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Porcelain Veneers
Getting porcelain veneers placed can be a life-changing experience for a patient. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, imagine being able to transform it into the smile you have always wished for. This is what porcelain veneers are all about. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic dentist Edward Shukovsky, DMD has spent years refining his techniques to produce the latest in porcelain veneer procedures. The placement of porcelain veneers is very popular in our deluxe dental office. To learn more about how you can improve your smile with porcelain veneers, contact our practice today.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Do?
Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth. The beauty of porcelain veneers is in the fact that they can be placed with less tooth removal preparation than what is required with dental crowns. Porcelain veneers can change the shape, shade, and size of the teeth. We can also lengthen the teeth to give a more youthful look, or we can mask discolored and chipped teeth to give you a gorgeous, healthy-looking, radiant smile. In some cases of tooth discoloration, teeth whitening treatments may not be able to whiten the teeth to the level that is desired. In those instances, veneers can solve that problem. Veneers can be made to the patient’s ideal shade, and that shade will not change with time.
Porcelain veneers are also a great option for closing the gaps in-between teeth or eliminating crowding. In fact, veneers have been referred to as “instant orthodontics.” We can make sweeping changes in the appearance of the teeth with veneers, sometimes mimicking the results that are attained with orthodontics!
What Is the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Like?
Once Dr. Shukovsky has evaluated your needs and determined that porcelain veneer treatment is the most ideal option for your goals, he will develop a customized treatment plan. For most patients, Dr. Shukovsky will need to make a very small adjustment to the natural tooth structure to ensure the best possible fit for the veneer. An impression of the teeth will then be taken, which will provide a blueprint for the creation of the custom veneer. Our practice typically utilizes digital impression technology to make the process much quicker and more comfortable.
After the impression is produced, the porcelain veneer will be meticulously designed and created. Dr. Shukovsky will ensure that it accurately matches the color of surrounding teeth to result in a seamless blend. To complete the procedure, our dentist will secure the veneer in place with a durable dental cement and make any necessary adjustments before giving it a final polish.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
As long as they are taken care of, porcelain veneers can last for many, many years. In fact, it’s not uncommon for them to keep your smile looking great for decades! Just be sure to brush and floss daily, visit the dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings, and take some extra precautions during meals. While porcelain veneers are designed to be strong and durable, they can be damaged or compromised if too much pressure is exerted upon them, so it’s typically best to use your other teeth to bite down on hard foods. For individuals who grind or clench their teeth at night, it’s also advisable to consider being fitted for an oral nightguard. A nightguard is a customized oral appliance that can provide a layer of protection between the upper and lower teeth to reduce the risk of damage to the veneer while sleeping.
Are There Any Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers?
Some individuals may not be the best candidates for porcelain dental veneers, or they may wish to explore alternatives to porcelain veneers that can also effectively meet their expectations. There are a number of other treatment options that can be considered, depending on the needs and goals of each patient. Cosmetic dental bonding offers a way to address chips, gaps, and other common concerns. While this option will likely not produce results that are as long-lasting as porcelain veneers, it has been a standard dental treatment for decades and can be an ideal alternative for some patients. For those who are primarily wanting to lighten the color of their teeth, a professional teeth whitening procedure may be all that’s necessary for successful results, depending on the extent and level of tooth discoloration. In cases where orthodontic issues such as teeth misalignment are the main concern, our practice offers a comprehensive range of treatment options that can provide effective solutions. Invisalign®, clear braces, and Six Month Smiles® are advanced orthodontic procedures that can address many common conditions.
Our dentist will answer all of your questions about porcelain veneers and the available alternatives to help you decide the best treatment for your needs.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The most common question regarding porcelain veneers is: how much do they cost? The cost of porcelain veneers varies from patient to patient and depends on the number of teeth needing veneers and the difficulty of the case. Oftentimes, however, one tooth can be more difficult to treat than eight. The reason is that Dr. Shukovsky must match that one tooth to the surrounding teeth. Cost is not the only factor that a patient should consider when deciding whether veneers are right for them. Because cost can vary by such a large degree, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with our team so that we can provide you with an accurate quote.
Smile Design
Patients should see a dentist that practices Smile Design, meaning the dentist looks at the many different factors that contribute to the beauty of one’s smile. Porcelain veneers are a highly-individualized treatment, and therefore you should find a dentist that looks at each smile differently.
A dentist that does Smile Design must also work with a dental laboratory that does Smile Design. There are many concepts that are unique to a Smile Design laboratory. Besides having extensive experience with Smile Design, the laboratory must be equipped with the best materials, and lab technicians must be up-to-date on the latest, most advanced techniques. The laboratory and dental office are in complete partnership, working hand-in-hand to perfect your smile. Dr. Edward Shukovsky prides himself on the excellent long-term relationships that he has fostered over the years with his dental laboratories.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers
The only true way to find out if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers is to have a consultation with Dr. Shukovsky at our practice. Contact us today to discuss how you can get started on improving your smile.
