Porcelain Veneers

What Is the Porcelain Veneers Process Like?

When well-maintained, top-tier porcelain veneers, such as those employed by Dr. Chen, can endure for many years, often spanning decades. Dr. Chen offers comprehensive instructions for at-home care and post-treatment maintenance to extend their longevity. Moreover, he uses specialized pastes and gels during routine dental check-ups that effectively shield the veneers from damage and significantly enhance their endurance.

Dr. Chen utilizes materials renowned for their aesthetics, as well as their robustness, capable of standing the test of time. What sets his approach apart is that the design and planning of porcelain veneers prioritize functionality; form follows function. Dr. Chen employs an aesthetic prototype or blueprint (wax-up) with a focus on bite mechanics and function, ensuring even distribution of bite forces across all teeth and precise timing of the bite. Advanced Tekscan®/T-Scan® technology aids Dr. Chen in precisely visualizing bite force dynamics and timing, offering insights to fine-tune the veneers for ultimate comfort and longevity.

The blueprint guides the creation of temporary veneers initially, allowing you to ‘test drive’ both aesthetics and functionality. Any issues can be rectified before final veneer placement, ensuring that the teeth’s function is built to last and that bite mechanics suit your needs. Addressing any errors, chips, breaks, or discomfort in the temporary phase ensures a more predictable outcome, instilling confidence in the long-lasting success of the final restorations.

The pre-planning process is equally essential for identifying potential health concerns that might affect the veneers’ durability. Conditions like acid reflux, TMJ Disorder, and sleep apnea are frequently undiagnosed culprits for teeth erosion and damage due to gradual bite changes and teeth grinding. Dr. Chen conducts a thorough diagnosis and evaluates functional movements, crafting a precise blueprint tailored to each individual’s dental function and anatomy. This meticulous approach guarantees exceptional results that stand the test of time for many years to come.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

With proper maintenance, the high-quality porcelain veneers used by Dr. Chen can endure for numerous years, often lasting well into decades. Dr. Chen ensures their prolonged lifespan by offering comprehensive guidance on at-home care and maintenance post-treatment. Additionally, she employs rare and specialized pastes and gels during regular dental check-ups, effectively safeguarding the veneers against damage and significantly extending their durability.

Dr. Chen selects materials not only for their exceptional aesthetic qualities but also for their remarkable durability, ensuring they stand the test of time. What sets his approach apart is the focus on functionality in the design and planning process, where function takes precedence over form—an engineering component. Dr. Chen employs an aesthetic prototype or blueprint (wax-up) meticulously crafted with bite mechanics and function in mind. She meticulously measures bite force to ensure uniform distribution across all teeth and times the bite to ensure simultaneous contact. To aid in these critical aspects of the planning process, Dr. Chen leverages advanced Tekscan®/T-Scan® technology, providing precise insights into bite force dynamics and timing. This innovation helps identify any minor adjustments required to create the most comfortable and enduring veneers possible.

The blueprint guides the creation of temporary veneers, essentially offering a ‘test drive’ for both aesthetics and functionality. This preliminary phase allows for the rectification of any issues before the final veneers, ensuring long-lasting teeth function and appropriate bite mechanics. Any errors, chips, breaks, or discomfort can be addressed and corrected during the temporary phase, enhancing predictability and instilling confidence in the durability of the final restorations.

Furthermore, the pre-planning process plays a pivotal role in identifying potential underlying health concerns that may impact the veneers’ longevity. Conditions like acid reflux, TMJ Disorder, and sleep apnea, often overlooked, could lead to teeth erosion and damage due to gradual changes in bite forces and teeth grinding. A comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation of functional movements, combined with a precise blueprint tailored to each individual’s dental function and anatomy, are integral components of Dr. Chen’s approach to porcelain veneer planning, ensuring exceptional, long-lasting results well into the future.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers

Porcelain and composite veneers are two popular options for enhancing the appearance of teeth, particularly for cosmetic purposes. They have some key differences in terms of material, cost, durability, and the application process:

Material

Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are made from thin ceramic shells. They are custom-made in a dental laboratory and then bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are known for their natural appearance and translucency, which closely resembles natural teeth.
Composite Veneers: Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from a tooth-colored resin material. Unlike porcelain veneers, which are fabricated in a lab, composite veneers are typically applied directly to the teeth in a dental office.

