Porcelain VeneersAn Overview
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.
Dental 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:
- Misshapen teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Discolored 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.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
What Issues Can 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 Restorations?
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.