What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin covers that Dr. Ellington places on the surface of a tooth to improve the way the tooth looks. The porcelain material is translucent like your own teeth, and it can be shaped and tinted to blend in beautifully with your surrounding teeth.
When are dental veneers used?
Dental veneers can be used in several ways to improve the way your smile looks. They can be used to:
- Hide discolored or badly stained teeth that can’t be improved with bleaching
- Cover chips and tiny cracks
- Improve teeth with worn or irregular edges
- Make small teeth look larger
- Close gaps between teeth
- Correct the appearance of crooked teeth
Veneers can be used alone or as part of a complete smile makeover.
How are porcelain veneers applied?
Veneer application usually can be completed in two office visits.
- First visit
- Dr. Ellington prepares your tooth for the veneer by removing a very small amount of the surface material from the front of the tooth. This step ensures the veneer rests at the same level as your other teeth, preventing it from sticking out and looking unnatural. Once he has prepared the tooth, Dr. Ellington makes an impression of the tooth and then applies a temporary veneer to protect it while the permanent veneer is being made.
- Second visit
- Dr. Ellington removes the temporary veneer and cleans the tooth, then applies the permanent veneer and shapes it and buffs it for a perfect fit.
Is it difficult to take care of porcelain veneers?
No. One of the benefits of porcelain veneers is that you can care for them the same way you care for your other teeth, with brushing and flossing and routine trips to see Dr. Ellington to make sure your teeth stay healthy and the veneers stay in good shape.
Can veneers be whitened?
No. Porcelain is very resistant to stains, and that means it’s also resistant to whitening agents. If a veneer is stained, it needs to be replaced. You can reduce the risk of stains by rinsing after eating food and beverages known to cause stains, but veneers are designed to stay looking new and bright.
How long do veneers last?
With proper care, your veneers can last more than a decade. Some veneers last as long as 20 years with just brushing, flossing and regular checkups.
