Porcelain Veneers

Denver and Lakewood, Colorado

Questions About Dental Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

A dental veneer is a thin facing of porcelain that covers your tooth. Veneers are permanently bonded to the front of a tooth to give it a new appearance. They can cover an array of common dental problems, even several which may co-exist:

• Large or small chips
• Gaps between teeth
• Discoloration that does not respond to tooth whitening
• Unevenly sized or shaped teeth
• Worn down teeth

Porcelain is brittle, so wouldn’t the veneers break?

By itself dental porcelain veneers are brittle, but once they have been bonded to a tooth they are strong and durable. Given normal daily use, the veneers will not crack. Durability with veneers depends on two factors:

• How well the cosmetic dentist aligned the position of your bite; and
• How careful you are with your teeth. Remember, you can’t use your teeth as tools.

What is the veneers procedure like?

Initial models or casts are made of your teeth and sent to the dental lab to make a wax design (wax up). Then in two treatment appointments the changes are created.

First appointment

Dr. Greenhalgh will prepare the teeth designated for veneers. That involves removing a very small amount of the enamel to make space for the veneers. He will then take digital photos and an impression of the area. We will make plastic temporary veneers so you will be able to test drive your new smile right away.

Second appointment

Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Greenhalgh will attach your veneers temporarily to check the fit and color. When you and he are both happy with the result he will begin the permanent bonding. Because of our custom process with the lab we get a great color match.

How do porcelain veneers compare to dental bonding?

Dental bonding can treat many of the same problems that are treated by porcelain veneers. The choice between these two techniques is yours to make with Dr. Greenhalgh’s advice.

• Porcelain veneers produce a long-lasting, more sophisticated result and more advanced changes in color or alignment are possible. Veneers can significantly improve the strength of a tooth.
• Bonding produces rapid, noticeable changes. It is used to repair or correct more minor problems. Often a mock-up can be done in just a few minutes to give you an idea of what the changes will look like before you have anything permanent done. This is a great way to learn whether a cosmetic change is right for you. Often people are really surprised to see how a few subtle changes can really brighten their smile.

How are Lumineers different from other porcelain veneers?

Lumineers are another great cosmetic advancement. They offer more options for people to change their smile. Traditional veneers often require minor to moderate trimming of the teeth whereas Lumineers require very little or no trimming.

Lumineers work well for some people, but can be a poor option for others. Color variation can be an issue so your expectations really come into play with Lumineers. You also will need to have your bite assessed. Even a slightly misaligned bite can lead to longevity problems. As with any technique, the right assessment and right design make all the difference.

How long will my porcelain veneers last?

If you give them good care each day and come for your regular check-ups and cleaning, your porcelain veneers will last many years. Thorough cleaning is important to prevent bacteria from creating cavities on the back and side surfaces of the veneered teeth.

The veneers will keep their white brightness, as porcelain resists staining, so make sure you’ve decided about the lightness of your teeth before you start your veneers. For optimal longevity many people benefit from having a night guard to protect the porcelain from chipping if they grind during sleep.

Please see Porcelain Veneers Options and Porcelain Veneers for more information about this popular and effective cosmetic dental treatment. If you would like to arrange a complimentary dental veneers consultation with Dr. Greenhalgh, please call or email our cosmetic dentistry office today. We serve Denver and Lakewood, Colorado and all surrounding areas.