If you want to correct several cosmetic flaws at once and achieve a spectacular smile, consider porcelain veneers. These custom-made enhancements are crafted from thin, yet durable, porcelain. Attached to your teeth, they can conceal blemishes, reshape your teeth, and even mask crooked teeth. Before the porcelain veneers can be attached, however, Dr. Phillip J. DeJesus will need to prep your teeth for treatment. By evaluating your smile and carefully reshaping your teeth, he can achieve stunning results that meet your aesthetic goals. To learn more about the porcelain veneers placement process, contact our Bridgeport, CT practice.
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What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are individually fabricated shells. Made from advanced porcelain, the material will match the natural shade of your teeth. Veneers are slightly translucent, giving them a natural sparkle that is virtually indistinguishable from dental enamel. Your dentist may use veneers to address a range of cosmetic imperfections. Some of their most common uses include:
- Covering up dark discoloration, such as tetracycline stains
- Reshaping irregular teeth
- Enhancing small or worn teeth
- Closing small gaps between teeth
- Hiding chips or cracks
Your Consultation and Evaluation
A personal consultation is the first step in preparing for porcelain veneers. Your dentist will examine your teeth to determine your candidacy for this treatment. In particular, he will look for signs of enamel erosion, which can affect your candidacy for veneers. He will also look for untreated decay or gum disease. These dental concerns will only worsen over time, compromising the longevity of veneers. If you suffer from these oral health problems, you may still be able to receive veneers if you undergo restorative treatment. If you are not a veneers candidate, we may recommend another cosmetic dentistry option that is better suited to your needs.
Reshaping Your Teeth
Once he has determined that veneers are right for you, Dr. DeJesus will trim away some of your dental enamel. Removing a thin layer of material has a twofold purpose. First, it will create room for the porcelain, keeping it from looking bulky and unnatural. Second, it will create a stronger bond for the veneers. Before attaching the porcelain, your dentist will lightly etch your teeth. The microscopic fissures will result in more surface area for the bonding agent. Thanks to this process, veneers can last ten years or more.
Designing Your Veneers
After he has reshaped your teeth, Dr. DeJesus will take impressions. In many cases, he may take digital impressions, which he can use to create veneers right here in our office. In other instances, he will take digital and manual impressions. Then technicians will use these measurements to craft veneers at an offsite lab. Whether you receive in-office or lab-crafted veneers, we will make sure that the veneers suit the contours of your smile.
Will Veneers Preparation Hurt?
Like many patients, you may be a bit apprehensive about veneers preparation. However, the procedure involves little discomfort, if any. Your dentist will numb your teeth before he begins the process. Additionally, all of our practitioners use very gentle techniques. Therefore, you should feel little more than a slight sense of pressure during preparation. The treatment will not affect the health of your teeth, since your dentist will only trim away the outermost layer of enamel.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers
If you long for a brighter, more youthful smile, schedule an appointment today. We will conduct a thorough examination and determine whether veneers are right for you.