A: Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, ceramic shells that are bonded to the teeth to close gaps and mask cosmetic flaws. They’re designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Unlike crowns, they’re only affixed to the visible, front portion of the teeth.
Q: What dental issues can veneers fix?
A: Porcelain veneers are a less invasive, much faster option for addressing a range of smile concerns. They’re an excellent solution for people with slightly crooked smiles, gaps between the teeth, permanent stains or discoloration, worn teeth and chipped or broken teeth. They can also be used to alter the size and shape of teeth to ensure your smile is symmetrical and facial features are harmonious.
Q: Do porcelain veneers look natural?
A: Yes. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match the rest of your smile and fit your teeth perfectly. They’re much more comfortable and natural looking than other types of veneers. We use a specialized dental lab whose sole focus is crafting realistic, high-end restorations to create our veneers. This ensures our patients get the best quality possible. The material mimics the translucency and texture of your natural teeth and once we’ve prepared your tooth by removing a tiny bit of enamel, it’s color-tinted and bonded in place offering amazing esthetics and function.
Q: What maintenance is required for porcelain veneers?
A: Maintaining porcelain veneers is simple. Just brush and floss as you normally would and keep up with your regular dental visits and cleanings.
Q: How long do porcelain veneers last?
A: With good oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last for well over a decade or even a lifetime in some cases. Thanks to the durable material and finish, they don’t typically chip like composite veneers and won’t change color.
Q: How long does the veneers process take and what is the procedure like?
A: Typically, we can place veneers in two visits. At the first visit, we prepare your teeth, show you a visual representation of what your new smile will look like and take extremely accurate impressions. We use the impressions to create a model that’s sent to the dental laboratory where your veneers are crafted. It usually takes between one and two weeks for your veneers to be made. We don’t believe in rushing the process or using prefabricated veneers because we want you to have the highest-quality, gorgeous and natural-looking results.
At the second visit, your veneers will be permanently bonded to your teeth. We contour and polish them, check to ensure the fit and esthetics are perfect and make adjustments if necessary. We’ll send you on your way with a gorgeous, healthy smile.
Q: Is getting veneers painful?
A: No. We numb the area being treated so you don’t feel a thing during the preparation or bonding process. We’re experts in sedation dentistry so if you’re anxious, we have options to make you feel at ease and relaxed.
Q: Are veneers expensive?
A: While porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, they’re extremely lifelike and seamlessly blend in with your smile. They resist stains more effectively, allow us to preserve more of your tooth’s natural structure and most importantly, they last much longer. At MDCS, we want all of our patients to have the smile of their dreams and we work with you to ensure treatment suits your budget. We accept CareCredit, a patient financing option that allows you to pay for procedures in low monthly installments, as well as flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) monies. We’ll discuss the cost of treatment with you and we’re always upfront so you don’t need to worry about hidden fees or unexpected bills.
Q: What are the alternatives to veneers?
A: For patients with crooked teeth or spaces in their smile, Invisalign or braces are an alternative. However, orthodontic treatment isn’t an instant fix. Sometimes, for the most dramatic results, we can utilize Invisalign first to shift the teeth into a better position for veneers. For very minor repairs or to create subtle changes in the shape of your teeth, esthetic dental bonding could be a viable option. Dental crowns are a good choice for patients whose teeth need more substantial correction. They cover the entire visible portion of the tooth as opposed to just the front but require removing more of the enamel for placement. Dr. Gutierrez will examine your mouth, discuss your needs and goals and help you decide on the best option for your smile.
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