What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-fabricated ceramic shells that bond directly to the front surface of the teeth. Patients seen by Drs. Lerner & Lemongello in their “State-of-the-Art” dental facility in Palm Beach in South Florida often prefer porcelain veneers to restore their teeth. Porcelain veneers offer a natural looking option to correct or enhance chipped or uneven teeth, giving them the ultimate smile makeover. Call (561) 627-9000 today to learn more about whether Porcelain Veneers are right for you!
How long do dental veneers last?
Patients who take good care of their veneers and general dental health can enjoy the rewarding benefits of treatment for 10 to 15 years on average. Studies have shown that some patients’ porcelain veneers last over 20 years.
Are Veneers painful?
No. The veneer process is conservative, even with the reduction of surface enamel that is done to prepare teeth. During that first visit in which teeth are prepared, the dentist administers a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort from the vibration of the dental instrument. After this first step in treatment, patients may experience slight tooth sensitivity. This can last until their final veneers are bonded to their teeth, or a few weeks beyond that point. Sensitivity is expected to resolve once the new veneers are in place and the nerves at the center of teeth become accustomed to their new surface.
Why choose porcelain veneers?
Veneers are a very viable option in situations where the original tooth structure has been damaged beyond repair, or no longer responding to conventional restoration methods, or just in need of a little improvement in appearance. Your porcelain veneers will be individually crafted based on your personal needs, making them impossible to detect.
Also, because they’re made from porcelain, veneers are highly impervious to staining and more closely resemble the color, composition, and luminosity of natural teeth. Compared to other dental restorations, the use of porcelain veneers is also significantly less invasive to attach, requiring less enamel removal.
What conditions usually require the use of porcelain veneers?
- Discolored teeth that are a result of fluorosis or tetracycline medication that do not respond very well to conventional whitening methods
- Large resin “bonded” fillings in the tooth that lead to severe discoloration
- Teeth that have become excessively worn down making the teeth appear shorter
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth that cannot be easily repaired with standard bonding procedures
- Irregularly shaped teeth that may have evident craters or bulges on the surface
Patient Testimonial
“I had the best experience getting my veneers with Dr. Lerner, Tracy, Daniela and staff. They did an amazing job from beginning to end. I drove 2 1/2 hours to this dental office and it was worth every minute of the drive. I never smiled with my teeth in the past and now I’m smiling in every picture. I laugh without holding back to hide my teeth and feel more confident when speaking to people. It’s the best feeling! The office atmosphere is very fun, welcoming and non-judgmental. They make you feel comfortable and ease your nerves right away. If you’re thinking about getting veneers then I definitely recommend Dr. Lerner. He cares about every detail and will make sure your smile is perfect. I love my new smile!”
The advantages of using Porcelain veneers over other types
Porcelain veneers are advantageous for several reasons. The veneer process is relatively simple and is usually completed in two visits. The fabrication of veneers from durable dental porcelain result in aesthetically pleasing improvements. Aside from your dentist, no one will know your dazzling smile is not completely natural. Porcelain veneers maintain the natural appearance of the smile because this material is transparent at the edges, just like real enamel. Other materials may be more opaque. Finally, while porcelain could stain if neglected, this material is highly stain-resistant. With good oral care, we expect porcelain veneers to remain vibrant and durable for 10 to 15 years or more.
Who is a candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Generally, porcelain veneer treatment is suitable for the adult who is interested in improving their smile aesthetic. This cosmetic process can disguise a number of imperfections, ranging from intrinsic stains to superficial chips or cracks in teeth that are visible in the smile. Aside from interest, however, dentists also look for a few other traits to make sure each patient gets the best return on their investment into their smile.
Porcelain veneer treatment requires the slight reduction of surface enamel. This step allows the veneer to sit flush against the gums in a way that looks completely natural. The best candidates for treatment have a sufficient amount of enamel to allow for this reduction without compromising the bond achieved during the procedure.
Tooth clenching and grinding is a potential hazard to porcelain veneers, so should be addressed at the time of treatment. This unconscious habit, called bruxism, can cause fractures or chips in veneers and may wear down the bond between porcelain and teeth. Patients who chew on ice, their nails, or other hard objects must commit to avoiding these habits to secure the life of their veneers. Those with bruxism may be fitted with a customized mouth guard that they can wear when they sleep.
