Depending upon your unique circumstance, porcelain veneers can even be used to address mild tooth misalignment. Many of our patients who choose porcelain veneers experience a boost in self-esteem and feel proud of their new smile.
Porcelain veneers applied at Mona Lisa Smile Dental are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are attached to the front surfaces of teeth for an immediate smile transformation. Individually crafted for each patient, these cosmetic enhancements are made from advanced material that closely resembles the appearance of natural dental enamel. Dentists can use veneers for an impressive number of cosmetic corrections, ranging from teeth whitening to orthodontic adjustments. Thanks to their lifelike appearance and wide array of functions, porcelain veneers rank among the most trusted and popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry.
Some facts you should know about Porcelain Veneers
Since they require approximately 0.5 mm of tooth reduction, porcelain veneers are not considered a reversible form of treatment. Occasionally, the preparation of a porcelain laminate veneer does not necessitate the use of a local anesthetic. However, for those patients that are particularly sensitive or anxious, a local anesthetic is advisable.
The laboratory time required for the fabrication of a porcelain laminate veneer is approximately one week, although this may vary. What happens to my teeth after veneers, and will I ever get cavities?
The integrity of veneered teeth is only marginally compromised, and the veneer is bonded to the existing teeth. There is no higher incidence of decay provided the veneers are properly cared for as previously mentioned with regular flossing and brushing with toothpaste. In general, it is good dental advice to keep your sugar consumption low and confined to meal times to prevent decay.
How long will porcelain veneers last?
They can last from seven to twenty years. While the veneer itself is inert and non-living, the tooth or teeth to which they are attached and the surrounding gum tissues are living and may change. For example, gum line shrinkage may expose or reveal root surfaces. If a veneer comes off it can generally be rebonded. If it chips it can sometimes be rebonded or otherwise replaced. If I have my upper teeth treated with porcelain veneers, will my lower teeth still be a different color, or more yellow?
This is certainly a factor that will be discussed during your evaluation and smile design so that everything matches and blends well. Most patients usually whiten the lower teeth with whitening (bleaching) procedures to ensure a good match.
Do porcelain veneers stain with normal things like tea, coffee and wine?
Porcelain veneers should never stain; however; if your teeth have a propensity to stain you should try to avoid or minimize the behaviors that lead to staining and look after them as recommended above with normal hygiene and maintenance procedures.
Does dental insurance cover porcelain veneers?
Some insurance companies will cover up to 50% of the fee they deem customary. However, it depends upon what your employer has contracted for with your insurance company rather than what your dentist is charging. Don’t forget your dentist also has to pay the dental technician who actually fabricates the veneers, a critical component in the fee.
You can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold. This is normal and is due to the removal of a small portion of the tooth’s enamel covering. This sensitivity should disappear a few days after the placement of the veneers. The insertion or cementation of your laminate veneers can be accomplished once again with or without local anesthetic. This visit is usually longer in length. The laminates are placed with a light-sensitive resin hardened with the use of a white light, effectively bonding them to your teeth.
Dr. Mohammad Khandaqji, DDS places porcelain veneers right here in our office.
The placement process for veneers is virtually painless, and it only takes two office visits. In the first visit, he administers a local anesthetic, and he or she gently shaves away a small portion of the tooth to accommodate the veneer. Next, he makes a mold of the teeth and mouth.Dr. Khandaqji, DDS sends this mold to a dental laboratory where lab technicians will custom-design the veneers to blend flawlessly with the patient’s surrounding teeth. Finally, he places temporary veneers, which patients wear until the permanent ones are ready – usually about two to three weeks. Once placed, your laminate veneers are very strong and will resist most of the forces placed upon them by a normal diet. Porcelain is a glass and like glass it is strong, but brittle. Therefore, you should avoid anything that will tend to stress the laminate veneer. Opening pistachio nuts with your teeth, chewing on bones or candy apples is probably not a good idea. As with most things, common sense should prevail.
Dr. Khandaqji, DDS also utilizes porcelain veneers to reshape, lengthen or shorten teeth and create brilliant symmetrical smile makeovers. The porcelain veneer procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments and it is virtually painless. Dr. Mohammad Khandaqji can custom-fit these slim, durable veneers to the desired teeth, with results that both look amazing and feel natural. Plus, porcelain dental veneers can last for decades and significantly improve the appearance of your smile.
Contact Mona Lisa Smile Dental
If you would like more information about porcelain veneers, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Khandaqji, please contact Mona Lisa Smile Dental today.
