Whether you’re looking for a subtle change or dramatic transformation, porcelain veneers may be the answer. A porcelain veneer is a thin, translucent shell made out of porcelain. This tooth-like material is bonded to the front of teeth to cover the entire front surface of the teeth. The goal of dental veneers is to conceal any cosmetic imperfections that can be seen when you smile. These highly sophisticated cosmetic restorations provide a natural-looking and durable solution to enhance a person’s smile and overall dental aesthetics.
Our dentist in Indianapolis, IN, Dr. Amy Marckese incorporates porcelain veneers into cosmetic dentistry treatment plans for patients who want to improve the beauty, health, or function of their teeth. Porcelain veneers may be used to treat a variety of dental health or cosmetic concerns:
- Diastemas (spaces between teeth)
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discolored teeth that can’t be bleached
- Uneven or crooked teeth
Our Patients Say It Best
Dr. Amy and her team have been wonderful since the moment I stepped foot into their office. I can honestly say that I don’t mind going to the dentist. They provide excellent customer service and Dr. Amy is quite the perfectionist! That is definitely a quality that you should look for in a dentist. Dr. Amy and her staff have changed my life by perfecting my smile!
–Anonymous Patient, April 2012
Porcelain Veneers: What To Expect
The process for porcelain veneers is fairly simple. Dr. Marckese puts much of her emphasis on the pre-treatment planning to ensure predictable, natural looking results at the final appointment. Here is what you might expect:
Initial Consultation & Examination – Regardless of your treatment, you will receive a comprehensive consultation and examination with Dr. Marckese. During this visit, she will inspect your teeth, gums and mouth and determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. Next, she will map out a customized treatment plan to meet your cosmetic goals as well as address your health concerns.
Modeling– Dr. Marckese will fully explain your treatment and answer any questions that you might have. You will have an opportunity to view photos of other patients who’ve undergone treatment with porcelain veneers. Dr. Marckese may use 2-D and 3-D renditions to show you what your teeth will look like after treatment.
Tooth Preparation– Dr. Marckese will begin treatment by preparing the teeth for the porcelain veneers. In most cases, this involves removing a small amount of the natural tooth structure to allow room for the porcelain veneers in your mouth. Dr. Marckese will take impressions of your teeth that will be sent to a dental laboratory where the permanent porcelain veneers will be made.
Typically, temporary dental veneers are placed over the teeth for protection and esthetics. Temporary dental veneers are made of plastic and temporarily sealed to the front of the teeth. These are typically worn for 2 – 3 weeks while the permanent dental veneers are being fabricated at the laboratory.
Final Fit & Restoration – When the porcelain veneers arrive from the laboratory, Dr. Marckese will try them on to check their fit, shape, and color. She will make any minor adjustments that might be needed before permanently bonding the porcelain veneers to the teeth.
After Care – Porcelain veneers require some special care. Dr. Marckese will review instructions with you and show you how to floss and brush the dental veneers. Routine dental cleanings and examinations are important to ensure long term health and proper fit. Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant and will look bright for years to come
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
We have some of the top questions that our patients ask when considering porcelain veneers. Please contact our office if you have further questions concerns dental veneers. When you are ready, you can schedule a dental consultation to see if porcelain veneers are the right cosmetic dentistry treatment for you.
Will dental veneers ruin your teeth?
While you may assume that porcelain veneers may damage your teeth, the opposite is actually true. Veneers are designed to fit over your teeth, and because they are not made of enamel they will not stain the way that normal teeth will. Because of this, they can maintain their integrity longer and help protect the health of your tooth.
Do porcelain veneers stay white?
Porcelain used in dental procedures are designed to keep their integrity over time and are highly stain resistant. Because they do not stain, it is important to maintain the health by regular dental maintenance so the surrounding teeth keep a similar shade as the veneer.
Do you brush teeth veneers?
There is no damage to veneers by practicing regular dental maintenance such as brushing and flossing. Using fluoride toothpaste will allow you to clean your teeth without risk of damaging your veneers, so you are encouraged to brush your veneer the same way you brush your regular teeth.
Is there a chance that my porcelain veneers will fall off?
Under normal circumstances, your veneers will not fall off. The main causes of veneers falling off are serious trauma or aging and deteriorating teeth. Because your teeth may need to be shaped in order to apply the porcelain, the procedure is irreversible and meant to last. Most patients have their veneers for 15 to 20 years without any issues.
Do your teeth have to be straight for porcelain veneers?
You do not need to have the perfect smile to apply porcelain veneers. If you have a crooked or uneven smile, or you have an overbite or underbite, you can still get veneers. The only issue that your dentist may have is if you have teeth that overlap. If you have teeth that obscure other teeth in your smile, your dentist may recommend straightening your teeth before applying the porcelain veneers.
What should you not do with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneer patients should avoid eating hard or sticky meals, candies, or meats that are difficult to chew. We do not recommend deeply colored foods and drinks as they may stain your veneers.
What is the difference between dental veneers and dental crowns?
Dental veneers and dental crowns are both types of dental restorations, but they serve different purposes. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that covers many types of cosmetic blemishes that can be seen when you smile. They will help to improve the aesthetics of your smile. There is little prep work involved with placing porcelain veneers. A dental crown will encase an entire tooth. The purpose of a dental crown is to offer a tooth protection and structural support if it is damaged or weakened from an accident or decay. To place a dental crown, the tooth will have to be reduced in size significantly. A dental crown is for restorative purposes while a veneer is for cosmetic purposes.
Will teeth grinding damage my porcelain veneers?
Yes, teeth grinding can damage porcelain veneers over time. Porcelain veneers are durable but not indestructible. Persistent teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can wear down the veneers, leading to chips or fractures. Dentists may recommend wearing a nightguard to protect both natural teeth and veneers from the effects of grinding and prevent damage.
Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Indianapolis, IN
Book your cosmetic consultation today to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you. We work hard to provide the best cosmetic dental treatments at affordable rates. Contact DentalSpa Indianapolis for a consultation with your top dentist in Indianapolis, IN. Give us a call at 866.486.0230, or schedule an appointment online today.