Veneers Porcelain veneers are thin shells placed over stained, misshaped, damaged, or unattractive teeth.  They can also close gaps between teeth. and can dramatically improve your smile.  The thin layer of porcelain appears very natural due to the translucency of porcelain.  They are stain resistant, not susceptible to decay, and long lasting.   Veneers can be made from either porcelain or resin, with porcelain the more natural looking of the two.   Typically porcelain veneers require that you have two appointments. Resin veneers can sometimes be placed in one visit.  Since veneers are applied to your natural teeth, they must be fundamentally healthy to provide a strong foundation for the veneers. Veneers represent the most highly "cosmetic" of dental procedures.  Many times they are applied simply because the patient is unhappy with their current smile.  The results can quite often be dramatic.

What is the procedure for getting veneers? Veneers must be carefully planned for.  You will have a consultation with your Cosmetic Dentist to review your needs.  This visit will include diagnosis of any problems that may exist, and will often include taking of digital X-Rays. If veneers are appropriate, your dentist will review the procedures with you, discuss the pros and cons, and develop a treatment plan.  It is quite common that a patient will plan for veneers on several teeth at one time. During your second visit, your  teeth will be prepared for receiving the veneers.  A small layer of enamel is removed to provide a better surface for bonding, and to provide room for the thin porcelain veneer.  A tooth shade will be selected.   Impressions will be made of your teeth that will be used to make your veneers to your Cosmetic Dentist's specifications. Finally, temporary veneers will be shaped and applied with temporary cement until your permanent veneers are ready.   It will generally take about two weeks before your veneers are back from the Dental Laboratory. At your final appointment your veneers will be tested for fit and evaluated to make sure they are the right shade.  They may be shaped slightly by your Cosmetic Dentist to make your teeth look as natural as possible.  Once they are bonded to your teeth, they should look and feel like your own teeth. If you are planning on having veneers, it is important that you see a Cosmetic Dentist who is trained in this procedure.   At Devonshire Dental Associates, we have many years of experience with veneers.

Self Esteem The appearance of your teeth and smile have a dramatic impact on how others view you, and on your self esteem and confidence.  Dental Veneers can vastly improve your appearance and how you feel about yourself. No longer do you have to "live with" an unattractive smile.    It is important to have a consultation with your Cosmetic Dentist and be frank about why you are dissatisfied with about your smile.  Together you will develop a treatment plan that will put you on the road to a smile that you can be proud of.  Factors that will be considered include your age, economic restrictions, and overall health.

What are the Pros and Cons of Veneers? Pros Porcelain veneers are the most natural looking of all cosmetic restorations.  Their translucency most resembles your natural teeth. They are long lasting, typically from 5 to 10 years. Veneers are not susceptible to decay or staining. Veneers can dramatically improve your appearance. Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well. Veneers can be selected that make dark underlying teeth appear whiter. Cons The process is not reversible. Cost can be higher than some procedures such as Bonding. Patients who grind or clench their teeth may not be good candidates for veneers as they may crack or chip. Veneers are not a good choice for diseased or weakened teeth because they must form the foundation for the new veneers. Tooth decay can still affect the natural portion (back) of the tooth with a veneer applied.    Because some enamel must be removed, teeth with veneers can sometimes be more sensitive to hot and cold. Although it does not happen often, veneers can come off the tooth.