Porcelain Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers Can Give You the Smile You Have Always Wanted

Dental veneers offer patients a chance to achieve a smile they have always wanted without extensive dental work and in a relatively short time.

A Dental Veneer is a thin pearly white and slightly translucent wafer of porcelain that can be applied to a single tooth, several teeth, or all of the front visible teeth to create a beautiful smile that does not yellow over time.

Veneers are cosmetic only and cannot restore dental function or structurally damaged teeth. Veneers are best when used to restore superficial damage, discolorations, and to match the shape color and alignment that is most complementary.

Porcelain Veneers Process and Timeline

The first step is a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garelick. He will review your needs and goals, then evaluate if porcelain veneers are your best choice to accomplish your goals. If not, Dr. Garelick will provide you with other dental options that may be a better choice to completely satisfy with your results.

Dr. Garelick will then develop a treatment plan, that includes establishing the type, color, size, and shape of the veneer to achieve the look you want. The procedure is typically carried out over the course of two appointments:

First Visit

• The surface of the tooth is lightly buffed in preparation of the veneer(s).
• A mold is created of the patient’s teeth and then sent to a dental laboratory that will create the porcelain veneer(s).

Second Visit

• In one to two weeks, the patient returns for veneer placement.
• Dr. Garelick places the veneer onto the surface of the tooth to make sure it fits and looks natural and beautiful. Any necessary adjustments are made at this time.
• Dental cement is applied to the veneer, and then it is adhered to the surface of the tooth.
• A special dental light is shone onto the tooth to harden the dental adhesive.
• The dentist polishes the veneer or makes any adjustments as needed.
• The patient can leave our practice with a new, flawless smile.

Our caring and helpful team will provide aftercare instructions to follow in order to maintain the veneers for as long as possible. Good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, is imperative to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dental Veneers Procedure

During your initial visit, we will show you examples of what your smile with selected dental veneers can look like. We work with you to make selections for shape, color and alignment. We then produce a treatment plan with your preferences. Patients who have veneers placed on one or two teeth will want to select a color that is very close to your natural tooth color. If all of your visible teeth are to be veneered, you can choose a whiter dental shade.

Tooth Preparation

A small amount of enamel is removed from each tooth to be veneered. This step correct the final thickness of the tooth and corrects and defects in the final alignment. We are very conservative and remove as little enamel as possible. After your teeth are prepared, a mold is made and sent to a dental fabrication lab.

Veneer Fitting

The surface of each tooth is cleaned and etched to provide a good bond surface. Each veneer is then attached to its prepared tooth surface with a bonding agent. This adhesive is cured with a special lamp to harden it. Any excess bonding agent is removed and the edges of the veneers are shaped. The veneers are then are polished to a brilliant finish.

Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

The best way to learn whether you are a candidate for porcelain veneers is to meet with Dr. Garelick. It is important to know that porcelain veneers are solely cosmetic, and are placed onto visible front teeth.

Veneers work best for patients who have only minor tooth flaws. They aren’t suitable for covering up cavities or deep fractures. Veneers can be used in combination with all ceramic crowns which are used to replace a functionally damaged tooth. Patients with healthy gums are likely to be most satisfied with veneers. The upper edge of the veneer can become visible if gums recede due to gingivitis or periodontitis. Proper oral care is essential for keeping veneered teeth in good condition!

Ideal Veneer Candidates:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Discolored or badly stained teeth
• Crowded or widely spaced teeth
• Slightly misaligned teeth
• Excessive gum tissue – a “gummy smile”
• Uneven or elongated teeth
• Healthy teeth and gums
• No history of clenching or grinding teeth

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

• Immediate results
• A beautiful and natural-looking smile
• Boost self-esteem and confidence
• No recovery time necessary
• Durable and strong
• Stain-resistant
• Long-lasting – up to 10 years or longer
• Correct multiple cosmetic imperfections

Risks or Side Effects of Porcelain Veneers

The veneering procedure is a minimally invasive dental procedure. There are very few problems associated with porcelain veneers. While porcelain veneers are considered to be strong and durable, they may need to be replaced at some point in the future. The procedure is irreversible; therefore once placed, veneers must remain intact.

Call Ocotillo Dental Care and make your appointment today!