Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that are designed to fit over the front surface of the teeth. They are extremely thin, and made of tooth-colored material, and are used to improve the appearance of the smile. We bond the shell to the front surface of the tooth, and can use veneers to alter the color, shape, size or even length of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are the most ideal because they are more resistant to staining tha resin composite veneers. At Lowell Dental Arts, we use veneers to:
Three Steps To Get Porcelain Veneers
The process of getting veneers is relatively easy, however, it does require multiple trips to our office. The first visit will center around a discussion about your smile goals. Once we understand your goals, we’ll examine your teeth to determine if veneers are the appropriate technique, and if so, we’ll go over the procedure. We’ll take x-rays and possibly impressions, as well.
Then your teeth will need to be prepared for the veneer. This involves removing a portion of the surface of your tooth equivalent to the width of the veneer, typically about ½ millimeter. An impression will be taken and then sent to a dental lab to create the veneer. It can typically take between two and four weeks for the veneer to be prepared. Temporary veneers can be placed in the meantime.
At your final appointment, we will permanently bond the veneer to your tooth. But first, we’ll check the fit and color, and make any adjustments needed. Your tooth will then be cleaned and polished, and we’ll roughen the surface to allow for a stronger bonding. A special bonding cement will be placed on your tooth and then we carefully place the veneer. Once we have it in the ideal location, a special light will cure the bonding material. Once hardened, we’ll remove any excess cement and evaluate your bite to see if any final adjustments are needed.
Once they are placed, you will care for your new veneers the same as you do your natural teeth. Proper brushing and flossing each day is required, and we recommend using a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching or damaging the thin veneers. In order to keep your smile as bright as possible, avoid foods and drinks that can stain, such as tea and coffee. Likewise, avoid smoking and tobacco use.
Veneers are an excellent option for getting a beautiful smile as quickly as possible. They are permanently placed, meaning they are cemented in place and cannot be removed on your own, however they will wear down over time and need to be replaced. At Lowell Dental Arts, we offer a host of solutions to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, and will discuss all of your options with you.