Dental Veneers in Cincinnati
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are a conservative, minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of stained, misshapen, damaged or misaligned teeth. These ultrathin restorations are simply a replacement for enamel that has been worn or damaged over time. Imperfections are masked by strong, thin porcelain or composite resin shields that are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. Very little to no natural tooth structure is altered during this procedure, which means that they do not damage teeth, and actually make them more resistant to wear and will not stain over time.
Who is a Candidate?
Veneers are most commonly done on the front four to eight teeth to evenly blend the improved contours of your smile. Our doctors are meticulous in communicating with each individual patient on what they wish to achieve with their smile. Your teeth can be lengthened, made to look fuller in contour, and a wide variety of natural colors offer you the ability to create the smile of your dreams. Once in place, veneers hide tooth stains that did not respond to teeth-whitening techniques, chips and other flaws.
How We Create the Perfect Fit
Using computer modeling, the experienced Cincinnati dentists of Pearce Dental Group will create a veneer that is an ideal match for the color and thickness of your existing teeth. Veneers are stronger than your teeth, but look just as natural. In the case of porcelain veneers, the material resists stains. Lovers of coffee, tea or red wine no longer need to worry about repeated teeth whitening procedures to maintain the brilliance of a smile. With composite resin veneers, patients are advised to avoid certain foods that may cause discoloration.
Dental Veneer Procedures
Porcelain Veneers
To make room for a porcelain veneer, and to firmly attach the veneer to the surface, some of the natural tooth may need to be modified at the start of the procedure. This is a simple process that is done with local anesthetic, and often patients will elect to have nitrous oxide or sedation with a medication similar to valium. The procedure usually takes two hours and is followed up by a visit two to three days later for insertion of the permanent veneers. A temporary set of veneers that are custom designed by our doctors will be worn during this transition to help give a glimpse of what the final veneers will look like.
Composite Resin Veneers
For patients who prefer a temporary and less expensive option to improve the appearance of teeth, composite resin veneers or dental bonding may be appropriate. With both of these options, the structure of the tooth is not always modified; composite material is bonded to the tooth in a quick process that can later be reversed, if desired. During a composite resin veneer or bonding procedure, your dentist carefully applies a tooth-colored material that can be sculpted into any shape or size. After application of a high-intensity light to harden the material, each tooth is polished to a dazzling brilliance.
Composite resin veneers can often be attached to the teeth in a single day. Porcelain veneers are fabricated by our world-class laboratory and require a follow-up office visit. Composite resin is not as durable as porcelain, lasting an expected five to seven years. By contrast, porcelain veneers should last 20+ years.
How are Porcelain Veneers Different from Dental Crowns?
Porcelain veneers and dental crowns can address tooth flaws and discoloration. However, dental crowns also serve a restorative purpose by protecting and strengthening a vulnerable tooth. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that the dentist bonds to the front of one or more of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. These shells are typically used to address tooth gaps, chipped or broken teeth, deep tooth stains and misshapen teeth.
A dental crown is a “cap” that goes over the entire tooth structure to protect it from further damage and decay. Crowns are often best for cracked, severely worn or broken teeth and may be used after a root canal or large filling. These caps can hold a dental bridge in place and help avoid a tooth extraction. Dental crowns require more tooth preparation than porcelain veneers because they are thicker and are placed over the whole tooth instead of the front portion.
How Do I Care for Porcelain Veneers?
You can take care of your porcelain veneers the same way you care for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day for two minutes and consider using an electric toothbrush to avoid brushing too hard against the gum tissue, and ensure you reach all the tiny crevices in your teeth. Floss once a day or use a water flosser if flossing is difficult for you.
Try to avoid grinding your teeth to prevent chipping your porcelain veneers. A mouthguard during sports or at night can help you avoid clenching and grinding. Porcelain veneers can chip if you chew on pens, fingernails, ice or other objects. Regular dental exams and cleanings can make sure your porcelain veneers and natural teeth stay healthy, strong and beautiful.
What are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to repair or cover tooth imperfections for a radiant, natural-looking smile. The porcelain material mimics the sheen of your natural tooth enamel and is stain-resistant because porcelain is non-porous. These shells are fabricated to match the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth and involve a less invasive process than other options such as dental crowns.
Dental veneers offer a quick fix for multiple tooth concerns and provide permanent tooth whitening. In some cases, porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of overcrowded teeth so you can avoid lengthy orthodontic treatment.
Are Dental Veneers Permanent?
Yes, porcelain veneers are permanent because they require tooth preparation or enamel reduction to make room for the shell. Typically, about .5 millimeters of the tooth’s front surface is shaved down to accommodate the veneer. Porcelain veneers resist tooth decay and staining better than your natural teeth and can last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Can I Combine Porcelain Veneers with Other Procedures?
Yes, cosmetic dentistry procedures and treatments are often combined to renew your smile completely. A “smile makeover” uses a combination of options such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and dental bonding to fix tooth flows. Dental restorations and gum disease treatment may be necessary to restore a healthy mouth before cosmetic dental work.
Contact Us for a Dental Appointment
To learn more about porcelain or composite resin veneers, schedule an appointment at the Cincinnati office of Pearce Dental Group today.
