Porcelain Veneers

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Porcelain Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth that are stained, badly shaped or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly, to help you achieve a beautiful smile!

Will they look like normal teeth?

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.

The Procedure

This procedure will require three appointments:

  • Diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Preparation and temporaries
  • Bonding of the veneers

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Zatopek and Dr. Priour will review the corrective measures of this procedure and help you plan your new smile. Often times, Dr. Zatopek and Dr. Priour will ask the laboratory to use a model of the patient’s teeth and create a wax-up, which demonstrates the exact size and shape of the proposed veneers. This allows the patient to be involved in the planning of their smile and share any concerns prior to committing to treatment.

Preparation

During the second appointment, the teeth will be minimally prepared to allow for the appropriate thickness of porcelain. Following the preparation of the teeth, an impression will be taken and sent to the lab for veneer fabrication. Temporary veneers will also be placed at this time. The permanent veneers should be ready in approximately two to three weeks. However, custom shading at the lab may be necessary to provide a seamless transition from veneer to natural teeth.

Bonding

At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Zatopek and Dr. Priour will first place the veneers with try-in paste to check their fit and color. At this point, the patient will be able to see what the veneers will look like before final bonding. If any changes are necessary, they will be corrected at this time.  Once the patient is completely satisfied with the esthetics of the veneers and the fit has been confirmed, the teeth and veneers are prepared with specific materials to achieve a strong bond.  A special bonding agent is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a curing light is used to harden the material.

Care and follow up

Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.

Maintenance of your new veneers

A good home care regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneers. You should brush and floss as you normally would. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended.

If you clench or grind your teeth, please be sure to let us know. Dr. Zatopek and Dr. Priour may recommend a custom mouth guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth.

We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile!

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We look forward to meeting you. Call (512) 795-2800 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.

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Please call 512.795.2800 or use the form below to schedule your appointment.

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