Dental Veneers

At the Smile Institute we care about providing our patients with the smile they deserve. One of our favorite treatments is outfitting patients with porcelain veneers; it’s amazing to see the complete makeover that they can provide. Because we have our own dental lab we can provide you with porcelain veneers quickly and conveniently. Take a look at our before and after veneers photo gallery.

When are Veneers Appropriate?

Veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied to the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, or spacing and chips or cracks. Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today’s veneers provides a more natural look. Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

Worn enamel: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) can become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumption, smoking, medication use, etc.).
Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks, or a generally uneven appearance.
Genetics: Certain people can be born with abnormal spacing between their teeth that grows wider as they age.
Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.

Porcelain Veneers and Composite Resin Veneers

The two most common materials used in the manufacturing of veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Both porcelain and composite veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory; composite veneers can also be directly fabricated inside your mouth at the dental office. Veneers that are indirectly fabricated – fabricated in a dental laboratory – are bonded to the teeth with various types of resin cement. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more expensive.

A Restorative Benefit to Dental Veneers

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. In some cases, veneers may replace the need for a dental crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation. Because veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping when bonded onto the tooth. They are incredibly strong and may last up to 15 years, assuming they are properly maintained through regular brushing and checkups.

Cheers,

The Smile Institute