Do you want a total smile makeover without the long wait?
Porcelain veneers are a highly durable cosmetic solution suitable for addressing a range of cosmetic dental concerns. Porcelain veneers can help you achieve a well-balanced, bright white, and natural-looking smile.
Improving the appearance of your smile is essential. Addressing cosmetic blemishes often helps to support a healthier smile. Even minor chips and cracks can lead to root canal infections, tooth loss, or other secondary issues. Having a smile you feel proud of can boost your self-confidence and improve your overall well-being.
A perfect smile can change your life. It’s how people form their initial impression of you, what they remember and enjoy. I can make your smile amazing with our custom Porcelain Veneers. You will be thrilled with how you look and how you feel.
With the experience, training, and artistic eye of Dr. Steve Fountain, patients enjoy natural, gorgeous results when they choose dental veneers as part of their smile makeover. Integrating dental technology and the art of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Fountain custom designs dental veneers that fit, feel and look like natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers in Claremont, CA
A dental veneer is an ultra-thin ceramic shell that the dentist bonds to the surface of the tooth. Each veneer is about .3mm to .5mm thick. The dentist custom-designs it using digital imaging and high-quality dental grade porcelain.
Porcelain veneers can address cosmetic dental concerns as well as restore teeth to full function. Because of this, they are a permanent dental restoration. Our dentists at Claremont Dental Institute can use porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of:
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps in teeth
Did you know that a dentist can use a porcelain veneer to make a tooth look more uniform in color? A porcelain veneer can hide deep stains on a single tooth that does not respond to traditional teeth whitening due to medications or permanent discoloration. To learn about the difference between porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, visit Teeth Whitening Vs. Porcelain Veneers.
Minimal Prep Veneers vs. Traditional Porcelain Veneers
We offer two different dental veneer options: minimal-prep veneers and traditional porcelain veneers. Both are thin shells of porcelain that the dentist places on the front of the teeth.
Traditional veneers are thicker and require the removal of natural tooth structure to make room for them. Traditional porcelain veneers often require local anesthetic, and they require more preparation time and are more expensive than minimal prep veneers. However, they are more durable and can last up to 15 years or more.
On the other hand, minimal prep veneers are much thinner than traditional veneers. They do not require removing tooth structure to fit. Usually, no local anesthetic is necessary for placing minimal-prep veneers since the procedure is less invasive. Minimal-prep veneers are less expensive than traditional porcelain veneers as well, and the treatment time is shorter. However, they are less durable and usually only last between five to seven years.
The option that we recommend for your needs will depend on a number of factors, from the patient’s preference to the severity of the patient’s cosmetic issues.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
Receiving a dental veneer will require a few trips to the Claremont Dental Institute. Veneers are a multi-phased treatment that results in natural, beautiful smiles.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your porcelain veneers treatment will begin with a one-on-one cosmetic consultation with one of our dentists. During your consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic goals, review your oral health and go over possible treatment plans.
Our dentist will build a cosmetic treatment plan that will address underlying dental health concerns. It will also outline the process of repairing the function of your mouth, and enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Tooth Preparation
Dental veneers require the removal of a portion of your tooth enamel. First, your dentist will begin by gently removing a layer of tooth enamel from the affected tooth. He will do this to make space for the veneer to sit evenly with the adjacent teeth. Then he will clean your teeth to make sure there is no debris that can interfere with successful results.
Taking Impressions and Placing Temporary Dental Veneer
After cleaning your teeth, your dentist will take digital images and impressions of your teeth to use them to design the veneer. These precise measurements help your dentist create a veneer that will perfectly blend in with your existing teeth. Next, he may place a temporary veneer and send you home.
We need time to create your new veneer, so a temporary veneer will let you be able to still use your mouth without issue. However, we recommend sticking to a soft diet while wearing the temporary dental veneer.
During this time, we are creating the new veneer in a dental lab. At the dental lab, we will match the veneers’ color to your existing teeth. The material is light reflective and will look like your adjacent teeth.
Placing Permanent Dental Veneer
Once we are ready to place the new veneer, we will call you back into our office for the placement visit of the procedure. Your dentist will temporarily place the new veneer or veneers on your tooth and conduct a final check with you. Here, you will approve the shape, size, and fit of the veneer before we permanently bond it in place.
To bond it in place, we will use a special bonding agent or dental cement. Finally, you will have a new smile that you will be proud to show off. You can return to your daily routine immediately after you leave our dental office.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Dental veneers will solve many cosmetic issues however you may questions about the procedure before you commit to it. We hope our frequently asked questions section will help you understand more about teeth veneers. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us during regular business hours.
What issues can dental veneers address?
We can use these restorations to address issues with the shape and color of your teeth. We can mask permanent teeth stains, which often don’t respond to traditional teeth whitening techniques. Placing them can also reshape malformed or chipped teeth.
We can use them to lengthen worn-down teeth or even close gaps between teeth. Finally, our dentist can place them to correct the appearance of minor misalignment.
How do I maintain my new teeth veneers?
You should take the same steps to safeguard your veneers as you would to protect your teeth. We suggest brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night before going to bed. It’s also important to avoid hard and crunchy foods that can chip or crack the veneers. If you grind your teeth at night, we recommend wearing a dental night guard.
You should also make time every six months to schedule a checkup and dental cleaning with your dentist. During these visits, we can monitor your new restorations and remove plaque buildup.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers varies greatly based on the individual patient’s needs, the complexity of the individual case, the number of veneers required and the experience of the dentist performing the treatment.
It’s important to note that the cost of the procedure is not the only factor to consider when weighing your treatment options. Be sure to discuss the quality of the materials, and the experience and skill set of the dentist administering the procedure at your next visit.
Are porcelain veneers better than other types of dental veneers?
There are several types of dental veneers, such as composite and porcelain veneers. Both types have similar goals, to improve the appearance of your teeth, conceal dental imperfections, and give you a beautiful, confident smile. Porcelain veneers, however, tend to offer more durability and a longer lasting result than composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers are less likely to chip or stain, and are more resistant to damage from certain foods and drinks. Porcelain veneers also have a more lifelike appearance due to their color and shine, which mimics natural teeth. In general, porcelain veneers offer a greater degree of customization and better long-term results than composite veneers.
How long will my porcelain veneers last?
Your new dental veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Sometimes, they can last even longer with meticulous care. Several factors will determine the lifespan of your veneers including your oral hygiene habits, diet, and overall health. However, they will not last forever. You will eventually have to replace them because of normal wear and tear.
What are the risks of getting porcelain veneers?
Like any dental procedure, getting porcelain veneers comes with some risks. These may include tooth sensitivity because the dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface. This sensitivity usually subsides within a few days following the procedure.
Also, the veneer’s color may not match the surrounding teeth perfectly. We suggest whitening your teeth before getting porcelain veneers so they will match the final color of your teeth. Lastly, dental veneers are permanent. Once you commit to them, you must upkeep them for the rest of your life since they involve removing enamel.
Do you think you need dental veneers? Contact Claremont Dental Institute at (909) 277-6919, or request an appointment online today to see if you qualify for this dental procedure.