Understanding Porcelain Veneers

In my last blog I shared some options regarding teeth whitening which is the most popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry. This has certainly been the case at our practice over the past several weeks. It’s the bridal season and it seems like every member of every wedding in town is whitening their teeth. For some of these patients, I often recommend that they consider porcelain veneers as a proven method of masking discolorations, brightening teeth and improving their smiles by filling in gaps between teeth, hiding unsightly black lines around crowns, or hiding chipped teeth.

Porcelain veneers represent a more conservative approach than crowns in improving a tooth’s color, size or shape.  My patients come in first for a diagnosis and treatment discussion during which I encourage them to be actively involved in the planning of their new smile.  We discuss their previous dental experiences, concerns about the procedure, and expectations for the results.

In the next appointment, the teeth are prepared for the bonding of the veneer with light buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer.  A mold of the teeth is taken and sent to our Greensboro dental laboratory for fabrication of the veneers. The bonding procedure involves cleansing the tooth with a chemical and placing a  special dental cement between the tooth and the veneer. A visible light beam helps the cement harden. 

One of the most fulfilling experiences in my career is following up with my patients after an adjustment period.  Their satisfaction, heightened self-esteem and wide bright smiles make my whole team proud of our work!

I was the Keynote Speaker at the Texas Dental Association annual meeting in San Antonio earlier this month, and had the distinct honor of meeting the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.  Those girls have the brightest smiles!