Porcelain Veneers

Chances are you choose this site because you are curious about porcelain veneers and how they
can improve your smile.

1. What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers, usually customized from porcelain, are a thin, semi-transparent “shell”, permanently
bonded to your teeth. While they’re not suitable for every patient, veneers are a cosmetic
alternative for a variety of dental conditions of the front teeth, including:

• diastemas (spaces between the teeth)
• broken or chipped teeth
• unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
• permanently stained or discolored teeth
• misshapen or crooked teeth

2. Advantages And Benefits Of Veneers
There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers placed on your front teeth.
At one time, resin fillings or crowns were the only available treatment for these conditions. Today,
a third alternative is available. The advantages of veneers may include all of the following
considerations:

• often no anesthesia is required
• only a small amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure
• veneers are less expensive and less time consuming than full crowns
• a healthy “natural” look is achieved with little or no discomfort

3. How Are Veneers Different From Fillings Or Crowns?
A composite resin filling may be used when only a small amount of tooth structure needs
replacement. A porcelain veneer is indicated when a portion of the front surface of the tooth
needs a “face lift”. A full crown is indicated when a tooth has had a root canal treatment, or when
a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost.

4. How Are Veneers Done?
Similar to a resin bonding procedure, veneers are attached directly to the existing tooth structure.
An impression will be taken, to make an exact replica of your teeth. During your veneering
appointment, your teeth will be etched with a mild acid solution. When the veneers are applied, a
tooth colored liquid bonding material is applied. This helps the veneers adhere to your natural
teeth.

5. What To Expect
Veneers can last for years, depending on how well they are taken care of by the patient. Because
veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping.

You must maintain regular oral hygiene at home, and visit us for routine cleaning and exams. This
is to ensure that your new veneers will look as good as new.

You should also avoid staining foods and beverages, such as blueberries, cherries, coffee, tea and
red wine. Another important point is that oral habits such as nail biting, opening bobby pins and
chewing on hard objects could damage you new veneers.

6. A Final Word...
The decision to enhance your smile with porcelain veneers is a very personal one. Even a subtle
change in your smile can make an exceptional difference in the way you look and feel - and on
your social outlook. When you feel good, you look great. And that helps you project an image of
self confidence and high personal esteem. If you have any further questions about porcelain
veneers, please ask us. Your smile is our business!

Figure 1A Bicuspid Teeth With Decay	Figure 1B Teeth Restored With Composite Resin
Figure 2A Old Amalgam Restorations	Figure 2B Teeth Restored With Composite Resin
Figure 3A Fractured Front Incisor	Figure 3B Restored With Composite Resin
Figure 4A Fractured 4 Front Incisors	Figure 4B All 4 Incisors Restored With Porcelain Veneers
Figure 5A Poor Esthetics On All Teeth	Figure 5B All Teeth Restored With Porcelain Veneers