What to expect when getting porcelain veneers?
- At the beginning of the consultation, a smile analysis will be done to determine the treatment plan and determine the results that the patient wants to achieve. During this initial consultation phase, patients can share their expectations to help the dentist determine how porcelain veneers can best suit their needs.
- In preparation for the porcelain veneer, the teeth will be shaped to receive the veneer. A mold of the patient’s teeth will be taken and will be used to fabricate the final veneer.
- Temporary veneers that have been custom fabricated to preview the final veneer size, shape and color will be placed while the permanent veneers are being created. This usually takes about two weeks to complete.
- Once the final porcelain veneer is ready the patient will return and have the final veneers placed.
- The temporary veneer will be removed and each porcelain veneer will be assessed for preciseness of fit, size, shape and color,
- The receiving tooth will be cleaned to facilitate the final bonding. The veneer will be bonded onto the surface of the tooth using a special resin material that will bond to the tooth.
What Is the Difference Between Composite and Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant and durable than composite veneers. They are long-lasting and also closely resemble your own natural teeth. Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain, however, they do not last as long as porcelain veneers.
Are Veneers Suitable for Everyone?
While veneers are a good choice for most patients, they may not be right for everyone. Patients with missing or decayed teeth may not be suitable candidates for veneers. In addition, veneers are not recommended for patients who do not have enough enamel on their teeth due to grinding or other dental issues.
What Type of Food Stains Veneers?
Even though porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, red wine, and blueberries can stain them. It is recommended to check with your dentist about which types of food and drink you should avoid.
Can Veneers Correct All Dental Issues?
No, veneers can not correct all types of dental issues. Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth by masking chips, cracks, discoloration, and misalignment. Veneers cannot correct significant underbites, overbites, or cavities.
Here at our smile makeover studio in Palm Beach, Florida, we have an international reputation for creating beautiful smiles. We have crafted hundreds of smiles over the years, and if you want to be among the countless others who have rediscovered the power of a gorgeous smile, then call our office or come visit us for your personal consultation today.
Is there any recovery involved with Veneers?
There is minimal recovery after porcelain veneer treatment. If sensitivity occurs during the course of treatment, this can be managed by brushing using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth. If necessary, patients may take an over-the-counter pain reliever during the first days after treatment in which sensitivity may be most significant. Additionally, it can help to avoid hot or very cold foods and beverages for a few days.
How do I take care of my veneers post-op?
Porcelain veneers are typically strong and durable for several years. That said, there is a chance that they can be damaged in certain situations. To properly care for porcelain veneers, patients are encouraged to:
- Brush gently. Aggressive brushing can cause damage at the margins of veneers or could chip them.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste. Continued use of regular toothpaste, especially whitening toothpaste, could cause finite scratches in the surface of porcelain veneers.
- Avoid biting on hard foods and objects. When eating hard foods like pretzels, it’s best to bite using side or back teeth that are not veneered.
- Avoid biting on chewy or sticky foods. The tensile strength of porcelain veneers is not the same as regular biting strength. Biting and twisting could degrade the bond between a veneer and the tooth
Will I ever need to replace my veneers in the future?
Porcelain veneers may need to be replaced at some point in the future. Patients should be aware that, once they have porcelain veneers, their teeth will forever require these jackets. This is necessary because surface enamel is reduced during the treatment process and, without a cover, teeth would be sensitive to hot and cold. They may also be more susceptible to erosion and damage. Maintaining porcelain veneers is not difficult. When replacement is necessary, the process may be somewhat shortened because no further tooth reduction is done.
Schedule a Porcelain Veneers Consultation in Palm Beach!
If you wish to rejuvenate your teeth and give yourself a beautiful smile worth showing off, then consider getting Porcelain Veneers at Lerner & Lemongello. Call (561) 627-9000 today and book a personalized appointment with Dr. Jay M. Lerner and Dr. Gerald J. Lemongello! You can also fill out the form in our contact page, and our team will assist you with arranging your meeting. Our practice serves Palm Beach Gardens and the surrounding areas of Florida.