What are veneers?
Veneers are porcelain restorations that cover the front of your treated teeth while leaving the back of the tooth untouched. The veneer procedure involves shaping your teeth by removing enough tooth structure to allow clearance for the new porcelain restorations. The final veneer is bonded to your natural tooth with specially formulated cements.
What smile problems or concerns are best treated with veneers?
Veneers are often the ideal choice to correct the appearance of uneven spacing, misalignment of front teeth, worn tooth enamel, chips, cracks, fractures, congenital enamel defects, and tooth discoloration. Porcelain veneers are very durable and add strength back into teeth that have been compromised with any of the above conditions.
Are veneers my only choice for a smile makeover?
Often dental veneers are part of a comprehensive treatment plan that tailors restorations to each specific tooth in a conservative manner. Many patients require a combination of veneers, dental crowns, white dental fillings, teeth whitening, and cosmetic tooth adjustments to achieve his or her desired smile.
I want my veneers to be whiter than my teeth are right now. How white can I go?
The color of your new veneers will be dictated by the color of the adjacent teeth. Many patients choose to whiten teeth prior to the veneer preparation appointment and then periodically touch up the natural teeth to match the porcelain veneers. This method can achieve a whiter smile while treating a smaller number of teeth with dental veneers.
How long can porcelain veneers last?
The average life span of a porcelain veneer is between 10-15 years with regular dental visits and good home care including daily flossing.
How are veneers prepared?
- While the tooth is numb, Dr. Morgan will prepare your teeth by removing any cavities as well as existing fillings while shaping the surface to properly fit a veneer.
- Temporary veneers will be made to fit the new shapes of your teeth and you will spend the next week “trying out” your temporary veneers.
- In one week, you will return and Dr. Morgan will make any changes you desire to your temporaries so that your new porcelain veneers can be fabricated at the dental laboratory to your specifications.
- Once your veneers fabricated by the laboratory are received by Morgan Dental, you will return for a “seat appointment”.
- Each veneer will be tried in and must meet strict standards as to fit, shape, and color in order to be considered ready for cementation. If all parties are happy with the outcome, each restoration will be permanently cemented.