Porcelain Veneers and Your Smile at Zak Dental

Porcelain Veneers and Your Smile

Porcelain veneers are a great solution for improving and beautifying your smile.

Porcelain veneers can reshape teeth, change tooth color, close gaps, and fix worn or chipped teeth to create a white uniform smile. The thin veneers are bonded to the teeth and are nearly invisible. They are also resistant to coffee, tea, and cigarette stains. They greatly resemble healthy white tooth enamel and are strong. At Zak Dental, our team of dentists work with precision to cosmetically improve the look of your teeth, and make sure that your porcelain veneers match the rest of your teeth so that they blend in beautiful.

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If you live in Southern California, feel free to Schedule a New Patient Visit with us in Zak Dental offices in Agoura Hills, Covina/San Dimas, Downey, Long Beach, North Park, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, Temecula, Valencia, Ventura, and Whittier/La Mirada, California.

For all your dental needs, schedule an appointment by calling the Zak Dental office at 833-ZAK-TEAM.

Would a veneer option be best to improve my smile or look of my teeth?

Veneers are a type of conservative dental restoration that can be used to conceal a variety of imperfections in visible tooth enamel, including minor discoloration, pitted and irregular enamel, crooked, cracked or heavily restored teeth – and those with deep stains such as those caused by tetracycline and fluorosis.

Preparing teeth for porcelain veneers typically involves removing at least some enamel from the visible surfaces to prevent the veneer from being too bulky. The veneer thickness depends on the type of porcelain used and other factors.

When finished, porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth so that the edge or “margin” is not visible.

In the ideal case, the contours of a veneered tooth will be very similar to those of a natural tooth. Veneers can produce truly stunning results when the goal is to whiten or change the color or shape of a patient’s teeth. To allow the veneers to slide over the tooth, the teeth are prepared on their visible surfaces to create a slight taper. Placing the margins on the non-visible surface of the teeth serves two functions: it helps give the bonded veneer additional resistance to dislodgement, and it ensures that any staining that may occur along the margin is not visible in the smile.

Finished veneers produce incredible aesthetic results that can last for decades with proper care.

 

Porcelain Veneers FAQ

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of your smile by covering imperfections such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignments.

How are porcelain veneers applied?

The process typically involves three main steps:

• Consultation: Your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine if veneers are the right option for you.
• Preparation: A small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of the teeth to make room for the veneers. Impressions of your teeth are then taken to create custom veneers.
• Bonding: Once the veneers are ready, your dentist will place them on your teeth to check their fit and appearance. Adjustments can be made before they are permanently bonded to your teeth using a special adhesive.

What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?

• Natural Appearance: Porcelain veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
• Stain Resistance: Porcelain is resistant to staining, keeping your smile bright.
• Durability: With proper care, veneers can last 10-15 years or longer.
• Customization: Veneers are tailored to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

Are there any drawbacks to porcelain veneers?

• Irreversibility: The enamel removal process is irreversible.
• Cost: Veneers can be expensive, and they are typically not covered by insurance.
• Sensitivity: Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after the procedure.

How do I care for my porcelain veneers?

• Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to maintain oral health.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard foods that can chip the veneers.
• Regular Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
• Avoid Staining Substances: Limit consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine, and avoid smoking.

Can anyone get porcelain veneers?

While many people are good candidates for veneers, not everyone is. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, the condition of your teeth, and your overall goals to determine if veneers are the right choice for you.

How long does the porcelain veneer process take?

The entire process usually takes a few weeks. After the initial consultation, the preparation and bonding appointments are typically scheduled within a couple of weeks, depending on the dental laboratory’s schedule and your dentist’s availability.

Do porcelain veneers look natural?

Yes, porcelain veneers are designed to look very natural. They are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Can veneers be whitened?

No, porcelain veneers cannot be whitened. It’s important to choose the shade of your veneers carefully. If you are considering teeth whitening, it should be done before getting veneers.

What happens if a veneer gets damaged or falls off?

If a veneer gets damaged or falls off, contact your dentist immediately. Depending on the extent of the damage, the veneer can either be repaired or replaced.

If you have any more specific questions or concerns about porcelain veneers, feel free to schedule an appointment by calling the Zak Dental office at 833-ZAK-TEAM.