Cost

Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive than composite veneers. This is due to the cost of materials, custom fabrication, and the expertise required for the application.
Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are generally more affordable because they can be applied in a single dental visit, and the materials are less expensive.

Durability

Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and resistance to staining. With proper care, they can last 10-15 years or even longer.
Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers. They are more prone to staining and chipping and may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently, typically every 5-7 years.

Application Process

Porcelain Veneers: The application of porcelain veneers typically involves multiple dental visits. First, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth, and the veneers are custom-fabricated in a dental lab. During a subsequent visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth.
Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth during a single visit. The dentist sculpts and shapes the composite resin material to achieve the desired appearance.

Reversibility

Porcelain Veneers: The process of applying porcelain veneers is irreversible, as it often involves removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneers.
Composite Veneers: Composite veneers are considered reversible because they do not require significant enamel removal. If desired, they can be removed without causing permanent damage to the teeth.

The choice between porcelain and composite veneers depends on your specific needs, budget, and cosmetic goals. We invite you to consult with Dr. Chen to determine which option is most suitable for you, taking into account factors like cost, longevity, and the condition of your teeth.

Porcelain Veneers Frequently Asked Questions

Do porcelain veneers cause discomfort?

The placement of porcelain veneers typically involves the use of a local anesthetic to minimize any potential discomfort. While some patients may experience mild soreness or sensitivity after the treatment, these minor side effects should subside quickly.

Can I have just one porcelain veneer, or will I need a full set?

If a single tooth is the primary concern, a solitary porcelain veneer should suffice. Dr. Chen will only recommend additional veneers when they genuinely serve a patient’s specific needs. In cases where multiple teeth are affected by issues such as chips, deep stains, slight misalignment, or other conditions that porcelain veneers can address, Dr. Chen can assess whether a set of porcelain veneers is an ideal solution and discuss this option during the initial consultation.

Do porcelain veneers require special care?

Caring for porcelain veneers closely resembles regular oral hygiene practices. Maintaining a consistent schedule for dental check-ups and cleanings, combined with routine brushing and flossing, should generally suffice for the optimal upkeep of your veneers. However, it’s advisable to exercise caution when biting down on exceptionally hard or sticky foods. If teeth grinding or clenching during sleep is a concern, the use of a nightguard (mouthguard) may be recommended to prevent potential damage to the veneers.

Can porcelain veneers be whitened?

Porcelain veneers come with a stain-resistant coating to prevent discoloration. Consequently, traditional teeth whitening treatments are ineffective on them. Some patients may be advised to undergo a teeth whitening procedure before having veneers placed so that the veneers can be color-matched to the whiter, brighter teeth surrounding them.

Are there alternatives to porcelain veneers?

For some patients, alternative solutions may be suitable if their concerns can be effectively addressed by these options. Mild to moderate stains can often be improved with teeth whitening treatments. Cosmetic dental bonding can be a viable choice for many issues such as chips and gaps, although the results may not be as long-lasting as porcelain veneers. Severe damage to teeth may necessitate the use of dental crowns. Our dentist can work with you to determine whether porcelain veneers or an alternative option is the best fit for your specific needs.

Do porcelain veneers eventually detach?

Porcelain adheres most effectively to enamel when minimal tooth grinding is involved. Preserving as much enamel as possible helps maintain a strong bond with the veneer. Dr. Chen uses high-quality materials and an extensive planning process to ensure patients can enjoy their porcelain veneers for many years. To ensure the longevity of your veneers, it is also crucial to attend scheduled dental check-ups, maintain daily flossing and brushing, and take precautions to protect them from potential damage.

Schedule Your Appointment with Dr. Chen

If you have additional inquiries about porcelain veneers or are considering cosmetic dentistry, and wish to explore if this treatment is suitable for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us either online or by phone to arrange an appointment with Dr. Chen.