How Porcelain Veneers are Placed on Teeth

Our patients rely on our dentists to have the best treatment options for their dental needs. Our San Francisco cosmetic dentist makes sure that our patients have access to the top cutting-edge treatments available.

One treatment our patients frequently ask about is dental veneers. Our veneers dentist in San Francisco uses state of the art porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are very durable and can match your existing teeth wonderfully.

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment because they do not involve surgery and can help patients with various issues, including:

• Teeth discolored from medicine
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Misaligned bite
• Short teeth

Placing porcelain veneers normally requires that you make three visits to our office.

At your first appointment, you will discuss your treatment goals and our dentist will tell you what porcelain veneers can do to help you meet these goals. We also note the enamel color of your teeth so the veneers will match your natural teeth.

Your second appointment consists of our dentist preparing your teeth for the veneers. This involves removing a minute amount of tooth enamel to allow the veneer to sit properly on your tooth in relation to the gum line. Removing the enamel also helps the veneer adhere to the tooth. Our dentist files off a layer of the enamel; this is a painless process that requires no anesthesia. We take impressions of your teeth to use as a guide for creating the veneers. Finally, our dentist places temporary veneers on your teeth to help protect them since a layer of enamel is gone.

At your third appointment, our dentist double checks the veneers for size and color before using a strong adhesive to hold the veneers in place. The veneers are not considered permanent, because a dentist can remove them. However, porcelain veneers can last ten years or longer.

If you believe porcelain veneers could be a solution to your dental issues, feel free to contact our office. Our staff can give you additional information as well as set up an appointment for a no-obligation consultation to find out how porcelain veneers can help your smile.

Are Veneers a Good Choice for Me

When it comes to options for improving how your smile looks, we offer our patients a wide variety of treatment options. Our cosmetic dentist in Torrance firmly believes we have an option to provide any patient who comes to our office seeking help with cosmetic dental issues.

One of these options that makes an excellent choice for many patients is dental veneers. The veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or a resin composite material. Our dentist shapes these and matches the color of your teeth so that the veneers blend in seamlessly. They are a practical option for a great many of our patients because they are an efficient, painless, and non-invasive way to make a noticeable improvement to nearly any smile. Our veneers dentist in Torrance recommends this procedure to patients for several reasons, these include:

• Changing the shape of teeth that are too big or too small
• Concealing gaps of various sizes between teeth
• Leveling teeth to correct a bite problem
• Masking teeth with set in stains from medication
• Mending teeth that are worn
• Restoring chipped teeth
• Straightening uneven teeth

If you experience any of these issues, getting veneers could likely be the perfect treatment option to revamp your smile.

Getting veneers is a procedure that takes two office visits. During your first visit, our dentist examines your teeth, and you explain what you believe should change. Our dentist shows you options for the color of your veneers and then prepares your teeth for fitting veneers. Prepping your teeth includes gently shaping your teeth with a special instrument to remove a tiny portion of your enamel. This is necessary to create a good surface for bonding and to give the veneers the right amount of space in relation to your gum line. Our dentist takes impressions of your newly contoured teeth to guide the dental technicians at the lab who will fashion your veneers.

In approximately two weeks, your veneers are ready for placement during your second visit. Our dentist cleans your teeth then applies a bonding material to hold the veneers in place. Once the veneers are on your teeth, a specialized light shines on your teeth to make sure the bond between the veneers and your teeth is secure.

If you think veneers could be a good choice for you, contact us to learn more about the process of getting veneers or to schedule an appointment.

How Veneers Cover Dental Flaws

Our dental practice is well versed in dental veneers. They are an increasingly popular procedure, and many of our patients request information about dental veneers and how they cover imperfections.

When you visit our veneers dentist in Encino for a consultation, our dentist will also evaluate your teeth and create a care plan for you. Additionally, you will learn more about dental veneers and how they work. They are useful for treating many different kinds of dental problems, such as:
• Broken or cracked teeth- Veneers are a valuable shield for a cracked or broken tooth. If your injured tooth is untreated, bacteria can enter the tooth at the site of the cracks or breaks and cause an infection.

