Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit snugly over teeth to cover stains or hide flaws such as broken, cracked, or misshapen teeth. Veneers can also straighten the appearance of crooked teeth.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Because they serve so many purposes, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments among patients at our La Mesa office.
A veneer is often recommended for a tooth that is:
- Discolored or stained
- Worn down, chipped, or broken
- Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
- It may also be prescribed to “fill the gap” between two otherwise healthy teeth.
If you have crooked or badly discolored, stained teeth that detract from your smile, porcelain veneers could make a tremendous improvement in your smile by reshaping and whitening your teeth. Veneers are natural in appearance and can look beautiful for many years.
4 Veneers
Single Veneer
5 Veneers and 1 Implant Crown
4 Veneers
2 Veneers
Patient Experience
The entire porcelain veneer process typically takes place over the course of 2-3 visits at our La Mesa office. On your initial visit, you will discuss your wishes and expectations with Dr. Toland. She will perform a thorough exam of your teeth, gums and supporting bone structure, as well as discuss treatment options with you and answer your questions. Photos and models may also be needed at this time.
Dr. Toland will then use computer software and/or a wax “veneer” set-up on a model of your teeth to show you how you will look after treatment. If you’re happy with what you see, we prepare your teeth for the veneers by removing a small amount of enamel to make space for the porcelain. Finally, we create a mold of your teeth and choose a color. You’ll be fitted with temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent ones to be made. Once they’re ready, you’ll come in for your final visit to have them bonded to your existing teeth, perfecting your smile.
Many of our patients choose to combine treatment with porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options such as teeth whitening, orthodontics, and dental crowns as part of a comprehensive smile makeover.
Caring for your Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and can last up to 20 years or more if cared for properly. Before the end of your last visit, we educate you on how to best care for your beautiful, new smile so you can feel more confident than ever before.
Caring for your porcelain veneers does not require any additional or special attention. Simply brush and floss twice a day as you would with natural teeth. While the porcelain of the veneers themselves are stain resistant, the edges where they meet the teeth are not. To keep them looking beautiful, you may want to avoid or reduce the use of common stain-causing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, or foods with a lot of artificial coloring.
Because of the delicate nature of porcelain, patients should take particular care not to chew ice, bite into very hard or crunchy foods, or grind their teeth. Dr. Toland may recommend a protective appliance to be worn during sleep if needed.
Interested in porcelain veneers?
To learn more about porcelain veneers and to find out whether they are the right treatment for you, please contact the La Mesa cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Meghan Toland today.