Porcelain Veneers - Instant Orthodontics

in Cedar Rapids and Marion, Iowa

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing means a cosmetic dentist uses to create a more beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers are super thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of the teeth. Placing veneers is a rather simple procedure that requires little or no anesthesia and is the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front of your teeth.

Why Porcelain Veneers?

When drinks, food, age and cigarettes discolor teeth, porcelain veneers are the choice to brighten teeth and improve your smile. Veneers are highly resistant to staining and can achieve a very strong bond to the teeth underneath easily surpassing other restorative dental options.

Porcelain veneers are a conservative approach to improving the appearance of teeth adversely affected by too much fluoride as a child, stained from the use of antibiotics with tetracycline, or simply made unattractive due to injury, fillings, or decay. Patients who have gaps between teeth or chipped teeth may want to consider porcelain veneers. Just like crowns, veneers can last many years if they are properly applied.

The Process

Typically, the application of porcelain veneers takes three visits to the dentist: diagnosis and planning, preparation and bonding. During the first visit, you will take an active role in the design of your new smile. Your dentist will explain veneers thoroughly to you, and decisions about what is best for you will be made.

During the second visit, the preparation of the teeth visit, the teeth will be prepared for the veneers by first being lightly buffed. Only about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed; this may require local anesthetic. A mold is then taken of the teeth, which is sent to the lab that will make your porcelain veneers.

The third and last appointment will take approximately 1-2 hours. First, the veneers are placed on the teeth to check their fit and color. At this time, the color can still be adjusted, but the color cannot be changed after the veneers are cemented in place. To apply the veneer, the teeth are cleansed with a solution to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the veneer and the tooth, and a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.

Follow-up Visit

After approximately two weeks, you should return to your dentist for a follow-up visit. Keep in mind that upon close inspection, you may detect slight variations in the color of the veneers compared to your own teeth. This is common and even occurs with our natural teeth.

If you would like to learn more about how porcelain veneers can improve your smile, please email or call Dental Touch Associates today to schedule your appointment.