choice.
Do veneers feel like they are my own teeth?
As the final result, veneers are “supposed” to look and feel like natural teeth. It is essential to note the importance of the thickness of a veneer. Veneers that feel or look too thick can cause problems that lead to an unnatural look. Choosing a Prosthodontist, who has three additional years of education, training and expertise post-dental school in the area of cosmetic dentistry, is the first step to ensuring the natural-looking results you have always wished for!
Do veneers look natural?
Properly done they should be indistinguishable from “pretty” natural teeth. Porcelain veneers should not look all one color. Natural teeth have tiny variations in color with the skillful application of porcelain your veneers will have subtle changes in reflection of light to mimic natural and healthy teeth. Veneers, fabricated by a Prosthodontist, who is an expert in tooth color detail, makes it look and feel like natural teeth and the resilience and strength is similar to the surface of normal tooth enamel.
Is it painful to have veneers adhered to my natural teeth?
Getting veneers should not be a painful process at all. As long as they are conservatively prepared with minimal reduction of tooth structure, they should not be sensitive because the preparation is so far away from the center of the tooth where the nerve endings reside.
Is a veneer a durable dental treatment for long-term wear?
Properly cared for Veneers should last between ten to fifteen years or more. Regular upkeep includes proper oral hygiene at home and routine cleanings and exam. Additionally, wearing an occlusal guard or bite guard will minimize stress on the teeth and allow for greater longevity.
Does a veneer change color over time? If yes, how do I keep my veneer(s) from changing color?
Due to the high surface glaze of porcelain, Veneers are highly resistant to staining and should not change color. In some rare instances, individuals who consume large quantities of staining foods and beverages may stain their veneers as well. Stubborn stains will come off during your dental cleaning.
After the veneer is Placed Will My Tooth Be Sensitive To Hot Or Cold Food/Drinks?
Once placed, there should not be any sensitivity to temperature, biting, etc. They feel and “chew” like your own teeth.
Can I get cavities on my veneers?
The short answer is no. Veneers are made from porcelain which does not decay, however, the tooth underneath can decay as with any tooth. High consumption of sugary foods, excessive consumption of soda or poor oral hygiene will jeopardize the health of any tooth and make it more prone to cavities. In general, it is good dental advice to keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times to prevent decay, brush, and floss as recommended by your dentist or hygienist and continue with regular dental checkups.
What will happen to my veneer(s) if I grind my teeth at night?
If you are known to be a bruxer or clencher, i.e. you have a habit of grinding your teeth, Dr. Mahallati will fabricate a protective occlusal or bite guard for you to wear to minimize the stresses placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
Dental Veneer Maintenance & Care
You should care for your veneers, in the same manner, you take care of your own teeth. Proper brushing and flossing at home and a balanced diet are essential not only to your dental health but also your overall wellbeing. Regular cleanings and checkups ensure everything is maintained in peak performance state.
Discoloured or damaged teeth can make you feel that your smile is something to hide. But those issues can be addressed with porcelain veneers. Dr. Mahallati provides veneers to his patients who wish to improve their smile without undergoing extensive cosmetic treatments.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers enhance the color, size, length, or shape of your teeth.
Who needs porcelain veneers?
If your teeth are discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, misaligned, irregularly shaped, or have gaps between them porcelain veneers can be a great solution.
What can I expect when getting a porcelain veneer?
Getting porcelain veneers usually involves three visits to Dr. Mahallati. The first visit is your consultation with Dr. Mahallati where you will discuss your dental problems and goals for addressing them. Your teeth will be examined to ensure that porcelain veneers are an option for you. Dr. Mahallati will also discuss the procedure in detail, including any limitations. X-rays and impressions of your teeth and mouth will be taken.
On the second visit, your teeth are prepared for veneers. To make room for the veneers, about a half-millimeter of the enamel is removed from the front of each tooth. Next, an impression of your teeth is taken and the model is sent off to the laboratory where the veneers will be fabricated. It usually takes one to two weeks to get the finished veneers back from the lab.
On your third visit, the veneers will be attached to your teeth. Before they are permanently cemented to your teeth, Dr. Mahallati will temporarily place the veneers to check their color and fit. If need be, both fit and color can then be adjusted. Once satisfied that the veneers look right, the teeth that will receive the veneers are cleaned and polished. Each veneer is cemented onto the tooth and a light beam is then used to activate the chemicals, rapidly hardening the cement. Any excess cement is removed, your bite is evaluated, and any final adjustments are made. You may be asked to return in a couple of weeks for a final check on how your teeth and gums are adjusting to your new veneers.
What are the advantages of having porcelain veneers?
Veneers present a totally natural appearance and are stain resistant. Gum tissue tolerates porcelain veneers very well. And the use of veneers is a conservative method to change the shape and color of a tooth.
How long will porcelain veneers last?
They generally last from five to 10 years. At that point, the old veneers will need to be replaced.
Do porcelain veneers need special care?
Porcelain veneers do not need any special care. Follow proper oral hygiene practices and continue to brush and floss regularly.
