What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a very popular choice in cosmetic dentistry because they are so versatile and can accomplish so much with so little time and effort. The concept is simple. A veneer is just a very thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Because it is made of porcelain, it looks like real tooth enamel. Because it is bonded to your tooth, it is very strong and durable. Typically, veneers are used to cover anywhere from two or three to a group eight teeth.
 

Solving Multiple Issues in One Minimally Invasive Treatment

By choosing porcelain veneers, you may be able to avoid undergoing multiple procedures. Porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of chipped teeth, cracks, gaps, minor crookedness, unevenly sized teeth, and more. The procedure itself is minimally invasive, requiring only that the enamel be prepared to receive the veneers before they are placed. It is all done in just two office visits.
 

Beautiful Porcelain

Dental porcelain is the material most like natural tooth enamel that is available. It reacts with light in the same way as natural teeth, so you don’t get the flat that was common with older dental materials. It can be color-matched to your teeth, so it blends in perfectly with the surrounding teeth. We can whiten your teeth first so that your veneers are matched to your optimal shade. The veneers are stain resistant.

When you have porcelain veneers, you care for them just like your natural teeth. Because they are very thin, they will feel and function like your natural teeth, too.

Why are Porcelain Veneers referred to as “Instant Orthodontics”?

Porcelain veneers are sometimes referred to as instant orthodontics because they can be used to correct the appearance of minor crookedness. Veneers do not actually straighten your teeth, but they can make them look straight without the hassle and time commitment of wearing braces or using Invisalign. In addition, you get the benefit of correcting the appearance of other dental flaws such as discoloration and unevenly sized teeth. 

Fast and Convenient
Porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful, straight smile in just two office visits. You don’t have to spend months or years waiting for your teeth to slowly move to the correct position, as you make multiple visits to the orthodontist for adjustments. You can skip the discomfort or straightening your teeth, and the inconvenience of caring for teeth with braces or wearing aligner trays. 

Special Occasions
Want your teeth to be photo-ready in time for a wedding, graduation, or another special occasion? Porcelain veneers may be the solution for you. You have enough on your plate without having to commit the time and effort it takes to go through traditional orthodontics. 

For Those Who Have Already Worn Braces
If you had your teeth straightened with traditional orthodontics when you were a teenager, only to have them shift out of place when your wisdom teeth came in later in life, you probably don’t want to go through the process all over again. The hard work has already been done.

Now you can correct the minor crookedness that came back in a quick and easy treatment. And, you can take care of multiple issues at once. If you have stains that do not respond to whitening, chipped teeth, or teeth that are unevenly sized, porcelain veneers will cover these flaws as well.

Maintaining the Results of Teeth Whitening

After teeth whitening, your teeth can quickly become stained again if you do not take some basic steps to maintain the results. Consuming staining foods and drinks, and tobacco use, all contribute to the discoloration of your teeth, so you will want to minimize these activities, but a few changes in your habits can help you extend the results without having to give up staining substances entirely.
 

Staining Foods and Beverages

You probably know the most obvious culprits, such as red wine, but there are some less obvious foods that can stain your teeth, too. Examples of staining foods and beverages include:

• Red wine
• Dark berries and fruit, such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and pomegranate
• Fruit juice
• Smoothies
• Tomato sauce
• Curry, and other sauces containing turmeric
• Soy, tamari, and teriyaki sauce
• Chocolate
• Beets
• Potatoes
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soda
• Sports drinks
• Colored candies

Keeping Your Teeth White without a Deprivation Diet

Some of the substances that are staining are also very healthy, and you don’t want to trash your diet or give up your favorite foods and beverages just to keep your teeth white. Be mindful of what you are putting in your mouth and act accordingly. Here are some tips that can help you get away with indulging:

• Use a straw when drinking staining beverages, to help bypass the front surfaces of your teeth
• Brush immediately after consuming staining substances
• When you can’t brush right away, at least rinse your mouth out
• Use a whitening toothpaste
• Touch-up your results periodically with a professional take-home kit from Dr. Patel.