Porcelain Veneers

Introduction to Porcelain Veneers

Did you know that at Chester County Family Dentistry we specialize in “smile lifts?” With so many modern means of reinventing and improving the way you look and feel, you should have the same option with your smile! Chipped, worn, and misshapen teeth can be embarrassing, negatively impact self esteem, and eventually lead to dental problems such as tooth sensitivity, increased risk of cavities, and more. The good news — porcelain veneers address these issues (and others) to produce a beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smile.

Dr. David Montgomery and Dr. Ryan Dunn are here to help you learn everything there is to know about porcelain veneers and how CCFD can help you continue to strive for the smile you’ve always wanted.

What are porcelain veneers? It’s a question we receive quite often at CCFD. Veneers are thin porcelain shells, similar to artificial fingernails in that they adhere to the outsides of your teeth. They are carefully shaped, both to uniquely fit your real teeth and to give you a symmetrical smile. And, there are even more benefits enjoyed by patients who opt for porcelain veneers, which include:

• Whiter, brighter smile
• Youthful vibrant appearance added to your entire face
• Strong, long-lasting results
• Resistant to staining

When we say that porcelain veneers are long-lasting, just how long are we talking? Unlike artificial nails, porcelain veneers are designed to be a more permanent cosmetic dental solution. Veneers can last for up to 20 years with proper dental hygiene and care. So, although nothing in dentistry is considered “permanent,” porcelain veneers are certainly known for longevity, especially over cosmetic bonding.

Porcelain veneers are often preferred over crowns in situations of improving teeth for cosmetic rather than tooth decay reasons. Crowns do not blend in naturally with the rest of your teeth, bringing attention to spots that you’d rather keep concealed. And, while crowns may be less expensive, if the goal is to look more youthful, veneers are the way to go.

For most patients, the porcelain veneers procedure usually requires two appointments. During your visits, the following steps take place to complete the process in full:

• During your first appointment, the dentist will partially remove some of the hard outer layer of the tooth (referred to as the “enamel”). This ensures that your porcelain veneers will bond correctly to your natural teeth.
• The dentist will then make an impression of your teeth. This impression is sent to a lab where your veneers are created. The dentist and the lab will work together to ensure that each porcelain veneer matches your existing teeth perfectly.
• After the lab finishes producing the porcelain veneers, you can come in for your second appointment — we like to call this a “try-in” visit. During this visit, each separate thin porcelain shell produced by the lab will be paired with the corresponding natural tooth. This shell mimics the layer of enamel that was previously removed, providing a renewed strength to your teeth.
• After successful completion of your porcelain veneer fitting, Dr. Montgomery or Dr. Dunn will bond the shell onto your teeth. This is performed by bonding a thin layer of plastic between each tooth and the veneer. The process won’t take long, and you’ll love the results!

Once you’ve had your porcelain veneers put into place, you’ll want to make sure that you get the most out of them. Here are a few simple suggestions to increase the life of your veneers:

• Invest in an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes work faster to cover all of the hard to reach places in your mouth. The superior rotation of an electric toothbrush removes far more food pieces and plaque than a regular toothbrush.
• Incorporate tooth-healthy foods into your diet. Foods high in calcium are always good for keeping your teeth strong. Other foods such as apples, leafy greens, carrots, and celery have multiple vitamins that support healthy oral hygiene.
• Keep a regular appointment with your dentist. Getting routine cleanings and checkups will ensure that your porcelain veneers are properly in place and help you maintain positive dental health.

Applying porcelain veneers is akin to an art form, in that the process is highly customizable to your specific needs. Not all dentists are created equal when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. If you need help when searching “porcelain veneers near me”, you can start with those you trust most: your own network of family and friends.

If you are in the Chester County area, Chester County Family Dentistry provides our patients with high-quality porcelain veneers, among other cosmetic and routine dental procedures. And, if you would like to see porcelain veneers before and after examples or other procedures from our dentists’ portfolios, we have many to share.

To start your journey to the perfect smile, schedule an appointment now. Or, give us a call any time to set up a tour or ask questions about any of our dental services!