Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Very few people are lucky enough to have naturally white, straight, attractive teeth. Many people turn to cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of their smiles. One of the most commonly used cosmetic dentistry procedures is porcelain veneers. This popular and versatile option can be used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns.
Treatment Information
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain used to cover the front surface of your existing tooth. A veneer doesn't replace a missing tooth like a dental implant would, and a veneer doesn't encase the entire tooth like a dental crown would. Because the veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth, porcelain veneers are best used to improve the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth.
Porcelain veneers are commonly used to conceal chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration. The veneers are custom-crafted to match the color, size, and shape of your surrounding teeth for completely natural, seamless results.
Procedure Details
Typically, the porcelain veneers procedure requires three office visits to your cosmetic dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to evaluate your overall dental health and determine your candidacy for the veneers procedure. If underlying dental health issues are a concern, your dentist will want to have these addressed prior to proceeding with the veneers procedure.
During the second porcelain veneers visit, your teeth will be prepped for the veneers placement. This involves removing a small layer of enamel from the tooth surface to accommodate the veneer. Temporary veneers will be placed at this appointment.
When your permanent veneers are ready, you will return for your final appointment. During this visit, the temporary veneers will be removed. The permanent veneers will be checked for fit and appearance before being securely bonded in place.
For more information about porcelain veneers, contact our cosmetic dentistry center in San Diego today to schedule a consultation.