Veneers | Enhance Your Smile

Your teeth are an integral part of your mouth. They serve many functional purposes, including biting, chewing, and aiding in proper speech. Your teeth also play a significant aesthetic role. Your smile is usually the very first thing that others see, and your teeth are prominently displayed when you smile. Even the smallest flaws in your teeth can have a significant impact on the appearance of your smile, the impressions you make on those around you, and your confidence. At Harry Albers DDS, we can improve the appearance of your teeth, and your smile, with porcelain veneers.

What Are Cosmetic Veneers?

Even the smallest defects in your teeth can have a significant impact on how your smile looks, and how others perceive you. There are some different small imperfections that can affect your teeth, including minor chips and cracks that only affect the enamel, gaps between teeth, minor overlapping, oddly sized or shaped teeth, and discoloration.

You do not have to live with minor imperfections in your teeth. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment designed to eliminate flaws, improving the appearance of your teeth and the overall quality of your smile. Veneers are thin restorations that almost resemble shells in their appearance. They are made to be bonded to the front surfaces of damaged teeth, effectively covering over the flaws. Veneers are made from a tooth-colored material, which enables them to blend in perfectly, providing a seamless restoration to your smile.
 

Why We Recommend Porcelain Veneers

Typically, veneers are made from either composite resin or porcelain. Both are tooth-colored materials. Porcelain is a much more popular material for many reasons. First, it provides a much more natural look. Not only can porcelain be stained to match the exact color of your real teeth, but it also reflects light just like natural tooth enamel. No one will be able to tell the difference between your veneers and your real teeth.

Porcelain is stronger than composite resin. Where composite resin is rated to last 5 to 7 years, porcelain, on the other hand, can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, or even longer if they are well cared for.

Porcelain is also stain-resistant. Composite resin is porous, meaning that stains from foods, beverages, and tobacco products can get into the material and leave unsightly stains. Unlike your natural tooth enamel, composite resin will not respond to tooth whitening products. Instead, stained veneers need to be replaced. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, resist stains. The material even resists stains better than your natural teeth!
 

How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

Getting porcelain veneers typically requires two separate appointments. During your first appointment, we prepare the affected tooth, or teeth, and take impressions. Preparing the teeth is a process that involves removing a small portion of their enamel. Then ensures that the veneers will fit comfortably and naturally in with the rest of your smile. The process is done under a local anesthetic so that you do not feel any discomfort.

Following the preparation of the affected teeth, impressions are taken and sent to a lab, where your veneers are designed and created. Once your veneers are completed, you have your second appointment. At this appointment, we check your veneers to ensure that they fit properly and look natural. If no adjustments are needed, they are bonded into place.

Porcelain veneers can eliminate the appearance of minor flaws in your teeth, improving their appearance. This helps to improve the quality of your smile and boost your confidence. For more information, and to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you, call Harry Albers DDS today at (707) 575-1190.