Porcelain Veneers

Dental Problems Solved by Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are routinely used to fix:

• Discolored teeth – discolored because of a root canal or fillings, stained from medications like tetracycline or excessive fluoride.
• Cracked, chipped or broken teeth.
• Gaps between teeth (closing the spaces in between teeth).
• Worn or damaged teeth.
• Misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular solution for many cosmetic dental problems.  The benefits of porcelain veneers include:

• Natural appearance – color and shine
• Well tolerated by gum tissue
• Stain resistant
• Teeth whitening
• Protect worn or damaged teeth
• Conservative solution – less invasive than dental crowns or implants
• Virtually painless procedure

Applying Traditional Veneers

Traditional porcelain veneers require that the natural tooth be ‘prepared’.  This requires a small amount of enamel be removed from the front of the tooth.  Dr. Wong may recommend a mild anesthetic to help the patient remain comfortable during the reshaping process.  Then the doctor will make an impression, or model, of your tooth.  This model is used to make a custom-fit dental veneer, which is then bonded to the front of your natural tooth.  All this can completed in a couple of visits to create a beautiful smile.

Prepless Veneers

Unlike traditional veneers, prepless veneers do not require removing any tooth enamel.  A very thin piece of porcelain is applied to the tooth.  So, prepless veneers are a reversible process—if the veneers are removed, your natural teeth remain intact.

Prepless Veneers (Lumineers, Durathin, Vivaveneers)

Lumineers, Durathin, Vivaveneers are all types of porcelain veneers that do not require that the natural tooth be ‘prepped’ or reshaped. Dr. Wong can apply these ‘prepless’ veneers without shaving or grinding your natural teeth. These dental veneers are as thin as a contact lens, and are made of extremely durable porcelain. Clinical studies prove that this type of veneer can last over 20 years. The process is completely reversible, as the natural tooth structure is still intact. Prepless veneers offer a painless way to a beautiful smile, where teeth are white and straight.

Benefits of Lumineers

• Painless procedure
• Permanent solution – documented to last as long as 20 years
• Patented material – strong and thin
• Natural teeth are unharmed – natural tooth enamel is not removed

How Long Porcelain Veneers Last

There are many different dental veneer products available. Depending on the specific veneer product that you choose, veneers can last anywhere from 5-20 years. Maintaining good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing and regular dental exams) improves the success rate of porcelain veneers.

Because veneers are thin, they may break or chip if you bite into hard things, like pencils or ice.  If you grind your teeth while sleeping, Dr. Wong may recommend a night-time mouth guard.  If you choose traditional veneers, where the front surface of the tooth is removed to prepare for the bonding, this process is irreversible.  If the veneer is cracked or broken, it will need to be replaced.  This is not the case for ‘prepless’ veneers, where the natural tooth remains intact.

Am I Good Candidate For Porcelain Veneers?

Determining if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers begins with simply calling Dr. Michael Wong today at the San Mateo Center for Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a free initial consultation.  Dr.Wong will answer your questions, evaluate your situation, and suggest the best solution.  Dr. Wong’s staff can also assist you with financing options to help make your new smile a reality. So contact us now or simply fill in and send the short form on the right of this page for a free porcelain veneer consultation.