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, stains within your teeth or teeth that are 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 and 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 can take on the natural color of the underlying tooth (if desirable).

How durable are porcelain veneers?

With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Godino will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality ceramics from only quality laboratories and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.

The Procedure:

This procedure requires four (or less) steps:
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
- Post-op evaluation

Diagnosis and treatment planning:

You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Godino will review the possibilities and corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your smile. The result of this step is the fabrication of a diagnostic wax-up which will guide us in giving you the exact smile you want. See the “Smile Design” section of our website to see how we go through great detail to find out just the smile that suits you best.

Preparation:

This appointment will take from 1 hour to 3 hours depending on how many teeth are being prepared. Although porcelain veneers can be as thin as .5 mm there still should be some preparation of tooth structure so the resultant thickness of the tooth is not any thicker than the natural tooth would be. To violate this would mean an unhealthy situation for the gums as well as a compromise in esthetics. Because of the preparation of tooth structure we do anesthetize the teeth to prevent any painful surprises.

An impression is then taken of the prepared teeth and sent to the lab for the fabrication of the porcelain veneers. A temporary is then made over the teeth to the exact shape of the diagnostic wax-up. We can then modify the temporary if needed and relay this to the lab so the lab knows exactly what we want.

Bonding:

In approximately 2 – 3 weeks we will place the final veneers. Again you will be anesthetized and the temporaries removed. The porcelain veneers are tried in place to check their fit and color; some modification to color can be made at this point, if desired, in the shade of cement used. The veneers are then bonded in place using the latest generation of bonding agents and curing with a blue light. The excess cement is then removed and the bite adjusted. This appointment takes between 1 and 2 hours.

Post-op evaluation:

Usually a week after placing the porcelain veneers Dr. Godino likes to see you to evaluate the esthetics as well as the tissue health. Any bonding cement left behind is removed and also any slight modifications to the veneers can be made at this time.

Maintenance of your new Veneers:

Brush and floss at least twice daily as we prescribe and a sonic toothbrush is highly recommended. Nothing will ensure the long term success of your veneers like a good, religiously followed home care regimen and regular professional maintenance. You may experience some temperature sensitivity after placement of your veneers. This is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks.

If you even suspect you are a tooth grinder or clencher we will recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.

We know that your new veneers will fulfill your esthetic goal and with proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.