Porcelain Veneers

If you are unhappy with your smile because of the condition of your teeth, it can have a major impact on almost every area of your life. You may avoid speaking or smiling in public, or you may lose confidence and social or professional settings. What can be done to improve your appearance and make you smile once again?

For many people, porcelain veneers are the solution to their problem.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made prosthetic shells that are bonded to and cover the front of your teeth. Because they change the visible shape, size, color, and length of your teeth, veneers immediately improve your smile with beautiful, natural-looking results.

Compared to veneers made out of resin, porcelain veneers are much more stain-resistant, and they reflect lying virtually identically as well as natural teeth. This means than even up close, you will have a dazzling smile.

Best of all, the cosmetic procedure for placing porcelain veneers is far less invasive than other options. This is a non-surgical solution, which means only a local anesthetic is used, you feel less discomfort, and experience a shorter adjustment period.

Caring for porcelain veneers is as easy as any good oral hygiene regimen—regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash. With proper care, your veneers should last between 7 and 15 years before needing to be replaced.

Who is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a great option for anyone who has any cosmetic problem with their smile, including:

• Stains
• Discoloration
• Excessive wear
• Chipping
• Broken teeth
• Misalignment
• Unevenness
• Gaps

What is the Procedure for Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Unlike some other dental solutions that require multiple appointment, procedures, and long healing periods, porcelain veneer placement is much more convenient. In fact, after the initial consultation and diagnosis, only two more appointments are necessary—one each for preparation and bonding.

To prepare your teeth, your Pierce Aesthetics dentist will carefully remove a very small amount of enamel, less than one millimeter. This is about the same thickness as the porcelain veneer.

An impression of your mouth will be taken and sent off to the dental laboratory that will make your veneers. If appropriate, your dentist will place temporary veneers.

Between two and four weeks later, your porcelain veneers will be ready.

During the bonding appointment, the dentist will double-check the fit and color of your porcelain veneers, trimming them and making any other adjustments as necessary.

Once the veneers are perfect, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and polished, then etched—roughening the surface to strengthen the bonding process. A special dental cement is applied to the porcelain veneers and they are carefully placed on your teeth. Once they are in place, the dentist uses a curing light to quickly harden the cement.
After a quick clean-up, you can be on your way to enjoy your beautiful new smile.

If you want to know more about porcelain veneers and see if they are a good option for you, schedule an examination and consultation with Pierce Aesthetics today.