Porcelain Veneers

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Porcelain dental veneers are a beautiful way to correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. By placing a customized shell over the surface of the tooth, dentists can provide patients with bright, aligned, and natural looking smiles. Dental flaws that may have been a source of embarrassment or discomfort for years can be corrected in as little as one or two appointments. If you are considering this cosmetic dentistry treatment and would like more information, please continue reading, as we have put together a comprehensive guide of everything you need to know, so you can make an informed decision.

Placement Procedure

Placement of the shells is one that requires the skill, precision, and artistry of a talented cosmetic dentist. Your first appointment will go as follows:

  • The dentist will prepare each tooth by removing about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the surface.
  • The treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthetic so you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
  • Once each tooth has been prepared, an impression of the teeth is made. This impression allows the specialists at the dental laboratory to fabricate a custom fit product.
  • The final product will be ready to be placed in one to two weeks; in the meantime, your dentist will place temporary veneers over your teeth.

When the permanent shells are ready, you will return for a second appointment to have them placed:

  • Your dentist will evaluate the porcelain veneers next to your teeth and further trim and adjust them.
  • The teeth will be cleaned and polished, and etched so the bonding solution adheres to the teeth.
  • Each shell is then secured to the teeth with cement.
  • The dentist will provide you with necessary aftercare instructions.
  • Confidently leave the dentist's office with a brand new, beautiful smile.

Candidates

The first step in your journey toward perfecting your smile involves a consultation with a skilled cosmetic dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. Ideal candidates have healthy teeth and gums, and would like to improve the appearance of their smiles. This treatment can mask a range of dental flaws, including:

  • Gaps or spaces between teeth
  • Chipped, cracked, and damaged teeth
  • Crooked, uneven teeth
  • Asymmetry
  • Worn enamel
  • Recessed teeth
  • Discolorations or yellowed teeth
  • Irregularly shaped teeth
  • Teeth that are too short or too long

Your dentist will provide you with alternatives should it be established that you are not a good candidate for the procedure.

Cosmetic digital imaging is provided by many dentists to aid patients in their decision making process. Cosmetic digital imaging allows the dentist to give patients a visual picture of the end result, without actually performing any treatment. Cosmetic digital imaging, however, is meant to serve only as a guide and it is important that patients have realistic expectations of the end result.

Visit the DocShop gallery to view porcelain veneers before and after photos.

Photo credit: Ruth E. Bailey D.D.S.

Benefits

This cosmetic dentistry option offers patients a number of excellent benefits, which include:

  • Natural-looking results
  • Made from extremely durable material
  • Minimally-invasive procedure
  • Resistant to staining
  • Correct multiple flaws
  • Long-lasting solution - 10 to 15 years
  • Restore strength and functionality to the teeth
  • Customized for your individual smile
  • Relatively quick process - one to two appointments
  • Restore your confidence, smile proudly

Risks

As with all cosmetic treatments, there is some risk involved, though extremely minimal. For example, patients may experience some minor tooth sensitivity immediately following the procedure. It is important to discuss your medical history and ask questions during your initial consultation, so you are well aware of any risks or side effects prior to commencing treatment. Additionally, be sure to find a qualified cosmetic dentist with experience performing the procedure.

Cost

The cost of treatment depends on the number of teeth being treated. They generally cost from $700 to $2,000 per tooth. When considering the cost of treatment, you must take into account their longevity and attractiveness. Porcelain veneers are long lasting alternatives to other treatments such as teeth whitening that cost less but must be maintained more often and lose their cosmetic appeal more quickly.

Find a Dentist

DocShop is a unique resource to help you find reputable dentists in your area who provide the services you require. By directing you to the informative websites of dentists, you can learn about the procedure or procedures you are considering as well as the qualifications, backgrounds, and experience of dental professionals. To schedule a consultation about treatment, find a cosmetic dentist in your state.

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Keyword Tags: porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry

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Comments

1

The only thing veneers with do for an underbite is make it whiter or prettier. Your JAW will still be out farther. I'm not sure if i can even take that as a serious question unless you're 12... at which point you shouldn't be free to roam around on the internet, engaging in dialogue. My best friend had braces for years when we were kids and ended up getting her jaw wired shut for 3 weeks during a summer break in high school. Yeah, she couldn't eat... but it was a great diet and she has a better smile than anyone I know. Plus, she can eat and drink easier. I would have much rather had my jaw wired shut for my overbite than 6 years in braces. Really, 3 weeks beats 6 years any day.

I just found out my stepdad's had veneers for about 20 years and they're nice, but he has spends around 15-20,000 every 10 years getting them redone. I'd much rather stick to bleaching.

