Teeth Veneers
Your teeth play an important role in the quality of your smile. Any sort of damage, no matter how minor it might seem, can have a significant on what your smile looks like and how others see you. Fortunately, you do not have to live with minor imperfections dulling your smile. Encino Cosmetic Dentistry can enhance your smile with porcelain veneers.
Are Your Teeth Less Than Perfect?There are many different types of minor dental imperfections that can impact the appearance of your teeth and the quality of your smile. These include: | • |
Small chips or cracks in your tooth enamel.
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Spaces between your teeth.
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Minor overlapping of teeth.
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Small teeth.
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Misshapen teeth.
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Discoloration. |
What are Porcelain Veneers?Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment that is provided to help transform the appearance of teeth affected by minor flaws. They are very thin, shell-like structures that are made to be bonded over the front surfaces of visible teeth. When bonded into place, they effectively cover over the flaws, completely improving the appearance of your teeth and the quality of your smile.
Why Use Porcelain Veneers?Veneers are typically made from either composite resin or porcelain. While both materials provide a natural appearance, and both are biocompatible, porcelain is often the preferred material. There are several reasons for this. | • |
Porcelain provides a much more natural appearance. While composite and porcelain are both tooth colored, porcelain looks more real. Not only can we stain porcelain to exactly match the color of your natural teeth, but the material also reflects light just like tooth enamel.
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Porcelain is more durable. While composite resin is more affordable, porcelain is more durable. Composite veneers are rated to last 7 to 10 years. Porcelain, on the other hand, can last 15 years or more. It can also withstand more force.
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Porcelain is stain-resistant. Composite resin is porous and can stain, just like your natural teeth. Unlike your natural teeth, however, composite cannot be whitened. If you want to whiten your natural teeth, your veneers will need to be changed. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and can resist stains better than your real teeth. |
How are Porcelain Veneers Placed?The process for placing porcelain veneers takes two separate appointments, which are spaced out approximately two weeks. During your first appointment, we first need to prepare the teeth that are going to receive veneers. This involves removing a thin layer of enamel so that your veneers can fit naturally in with the rest of your teeth. After preparing the teeth, an impression is taken.
The impression is sent to our dental lab, where it is used to design and create your customized veneers. It can take up to two weeks for your veneers to be completed. Temporary veneers are not necessary but can be provided if aesthetics are an issue. Once your veneers are ready, you return for your second appointment. We check the restorations for fit, bite, and appearance. If everything looks good and there are no adjustments needed, your veneers are then bonded into place on your teeth.
Porcelain veneers can completely transform the appearance of your teeth, giving you a beautiful, confident smile. For more information, and to schedule your consultation, call Encino Cosmetic Dentistry today at (818) 783-0408. |