• Crooked teeth- Often placing veneers is the most efficient way to treat tooth misalignment, especially if the issue needs only a slight adjustment. Depending on the circumstances, many of our professionals are beginning to prefer this option over traditional orthodontics.

• Severe instances of tooth decay- If tooth decay is a problem, our dentist may suggest a root canal and follow the procedure with veneers.

• Stained teeth- While a whitening treatment is what you need to eliminate stains on your teeth in most cases; there are times when the stains are so severe that applying veneers is the best way to disguise them.

Dental veneers are opaque, thin, and lightweight portions of tooth-colored porcelain or resin. After custom creation from imprints or digital imaging of your teeth, we bond the veneers directly to your teeth.

The porcelain and resin compound used by our Encino cosmetic dentist is durable and resists staining. Our dentist blends the color of the veneers to match with your natural teeth seamlessly. Once our dentist places and bonds your veneers you will find they are comfortable and inconspicuous in your mouth. Dental veneers can last up to 15 years or more with proper care.

Many of our patients are overjoyed with the results they get from veneers. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office to make an appointment for a no-obligation consultation.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding

It is unfortunate, but sometimes teeth crack, get worn down, or become uneven. Alignment is important for oral health. And when teeth begin to fail, a person can start to have more and more complications. That’s why many have turned to porcelain veneers and dental bonding. It’s still up in the air which works best.

What it might come down to is the look. Does one seem more natural than the other? Obviously, true value lies in the opacity or translucency of the bonding or veneers. Bonding involves a hard plastic tooth colored filling being chemically bound to the surface of the tooth. Bonding leaves more of the natural tooth intact. The issue with veneers is if they are added to a mostly natural tooth, they can often look too big. But bonding stains much easier when it comes to smoking, coffee, and other such habits. Bonding doesn’t seem to last quite as long as veneers, but it is a faster and less-expensive process.

Whoever needs it, our Beverly Hills porcelain veneers expert can get them on the right track. Cosmetic dentistry allows a person the full freedom of their smile. And there is no greater gift than reviving that in a person.

Different Kinds of Veneers

If you are in search of a cosmetic dental solution, you have probably heard the praises of porcelain veneers. Celebrities and everyday people alike have are turning to dental veneers as the perfect solution for bright, white teeth.

Veneers are thin, wafer-like shells that attach to the front of your teeth. A common question heard by dental professionals is whether there are different types of veneers. The simple answer is no. However, dental bonding made of composite is also an option to address cosmetic issues. It is important to note that composite is not generally used for veneers. Although dental bonding is great to address minor cracks and chips, it is not as strong and stains more easily, meaning your veneers would be of lesser quality.

With porcelain veneers, you can achieve a durable and natural-looking smile that is stain resistant. After your transformation, you will be able to enjoy life just as you did before. There are no diet restrictions, and you do not have to worry about damaging your veneers. When it comes down to dental hygiene, you can brush and floss just like before you had porcelain veneers. For more information about cosmetic dentistry options, contact our Los Angeles veneer expert.

Important Questions to Ask Your Veneers Dentist

Before getting veneers, you can prepare yourself by asking certain questions at our office. Our dentist can tell you everything you need to know about your new veneers. Below, you can see some of the most important questions to ask.

Do you need preparatory treatments?

In some cases, treatments need to be performed before patients can get veneers. For example, decayed teeth may require fillings or other restorations first. Bonding, gum reshaping or another treatment may also be recommended.

Which kinds of veneers will meet your needs?

Depending on your goals, you may do best with composite veneers, porcelain veneers or minimal-prep veneers. While composite veneers are more affordable, porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more resistant to stains. Minimal-prep veneers are thinner and thus cannot hide some heavy stains.

How should you take care of your veneers?

Our dental veneer dentist can tell you how to keep your veneers in good condition. Good oral habits, including oral hygiene techniques and products, can be recommended. Our dentist will also explain your professional care options after you get veneers.

Veneers can last for decades when they care cared for correctly. When you visit our dentist for a consultation, you can learn more about this amazing treatment.

