Are your teeth chipped, stained or gapped? Is the enamel on your teeth badly worn or are your teeth not properly aligned? Family Dentistry of Belleville provides excellence in cosmetic dentistry and smile enhancement through the application of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are extensively used to correct orthodontic and cosmetic issues with your teeth.
What are Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, also known as dental veneers or laminates, are a thin shell designed to cover the front of your tooth and made to resemble the natural enamel striation of your teeth. These thin shells are adhered to your tooth and can improve the appearance of your tooth through changes in its color, size, length or shape.
What Dental Problems can Porcelain Veneers correct?
- Chipped Teeth
- Fillings that have discolored your teeth
- Teeth that are crooked or with gaps between them
- Teeth that are haphazardly shaped or sized
- Worn teeth with damage or reduction in the natural enamel
- Stained or discolored teeth
The Porcelain Veneer Process
Porcelain dental veneers typically require multiple consultations and appointments with our dental team. The number of visits directly correlates with the severity of your dental problems. Single or multiple teeth can be prepared and receive porcelain veneers simultaneously.
Your first step requires a consultation with our dental specialist. During that appointment your teeth will be examined and options to correct your dental problems will be discussed. If Porcelain veneers are a viable alternative then digital x-rays and impressions of your mouth and problem teeth will be completed.
Your second step requires preparing your teeth to accept the custom designed veneer. Approximately a ½ mm of your tooth’s enamel will be removed from the surface of the tooth in order to offset the thickness of the new porcelain veneer. During the enamel removal, our Dentist will decide if there is a need for a local anesthetic to numb the area and the any anesthetic will be discussed and explained with you during your initial consultation. After the enamel removal, your dentist will create the final impression for your subsequent office visit. It typically takes 1 to 2 weeks for you custom porcelain veneers to be created and received by our office. If the amount of removed enamel is excessive, temporary dental veneers can be applied for an additional cost.
Your final step is the permanent bonding of the veneers to your teeth. As the porcelain veneer is being installed, our Dentist will dry fit the veneer and fine tune the shape of the veneer creating the most natural and best fitting results. Your existing tooth will be carefully cleaned and etched so as to create a better surface to attach the veneer and optimize bonding. After the application of the porcelain veneer, a specialized light is shown onto the veneer to activate the bonding process of the agent. Finally, you teeth are cleaned and excess adhesive is removed. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to examine the veneers, check adhesion and inspect your gums for any irritation caused by the new prosthetic.
Porcelain veneers are an excellent middle of the road alternative to braces or crowns. Take advantage of the various options available today in cosmetic dentistry procedures and walk away with an amazing smile. Please contact Family Dentistry of Belleville to schedule your personal dental consultation at: (734) 699-1808.