Dental Veneers

What are dental veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are made of tooth-colored materials, which cover the front surface of the tooth to enhance its appearance. The shells are bonded to the tooth itself and can last between 5 to 10 years before having to be replaced. They are also stain-resistant and offer a natural tooth appearance without having to extensively alter the tooth prior to application (like other restorations). They are often a good alternative to dental crowns and are an effective way to change the look and shape of your teeth quickly while adding strength to the structure of the tooth itself.

What dental issues do veneers fix?

Unlike teeth whitening treatments, which typically just treat stained or discolored teeth, dental veneers remedy a variety of cosmetic dental issues and even provide some added strength!

Dental issues that porcelain veneers can address:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Teeth that have been worn down
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Broken teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth (craters or bulges)
• Gapped teeth

What are the benefits of veneers?

• They give your teeth a natural appearance
• Porcelain is well tolerated by gums
• Porcelain veneers resist staining
• You can choose a color to make dark teeth look whiter
• They don’t need as much shaping as crowns, but they look stronger and better

What to expect when getting porcelain veneers?

After your Arlington dentist has examined your smile to ensure that you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers, impressions of your teeth will be taken. The impressions are then sent off to a dental laboratory so that the dental veneers can be created.

Once your new veneers are sent back to our office, after about 1 to 2 weeks, we then place the dental veneers on your teeth to make sure that they are a good match, trimming and shaping them as necessary. Then, approximately half a millimeter of enamel must be removed from your teeth in order to make room for the veneers (a local anesthetic will be used to numb you for this portion of the treatment). Once all of this has been done, the cement, which is tinted to provide a natural match for your complexion, will be applied and a special light will be used to bond the cement to your teeth. Your bite will then be evaluated and any excess cement will be removed.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last for between 7 to 15 years. The veneers will need to be replaced after this period. It is important to continue brushing and flossing your teeth to ensure the longevity of your veneers. It is also important to continue visiting your dentist for dental cleanings and check-ups after receiving this cosmetic treatment.