Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are permanently bonded to the front side of your tooth. These restorations are often recommended for moderate to significant cosmetic dentistry enhancements, including teeth that:

• Are badly stained or discolored, and will not respond to tooth whitening procedures
• Appear worn, old dingy 
• Contain significant holes, cracks, chips or fractures that cannot be repaired with dental bonding
• Are misshaped
• Are misaligned, jagged, or gapped
• Are too short and you want to lengthen them

The durable porcelain material ensures that your smile will last for years, perhaps a decade or longer.

The Veneers Procedure

Porcelain veneer technique uses the same science as dental bonding, utilizing a tooth-colored porcelain material for a lifelike appearance. Dr. Joel Miller will start by preparing your natural tooth so that the veneer can be placed on top and create a smooth, uniform surface with no ledges gaps that can harbor food and bacteria. An impression of your prepared teeth will be taken, and sent to a dental laboratory, where a ceramist will make your customized veneers. The thin shell can be made to match the color of other teeth or made brighter to create a picture-perfect smile. You will be given temporary veneers to wear until your permanent ones have been created.

During your second visit, the thin porcelain shells are placed over the front surface of your teeth, and the composite resin adhesive is applied to firmly attach the porcelain to your tooth enamel. The bonding material will be hardened with a laser or special curing light. While porcelain is brittle on its own, when firmly bonded to your strong natural tooth, this material becomes incredibly strong and durable.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Because porcelain veneers have a glass-like appearance, they have the same luster as your natural teeth. When light hits your porcelain veneer, it acts remarkably similar to how your natural enamel reacts when light strikes it.

Stain resistance is another major benefit. Dental bonding material can be susceptible to staining by red wine, tobacco, tea, or coffee products discoloring the restoration. Since porcelain is ceramic, its translucent properties are not as susceptible to staining and will hold their color and luster well for years.

For additional information, please see Lumineers and Questions about Porcelain Veneers.

If you live in the Valencia and Santa Clarita, California area and are interested in porcelain veneers to restore your smile, the dental team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Valencia can help. Dr. Miller and his skilled dental team can transform your teeth into the smile you have always wanted.

Please contact our Valencia cosmetic dentistry practice today to schedule your no-cost porcelain veneers consultation.