Introduction to Porcelain Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are a thin ceramic or composite sheets with a very thin thickness that can range from 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters; these thin sheets are glued to the external surface of your teeth. Dental veneers are useful for modifying the shape, color, length and position of natural teeth. They can change the appearance of your teeth by giving your smile a brighter and straighter appearance.

How many sessions are needed to make the dental veneers?

During the first visit we take x-rays, sometimes photos and preliminary dental impressions. The impressions are studied and reviewed by a veneer dental professional to find the optimal aesthetic solution for each patient.

In the following session, without touching the teeth in any way, we carry out aesthetic tests, the so-called mock-up (removable temporary veneers). With the mock-up set of veneers, we analyze the aesthetics we want to achieve with the final veneers. We do these assessments together with the patient, who in this phase is our main collaborator and ally. If there are changes to be made (shorten, lengthen, etc…) we make them during this session. If everything is okay for us and for the patient we photograph the result obtained, we remove the mock-up and conclude the session.

In the next appointment, we prepare the teeth affected by the 0.5-0.7 mm veneers, take impressions and temporarily cement the temporary resin veneers that the dental technician will have prepared for us in the meantime.

After 10-15 days, the dental technician creates the definitive ceramic or composite veneers which we cement, with adhesive materials, definitively in place of the temporary veneers.

Can dental veneers peel off or break?

If the cementation (application of dental veneers) is performed correctly and with adhesive materials, there is no danger that they may detach. The important thing is obviously to always use quality materials.

In general, dental veneers do not break but a lot depends on the patient’s behavior and the care he will have over time. Grinding (rubbing) your front teeth, biting your nails, biting into very hard food could cause the veneers to break.

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers are a lasting solution but to maintain the result as long as possible, a number of conditions are necessary such as brushing your teeth after each meal, flossing, periodic professional cleaning in the office.

Veneers made of ceramic, lithium disilicate or composite?

Veneers are not all the same. There are composite dental veneers which is the same material with which ceramic (porcelain) dental fillings and veneers are made. In recent years, lithium disilicate dental veneers have also arrived on the market. Composite veneers are the cheapest and have the disadvantage that over time they can lose their brilliance and brightness. On the other hand, ceramic veneers and lithium disilicate veneers are much more used, offering greater guarantee of results over time. The latter are made when there is a risk that the ceramic veneers could break.

Benefits of dental veneers?

• Whiter teeth (even whiter than teeth whitening)
• Dental alignment
• Perfection of color and surface of the enamel
• Corrections of space and black triangles between one tooth and another
• Lengthening of the teeth

Conclusions

The final results and advantages far outweigh any disadvantages due mostly to incorrect maintenance by the patient, than to other types of causes. The costs can be contained but you must always be careful to undergo dental work that is too cheap. Angel Dental offers financing through Care Credit, call us and ask us about financing and let our staff know you are interested in dental veneers. Call (626) 444-2002.