Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneers in Sarasota
A veneer is a very thin shell, usually porcelain, bonded to the front of a tooth to hide flaws underneath. Veneers can make teeth look straighter, whiter and better than before.
- Material
- Porcelain
- Corrects
- Chips, gaps, shape, shade
- Typical visits
- Two or three
- Your own teeth
- Kept underneath
A veneer is a very thin shell, usually porcelain, bonded to the front of a tooth to hide what is underneath: stains, gaps, chips, misalignment, or anything else that makes you unhappy with your smile.
What veneers cover
Many problems can be remedied with veneers: teeth that are chipped, broken, gapped, misshapen or discolored. Veneers cover those completely.
Two things make porcelain the common choice. It reflects light the way real teeth do, so the result reads as natural rather than applied. And it resists stains, so the shade you choose is the shade you keep.
Your own teeth stay. Veneers are attached directly to them, so the tooth underneath remains yours.
Caring for them
Keep your normal routine: gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush, daily flossing, and regular checkups and cleanings every six months.
Avoid chewing or biting hard items, which is what chips or breaks a veneer. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard. Wear a mouth guard for contact sport.
Veneers do not decay and cannot get cavities, but that is not a reason to ease off. Brush and floss thoroughly to avoid gum disease, which causes gums to recede from the edge of a veneer.
Before you commit
The practice’s own advice is to ask questions before deciding: whether other work should come first, whether your habits rule you out, what happens if one breaks, and to see photographs of real cases. Those answers are below.
Candidacy
When veneers are worth asking about
The practice lists these as reasons porcelain veneers may be right for you. Any one of them is reason enough to raise it at a consultation.
- You would like to alter your teeth permanently
- You want to change the color of your teeth
- Your front teeth are broken or chipped
- Your teeth are not evenly spaced
- Your teeth are not aligned straight
- You would like to improve your smile quickly
- You do not want to affect much of your natural teeth
Materials
Porcelain and composite are different procedures
Both cover the front of the tooth. They differ in how they are made, whether enamel is removed, and whether the change can be undone.
- Porcelain is custom made in a dental laboratory from a mold of your teeth
- Porcelain reflects light the way real teeth do, and resists stains
- Porcelain requires slight preparation of the tooth so the veneer holds securely
- Composite is sculpted onto the tooth in resin and set with a blue light
- Composite does not require shaving down enamel, so it can be removed or replaced
- Composite is cared for like a natural tooth, with checkups every six months
Very professional and caring staff in a spa like atmosphere. Very thorough so that you are fully informed of all aspects of a treatment plan including costs.
The process
5 stages, start to finish
- 01
Examination and X-rays
The first visit establishes whether veneers suit your case. If they do, the smile is designed around your facial features, coloring and complexion.
- 02
Mold taken
A mold of your mouth goes to a dental laboratory, where the veneers are made for you.
- 03
Temporary veneers
Your teeth are slightly prepared so the veneers will hold securely, and temporaries are placed while the permanent set is made.
- 04
Fit and color checked
When the veneers are ready you return to have them tried in and checked for things like fit and color.
- 05
Bonded and finished
The veneers are permanently bonded and final modifications are completed.
Answers
Porcelain Veneers: questions patients ask
Do I need other dental work done first?
If you have problems such as cavities or gum disease, have them treated before getting veneers. Veneers only cover the underlying issue, and you would likely regret not correcting it first.
Do any of my personal habits affect veneers?
Tell your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth. Those habits greatly increase the risk of damage and may rule out veneers. Chewing hard items such as ice or pencils is also detrimental.
What are the disadvantages?
Veneers are usually considered cosmetic, so they are not usually covered by insurance. Some people find their teeth become more sensitive afterward, because the process removes a small amount of enamel. Veneers are not usually reversible and do need renewing periodically.
Will veneers work for my case?
Veneers can correct slightly crooked teeth, close or minimize gaps, and hide discolored teeth that do not respond to normal bleaching. They are not a good choice for teeth already weakened by decay or large fillings, where a full crown may be the better option.
Can I see examples of work you have done?
Yes. Ask to see photographs of veneer work, and look at each smile: they should not all look the same. Every smile should be unique and appealing in its own way.
How long is the wait between temporary and permanent veneers?
You are fitted with temporaries while the final set is made in the laboratory. Ask at your consultation what timeframe to expect, so you know how the overall process will run.
What happens if a veneer breaks?
Ask what your dentist guarantees and for how long, and what the replacement process is. Veneers do need renewing periodically.
Is sedation available if I am anxious?
Ask about sedation methods at your consultation and which option would suit you.
More on porcelain veneers
Related care
3800 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233
Ask about porcelain veneers.
Open Monday to Thursday, 8:00a to 4:00p. Call (941) 927-5411. Financing through CareCredit.