Everything You Need To Know About Porcelain Veneers From A Napa Dentist

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made, high-quality porcelain shells that adhere to the front surface of teeth. They offer a painless solution to improve the esthetics and function of a smile with natural-looking results lasting up to 15 years.

Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa specializes in crafting high-quality veneers tailored to each patient's unique needs, utilizing advanced techniques to achieve stunning, transformative results.

Dental Problems Porcelain Veneers Can Solve

Porcelain veneers can be used to help with the following issues:

1. Chips
2. Cracks
3. Crookedness/Minor Misalignment
4. Gaps
5. Discoloration
6. Uneven or narrow smile
7. Bite issues
8. Old restorations or fillings

Porcelain veneers can address these common problems and can improve both the esthetics and function of a smile. The veneers can change the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. While they are appropriate for many people, not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. If you have healthy gums and good bone structure, you are likely an appropriate candidate.

Due to the custom design and materials used, porcelain veneers mimic the natural appearance of teeth, reflect light similar to healthy tooth enamel, and are resistant to staining and color change. Due to their versatility, porcelain veneers can be an excellent cosmetic dentistry solution.

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Obtaining your dream smile starts with a comprehensive examination and consultation to assess your oral health and create a personalized treatment plan. The comprehensive exam will include digital scans, photographs, X-rays (if required), and a visual examination to obtain important information and data. During your 60-minute private consultation, the examination findings will be discussed in addition to your cosmetic and/or functional concerns and goals.

Porcelain Veneer Itinerary

Optional Professional Teeth Whitening: If your intact teeth have discoloration, professional teeth whitening can be beneficial before receiving your veneers to help color-match adjacent teeth, resulting in a more cohesive, brighter smile.

Preparation of the teeth: Dr. Sasha will prepare your teeth by making minimal alterations to the teeth that will be treated. To ensure a strong bond and to allow proper positioning of the veneers, a small amount of enamel (less than the thickness of a fingernail) is removed.

Scanning and Customization: Precise and accurate 3D scanning is used to design and customize your veneers. Unlike, traditional "goopy" impressions, the use of modern, 3D scanning technology improves the design and fabrication of the veneer by better detailing the anatomy and geometry of your teeth.

Temporary Veneers: Temporary veneers are applied while your permanent veneers are being designed in our dental lab. The temporary veneers give the opportunity to showcase the final smile design. At this point, additional adjustments to the shape, color, and size of the veneer(s) can be made to ensure full satisfaction. Once finalized, your fully customized porcelain veneers typically take two weeks to complete.

Placement of the Permanent Veneers: Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa will receive your veneers from our dental lab. Once the veneers pass meticulous inspection and quality control measures, an appointment is scheduled to apply the veneers with a strong dental adhesive securely to your teeth.

Final Adjustments: Additional adjustments may be required to ensure they blend seamlessly with the surrounding untreated teeth for a beautiful, natural-looking smile.

Aftercare and Maintenance of Porcelain Veneers

With proper aftercare and maintenance, porcelain veneers can be a durable, long-lasting treatment option that can last a decade or more. Your veneers won't require any additional special care than your natural teeth do, but here are a few good tips:

Routine, preventative, professional dental care: To maintain the beauty and longevity of your new smile, be consistent with preventative dental visits (i.e. regular cleanings) to monitor the veneer integrity and your overall oral health.

Proper Oral Hygiene Practices: Maintaining proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing, is important to maintaining good oral health; however, no additional special treatment is required to maintain the integrity of your veneers.

Avoid Harmful Habits: Avoiding habits such as grinding your teeth, clenching your jaw, or using your mouth as a tool to pry open objects helps with the longevity of your veneers. If you have the tendency to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, getting a customized mouth guard can be protective to use when you sleep.

Contact Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa to schedule your consultation by calling 707-257-7771 or by conveniently filling out our online contact form.