Porcelain Veneers
Veneers and crowns are excellent options to improve the strength and cosmetic appearance of your teeth. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored ceramic shells that are bonded onto the front surface of the teeth to create a beautiful straight, white smile. Crowns are essentially the same as veneers but they wrap around the entire tooth for extra support. Bridges are multiple veneers or crowns joined together on each side of a gap to permanently replace the gap. Veneers, crowns, and bridges can recreate a natural-looking smile, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.
Following a thorough examination and treatment planning appointment, the process usually takes two visits to complete. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the ceramic. An impression or scan is then taken. Together with the dentist and lab technician, you will choose the shade (or color) of your ceramic. The laboratory will then fabricate your veneers, crowns and/or bridges within two weeks. During this time, you will have temporary ones on until the next appointment.
On the second visit, they are then bonded permanently to your teeth. The dentist will show you everything in the mirror before bonding to ensure you are happy with the size, shape, and shade. The teeth are cleaned, and they are bonded onto the teeth, leaving you with a beautiful new smile.
Caring for your new veneers, crowns and/or bridges requires regular brushing and flossing just as you normally would. Like your natural teeth, they may have the potential to stain, so it is a good idea to limit food and drinks that are known to cause discoloration such as, tea, coffee, red wine, and soft drinks. Smoking is another source of staining, so if you smoke, you may want to consider quitting, not only will it improve your overall health, but also to keep your veneers white and bright.