Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are adhered to the front side of visible teeth in order to improve their appearance. They are a common cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the size, shape, alignment, and spacing of the teeth. They are also ideal for fixing broken teeth or teeth that are stained and do not respond to traditional whitening treatments. Veneers can be placed individually or they can be used for a complete smile makeover.
Did You Know?
Although porcelain is the most commonly used dental material for veneers, composite veneers also exist. Composite veneers are made by bonding composite resin to the surface of the tooth. Composite resin does not require as much enamel modification as porcelain, however it also does not last as long.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?
You may be a candidate for porcelain veneers if you have one or more imperfect teeth that you are looking to improve with cosmetic dentistry. Porcelain veneers work well to address any or all of the following:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Improperly sized teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Teeth with gaps between them
- Overlapping teeth
- Stained teeth that don’t respond to whitening
- Worn teeth
In order to have veneers placed, however, your teeth will first need to be free from tooth decay. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with Dr. Guirguis today.
What can I expect when having porcelain veneers placed by Dr. Guirguis?
When having porcelain veneers placed by Dr. Guirguis, you can first expect your mouth to be anesthetized. In some cases, dental sedation may also be provided if requested. Once you have been made comfortable, Dr. Guirguis will begin by modifying your enamel so that the veneers will fit without making your teeth look bulky or affecting your bite. To do this, Dr. Guirguis will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front side of your teeth. After all the affected teeth have been modified, then a dental impression or oral scan will be taken of your mouth. This information will be sent to a dental laboratory and used to fabricate your custom veneers. In the meantime, Dr. Guirguis will place temporary veneers to protect your teeth and maintain the necessary space for the permanent restoration. On average, it takes about 1-2 weeks for your permanent veneers to be fabricated. When your permanent veneers are completed, then a second dental appointment will be needed to remove your temporary veneers and replace them with the permanent veneers.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
You will care for your porcelain veneers just as you would your natural teeth. This means that you will need to brush them twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and visit Dr. Guirguis at least twice a year for professional dental cleanings. You will also need to prevent your veneers from becoming damaged by avoiding activities such as biting your nails, grinding your teeth, using your teeth to open packages, and chewing on ice or other excessively hard foods. Although porcelain is stain-resistant, it can stain if the outer glaze becomes damaged or worn due to these activities.
