Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, enamel-like porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory.  They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.

Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile with minimal tooth reduction.  Being such conservative restorations, they are often practical alternatives to crowns in purely cosmetic cases. 

As with all dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement.  They are very durable and should last many years, giving you a beautiful long-lasting smile.

Indications for porcelain veneers:

• Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile
• Crooked teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Severely discolored or stained teeth
• Teeth that are too small or too large
• Unwanted or uneven spaces
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Sensitive teeth

What does getting porcelain veneers involve?

Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia needed during the procedure.  The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer.  An impression of the prepared teeth is taken and a shade (color) is chosen with your input.  If no standard shade looks right, for a nominal fee, our laboratory technician will create a custom shade for you.  Our lab is conveniently located in our medical-dental complex.

On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed and a bonding agent will be applied to achieve a durable bond.  Bonding resin is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden the resin.

You will receive care instructions for veneers.  Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new veneers.