:)
almost 2 years ago

2

Hi, Matt. I have (better said: had) the same problem as you do: can't bite.
When smiling, only the tip of the top front teeth were visible and just like yours, my teeth are straight.
I am about to remove my braces after a year and a half. My problem is not 100% fixed, the doctor told me so from the beginning. Still, I prefer the braces to surgery.
Now my smile will look normal and most importantly, I'll relief some of the stress from the back teeth.
Bite problem is a serious issue, more important than aesthetics.
Veneers are not a solution, go get braces!

Alice
almost 2 years ago

3

I have decent front teeth though yellow but I have lost most all of my upper back teeth and several lower back teeth. My parents couldn't afford to take me to the dentist and I am on a fixed income (disability) The teeth in my smile line have started to fall out and it is embarrassing to smile. I am presently looking for a job and would appreciate immensely any help you can give. Thanks

Mikel Williams
almost 2 years ago

4

I am a mother of 4 beautiful children. I work full time and attend college full time. My husband and I both need dental work but can't afford it. We applied for financing but we don't qualify. We need to find a dentist who will set up payment plans with us. Is there anyone who can help us?

Diedra
about 2 years ago

5

I was a tough kinda chick back in my childhood and through playing aggressively with my siblins I fell and broke the front top tooth and it was devastating. I am now 20years old and that accident happened when I was about 10 years old and I always have a problem smiling because no dentist in the Caribbean is capable of making my crown look a bit blended! I'm gonna be broadening my horizons and going over seas and get these veneers because i want to smile with out covering my mouth and smile with confidence is pictures!

Kitty
about 2 years ago

6

I can only show the tips of my top teeth no matter how hard i try. lm suppose to get braces in a few weeks but i already have pretty straight teeth just a small under bite. they told me braces might not do much for my problem. should i just get veneers instead?

Matt
about 2 years ago

7

SEVERAL OF MY TEETH HAVE CRACKED AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT THE LONG TERM ISSUES. COULD VENEER HELP LOWER THE STRESS AND IMPROVE LONGEVITY OF MY TEETH.

GILANVZ
about 2 years ago

8

I'm sure we've all had our moments in mirror Lisa. I can only imagine how hard it must be to still try to maintain that personality through high school as I was the same way but in middle school I decided to become shy to spare myself the embarrassment. And they are just being nice, the truth is, they can't even look you in the eye because it is so distracting. It's natural to notice something out of order, we just can't help it. If you or anyone in the same boat wants to chat, you can email me at craignorthend@gmail.com

waguy
about 2 years ago

9

I am the same way Mirriam and waguy! i am pretty, but my teeth make me ugly.. they are so crooked i cant take it.. i been called names in high school and it really lowered my self esteem. people today say that dont even notice my teeth are not straight, but come on i think they are just being nice.. thats one of the first thing people look at... i hate smiling, yet my personality makes me the center of attention :-( i use to cry in the mirror wishing for a miracle...

Lisa
about 2 years ago

10

Miriam, I've suffered from the same issue my entire life and people have no idea how destructive it is to not have decent teeth in American society... You don't smile and people think there is something wrong with you but really you just aren't proud of your teeth, and why would you be? There is nothing to esteem... I've currently got braces on after many years of saving but it can never make up for the 15 years of adolescent self imposed isolation and personality damage that resulted. I wish there were dentists that worked pro bono for the less fortunate considering this is just as disabling as any other health problem. I'm a good looking guy too and my teeth are the only real problem but it's more than enough to ruin my confidence and attractiveness...

waguy
about 2 years ago

11

Thanks for the information on Porcelain veneers. I'm looking at getting some myself to improve my smile without having to go through a year of wearing braces, I'm a professional and am required to maintain a good appearance at all times. Hopefully veneers can transform my smile so I can open my mouth in photos

Mike Vaters
about 2 years ago

12

Thanks for the useful information, I've been looking around the net today for more information regarding porcelain veneers and this has been one of the most useful articles/guides I've seen today. Keep up the good work :)

Porcelain Veneers
about 2 years ago

13

I am marrying the man of my dreams this is my 1st wedding and i want our wedding pictures to be priceless and i would do anything to get my teeth fixed. We cnt afford it now due to wedding expenses i would be greatly appreciated for anyone who can help me thank you in advance!

Terri Bogan
about 2 years ago

14

i have really crooked teeth the worst teeth i ever seen and my parents never took me to the dentists because they dont have no money and i been suffering all my life when i smile i try not to show my teeth. i want somebody to help me please im sure if you see me you're going to know that i really need it..I am a beautiful girl but the only thing thats wrong is my teeth..im even scared to laugh in front of people please do something i need somebody

miriam
about 2 years ago







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