Porcelain veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help correct a variety of dental health and cosmetic concerns. Perhaps one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, porcelain veneers can help fix misshapen teeth, gaps between teeth, damaged teeth, or stained teeth. Learn all about porcelain veneers from your cosmetic dentist.
Dr. Doyle Freano provides custom-made porcelain veneers to his patients in Lexington, KY to help them achieve the smile they desire and improve their overall dental health. Discover what porcelain veneers can offer you and your teeth from our cosmetic dentist. Continue reading to learn about the treatment and if it’s right for you, then schedule a consultation online. You’ll feel confident about the way that you look again with this smile-enhancing treatment.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
Our dental veneers are ultra-thin shells that consist of porcelain, an almost translucent material. Your dentist will bond them to the front of your imperfect teeth, changing their shape and look. Porcelain veneers enable Dr. Freano to correct a variety of dental health and cosmetic concerns, and offer durable, stain-resistant, and permanent cosmetic results.
Porcelain veneers are strong. They can last for years without the need for repair or replacement. Veneers can last 10 years or more with proper care, making them a great option for people who want to improve their smile without making a significant investment in dental work. They’re also stain resistant, so you don’t have to worry about coffee, tea or red wine staining them. They’re also less expensive than crowns and other types of dental restorations.
Porcelain veneers can also help you achieve the perfect smile by improving your bite and teeth alignment. When you get porcelain veneers, you’ll be able to:
- Have a whiter smile
- Create more uniform teeth that are in proper shape
- Reduce gaps between teeth or misalignment
- Correct stains or discoloration
Porcelain veneers also look like real tooth enamel. In fact, most people won’t even know you have them unless you tell them. We work closely with patients to ensure the end result is comfortable, looks like your real teeth, and is long-lasting. View porcelain veneers before and after photos of real patients on our smile gallery.
The Porcelain Veneer Treatment Process
It is important that Dr. Freano diagnoses and addresses any underlying dental problems to be able to provide lasting porcelain veneer results. As a practitioner of complete dentistry, Dr. Freano takes the time to analyze a patient’s entire occlusal system and look for imbalances that will compromise results.
So before he can begin the porcelain veneer procedure, Dr. Freano will conduct a comprehensive dental exam and consultation. Then he will be able to determine if custom-made porcelain veneers are the most suitable option for you. He will create and discuss the treatment plan and expected results with you. It usually takes 2 to 3 visits for patients to receive veneers in our Lexington dentist office.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Dr. Freano will begin by preparing your teeth for the veneers. He will remove a small amount of the natural tooth structure from the treatment area. This creates room for the veneers to fit comfortably and securely in your mouth, and a rough surface for the veneers to grip.
Dr. Freano will send impressions of your teeth along with treatment specifications to a highly talented ceramist. The specialist will hand-fabricate each dental veneer in a laboratory. It generally takes about 3 weeks for Dr. Freano to receive your final restorations.
At your final appointment, Dr. Freano will fit the veneers on your teeth and adjust them if necessary for a secure and comfortable fit. Then, he will cement them to your teeth to create a permanent restoration. Lastly, he will provide any specific long-term care instructions for maintaining your new smile. You can always call our dental office with questions before and after your treatment.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Do you want to learn more about veneers? Read on to find out if porcelain veneers are the right cosmetic dental choice for you.
How does a dentist apply porcelain veneers?
Your dentist will begin by making an impression of your teeth. He will use this to create a model of your mouth so that he can ensure the veneers fit properly. Next, you’ll receive anesthesia so that you don’t feel any pain and discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist will then use thin slices of porcelain and bond them onto your teeth using special dental cement. He will cure the cement using a special light.
What are the drawbacks of dental veneers?
Since porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover your teeth, your dentist can’t use them to correct deep or severe dental problems. If you need significant changes to many of your teeth, such as straightening them out or reshaping them, porcelain veneers won’t be an option.
It’s also important to note that porcelain veneers aren’t permanent; they will eventually wear down or chip off. For example, the veneers are likely to chip or break off within a year or two if you regularly grind your teeth or chew on hard objects.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
They typically last for about ten years. With proper care and routine dental exams, you will not have to worry about replacing them periodically. If you neglect your dental health, you may need to replace them sooner.
What if my veneers fall off?
On the rare occasion that a veneer falls off, try to locate it and bring it into our Lexington dental office for a replacement. Permanent veneers do not tend to just fall off or break unexpectedly. Very old veneers are prone to this issue. Tooth decay can contribute to a veneer falling off. For example, if it’s been a long time since you had your teeth checked and decay has eaten away at the natural tooth behind the veneer.
Should I get crowns or veneers?
It really depends on your situation. Veneers are more of a cosmetic dental treatment versus dental crowns. Crowns can effectively cover an entire tooth to seal out the decay and deep stains. Veneers only cover the front of teeth. Your situation may not warrant an entire dental crown. Your dentist will recommend the best course of action and help you compare your options.
Is the porcelain veneers process painful?
No, the porcelain veneers process will not cause pain or stress on your gums and teeth. We will administer local anesthesia to prevent discomfort, but sometimes this is not necessary such as in simple cases.
Video Testimonials
These are real patient testimonials from patients of Dr. Doyle Freano.
To schedule a dental exam and risk-free consultation for porcelain veneers in Lexington, Kentucky, give us a call at 859-251-3809 or request a dental appointment online today.
*Results may vary