Porcelain veneers are a popular and successful cosmetic dental treatment. Veneers can enhance the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that we will custom-create to fit perfectly on your teeth. We will design them to blend in with your natural teeth.
Smile Design: Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Richard Sousa will use porcelain veneers to transform your teeth. He can take your natural teeth and add dental veneers to create a flawless smile. Dr. Sousa will work with you to develop, design, and place high-quality veneers for a new smile that is uniquely yours. Dr. Sousa can place porcelain veneers to correct:
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
The Porcelain Veneer Process
The Smile Design process begins with a consultation with Dr. Sousa. At this appointment, you will discuss your cosmetic goals, and Dr. Sousa will evaluate your dental health. Our dental practice uses the Image FX digital imaging software and diagnostic wax models during the smile design.
You will be able to preview your new smile and determine the perfect look. Dr. Sousa will create your custom veneers on-site in our dental laboratory.
Dr. Sousa will complete your treatment in two or three visits. The veneer process is fairly painless. At the first visit, we will begin by numbing the area around your teeth.
Dr. Sousa will remove a small amount of tooth structure. Then we will take impressions of your teeth to create the veneers. When they are ready, Dr. Sousa will bond the dental veneers to the front surfaces of your teeth.
Once he bonds the dental veneers to your teeth, you will have the smile of your dreams. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is strong and resists stains. This type of dental veneer offers a long-term solution if you maintain it with good oral hygiene and routine dental care.
Porcelain Veneer Before and After
Choosing the Right Cosmetic Dentist
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist plays a significant role in the results you get. You can expect good, strong results with an experienced cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry includes a range of treatments to repair or enhance the appearance of teeth. Porcelain veneers are a popular treatment that uses ceramic shells that adhere to teeth.
Dr. Sousa is a highly trained dentist who considers your whole mouth. This ensures you will receive the best results that support your long-term oral health.
Dr. Sousa will assess all aspects of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints. He is making sure your oral structure is stable. If you have any dental issues, they could break down your cosmetic work over time.
A bad bite, malocclusion, TMJ dysfunction, or other concerns can place stress on veneers and lead to damage. Fixing any underlying concerns as part of your treatment plan means your results will feel as good as they look.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for fixing chipped, stained, or uneven teeth. If you have any cosmetic issues, read through these most frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers. We want to help you learn more about this cosmetic treatment so you can decide if it’s the best choice to enhance your smile.
Am I a candidate for porcelain veneers?
Most patients will qualify for porcelain veneers. You will qualify if you:
- Have healthy teeth
- Do not grind your teeth
- Do not have gum disease
- Take good care of your oral health
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Teeth veneers are a permanent dental restoration. Once you choose dental veneers, you must maintain them for life. Dr. Sousa will remove a thin layer of enamel during the process. Once he does that, you will need to cover your teeth with veneers or another restoration for life.
Will dental veneers raise my risk of developing cavities or tooth decay?
Dental veneers should not increase your risk of cavities. We will remove a thin layer of enamel, but the tooth veneer will protect it and prevent decay.
However, if you fail to care for your teeth, you can still get a cavity. Taking care of your teeth will prevent tooth decay on the surrounding teeth and the tooth with the veneer. Tooth decay can affect your results. Taking care of your teeth and dental veneers will help them last longer.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper oral care. Your new teeth veneers are strong and will protect your teeth from decay. Also, porcelain prevents staining.
However, at some point, you will need to replace the veneers or refit them. Normal wear and tear is common. Good oral hygiene habits like brushing, flossing, and avoiding staining foods will extend the lifespan of your veneers.
Is it painful to get porcelain veneers?
In most cases, patients report little or no pain during the porcelain veneer process. However, minor discomfort is normal after the cosmetic procedure. The level of pain or discomfort can vary from person to person. Dr. Sousa will use a local anesthetic to make sure you are comfortable during treatment.
Once the anesthetic wears off, minor discomfort is normal. Also, your level of discomfort may change if you are getting other work at the same time. In some cases, Dr. Sousa will need to perform additional procedures before he can apply the veneers. The other treatments may lead to more discomfort or sensitivity in certain areas.
Do porcelain veneers look natural?
We ensure that your new dental veneers will give you a natural-looking smile. Porcelain mimics the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel, which contributes to its natural appearance.
Dr. Sousa has extensive experience placing veneers. He will design them so your veneers will match your other teeth. During the treatment planning, he focuses on the fit, size, shape, and color. Your new dental veneers will blend in perfectly.