Porcelain veneers may be the answer whether you’re looking for a subtle change or dramatic transformation. A porcelain veneer is a thin, translucent shell made out of porcelain. We bond this tooth-like material to the front teeth surfaces to cover the entire front surface of the teeth.
Dental veneers aim 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 their smile’s beauty, health, or function. Porcelain veneers 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 I stepped 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 a 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 pre-treatment planning to ensure predictable, natural-looking results at the final appointment. Here is what you might expect:
Initial Consultation & Examination
You will receive a comprehensive consultation and examination with Dr. Marckese regardless of your treatment. During this visit, she will inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth and determine if porcelain veneers suit you. Next, she will map out a customized treatment plan to meet your cosmetic goals and address your health concerns.
Modeling
Dr. Marckese will fully explain your treatment and answer any questions 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 then take impressions of your teeth that will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the permanent porcelain veneers will be made.
We typically place temporary dental veneers over the teeth for protection and aesthetics. We temporarily seal these plastic veneers to the front of the teeth. They are typically worn for 2 – 3 weeks, while the permanent dental veneers are 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 them to the teeth.
Aftercare
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 concerning dental veneers. When ready, you can schedule a dental consultation to see if porcelain veneers are the right cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Will dental veneers ruin your teeth?
While you may assume that porcelain veneers may damage your teeth, the opposite is actually true. Veneers fit over your teeth, and because they are not made of enamel, they don’t stain the way 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 keeps its integrity over time and is highly stain-resistant. Because it does not stain, regular dental maintenance is important to maintain its health so the surrounding teeth keep a similar shade as the veneer.
Do you brush your teeth with veneers?
Regular dental maintenance, such as brushing and flossing, does not damage veneers. Using fluoride toothpaste allows you to clean your teeth without the risk of damaging your veneers. We encourage you to brush your veneers 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. The procedure is irreversible and meant to last because we may need to shape your teeth to apply the porcelain. 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 an overbite or underbite, you can still get veneers. The only issue your dentist may have is if your teeth 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 crowns are dental restorations, but they serve different purposes. A veneer is a thin porcelain shell that covers many cosmetic blemishes that can be seen when you smile. They will help improve the aesthetics of your smile. Placing porcelain veneers requires little prep work.
A dental crown encases an entire tooth. It protects and structurally supports a tooth if it is damaged or weakened by accident or decay. To place a dental crown, the tooth must be significantly reduced in size. 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.