Placement of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that can completely transform the appearance of your smile, often in as little as two dental visits. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers may be right for you. To find out if you're a candidate, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Long Island cosmetic dentist Louis J. Buono. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the placement process for porcelain veneers.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped fabrications that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to mask cosmetic dental problems. Each veneer is custom-made to fit the individual tooth and transform its shape, size, or color.
The Porcelain Veneers Placement Procedure
After we determine that a patient is a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers, the placement process can begin. Placing porcelain veneers is a simple process that typically requires two dental appointments. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel from each tooth that will receive a veneer. The removal of enamel is necessary to allow space for the veneers to fit on the surface of the teeth. It also creates a porous surface that will allow the veneers to bond to the teeth.
Next, impressions are taken of the teeth. Dr. Buono will take digital impressions of the teeth using an intraoral scanner. The impressions are sent to a dental lab where each veneer will be custom-crafted to the specifications of each impression. Temporary veneers will be placed while the veneers are being crafted.
Once the veneers are ready, a second dental visit is required to remove the temporary veneers and place the finished veneers. The teeth will be cleaned before the finished veneers are placed. Next, durable dental cement will be applied to the teeth and the veneers will be placed. The dental cement is cured to form a strong bond and the veneers are polished, completing treatment.
Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can be used to address a variety of dental issues, and they provide patients with a beautiful, flawless looking smile. Candidates for porcelain veneers should have healthy enamel, since a small layer will need to be removed for veneer placement. Candidates also need to have healthy gums and teeth prior to treatment.
In addition, porcelain veneer candidates may have one or more of the following cosmetic issues::
- Minor chips or fractures
- Severe dental discoloration
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Undersized or oversized teeth
- Uneven looking teeth
Schedule a Consultation
If the appearance of your smile has you feeling unsatisfied, porcelain veneers may be able to help. Porcelain veneers can address a range of dental issues to create a stunning, vibrant smile. Don't wait any longer for the smile you've always wanted. For more information about porcelain veneers or other treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Buono. We look forward to working with you.