How Long do Dental Veneers Last?

Patients with cosmetic dental issues have a few options for correcting them. They can opt for individual treatments, such as orthodontics or teeth whitening. Alternatively, they can choose to get dental veneers. This option is relatively simple, and is much less costly and time consuming.

In addition to being quick, effective, and cost effective, dental veneers can also last a very long time. If treated correctly, they can remain on the teeth for fifteen years. Fortunately, treating your veneers correctly is very easy. Patients are instructed to care for their veneers just like their natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and not using your teeth for anything they shouldn’t be. Of course, this also includes visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleaning, perhaps more often than before.

If you do not want a permanent addition to the smile such as this option, there may be a few other choices for you. For example, Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that can be removed if needed. This can be discussed with our veneers dentist at a consultation appointment. You can schedule one at our Los Angeles office today.

How to Take Care of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic restoration that can correct chipped, crooked, stained, cracked or gapped teeth. The porcelain imitates the look of natural dental enamel and gives you an aesthetically pleasing smile. Our cosmetic dentist in San Francisco can determine your candidacy for veneers and help you design the smile of your dreams.

Once veneers have been applied, they do need to be maintained to maximize their lifespan. While you don’t need to implement any special routines to keep them looking beautiful, you do need to take care of them. Chewing on nonfood items such as pencils, fingernails or ice can damage them just like it can damage your natural teeth. Inconsistent brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, which can decay the teeth underneath them and weaken the bond, leading to premature failure of the veneer. Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove the buildup in the areas that are harder to reach.

“Dental veneers have a highly glazed and polished outer surface. You need to choose a toothpaste that in non abrasive and stay away from tartar control toothpastes as they can create micro scratches on the surface of the veneers, which can lead to future staining of the veneers” says our dentist.

Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, so you can keep eating and drinking your favorite foods. Skip alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can damage the bonding securing the veneers to your teeth, and use a fluoride mouthwash or other recommended mouthwash. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with our porcelain veneers dentist in San Francisco.

Who Can Get Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are the toughest veneers and are built to last. Of course, like real teeth, veneers do sustain wear over time and eventually must be replaced. Here is a look at how long you can expect your porcelain veneers to last.

Here is How Long Porcelain Veneers Last

Generally, porcelain veneers will last for more than a decade, and they can even last for more than 20 years. This does depend on how well you care for them in terms of your lifestyle and oral hygiene.

Reasons for Damaged Porcelain Veneers

Some causes of damaged veneers are more common than others. One type of damage, discoloration, often occurs because of coffee, wine, tea and tobacco. Broken veneers are frequently due to pen and pencil chewing, teeth grinding and hard food consumption.

What Happens When Damage Occurs?

When stains develop, professional polishing by our dentist may restore the natural shine of the veneers. Other repairs may be possible if a veneer becomes cracked or chipped.

The longevity of veneers depends on the individual, but one to two decades or more is common. With eventual replacement of veneers, you can ensure that your new smile lasts forever. You can contact our porcelain veneers dentist to find out more about how long veneers last.

Porcelain Veneers Advantages

Candidates for porcelain veneers should have healthy teeth and gums for the best results. These thin tooth-shaped shells are made to be bonded over your natural teeth and can cover virtually any cosmetic flaws. To have your porcelain veneers placed, our Beverly Hills porcelain veneers dentist will need to alter your natural teeth slightly. The procedure is not typically reversible, but it offers many benefits, including:

• The ability to cover nearly any imperfection, including gaps, stains, chips and worn enamel
• A stain-resistant and scratch-resistant finish that allows you to eat and drink just about anything with confidence
• Durable, long-lasting results that can keep your teeth looking their best for years
• A natural, lifelike appearance

Several steps are involved in placing veneers. Before they can be applied, you will need to have a complete dental evaluation and create a treatment plan. Next, your teeth will need to be prepared so that the veneers will fit comfortably in your mouth. Finally, the veneers will be attached to your teeth using a special bonding cement. Are you ready to transform your smile? Call our dental office today to learn more about how porcelain veneers can help or to schedule your initial consultation.