Seeking perfection?

A veneer is thin translucent porcelain that resurfaces teeth, making them appear straighter and presenting a more aesthetically pleasing color and alignment. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged or weak tooth. In some cases, a veneer may replace the need for a crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation. Veneers do not require excessive removal of the natural tooth structure. Typically, veneers can be completed in just 2 visits.

Dental veneers may be the solution to most of your cosmetic and functional dental concerns, including:

• Worn enamel/Discoloration: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become weak, dulled, and discolored. Such deterioration and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition. However, it is usually a result of your habits (tea, or coffee consumption, tobacco use, use of certain medications, etc.).
• Genetics: Some people may be born with discoloration, weak enamel, or abnormal spacing between the teeth that increases as they age.
• Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding and clenching or general wearing down from age.
• Weak teeth: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.

How is the process done?

Porcelain veneers require two office visits because of the laboratory work involved. Dr. Freyne will spend time with you planning your treatment, discussing your expectations, and reviewing the procedure. The next step is preparing the teeth for the veneer. The majority of patients could have veneers without any gross tooth reduction or anesthesia. In certain cases, no tooth preparation is required. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. Then an impression of the tooth is taken, which is sent to the lab for your custom veneer fabrication. Typically, there are 7 days between appointments, although special arrangements can be made for a shorter waiting time. Between visits, the patient wears provisional veneers.

Why choose a porcelain veneer?

Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many cosmetic situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size, or shape. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years.