Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have allowed cosmetic dentists like us to radically transform the smile of patients that have proven cosmetic tooth concerns and are not happy with their current smile. These concerns may be chipped teeth, discolored teeth, crooked teeth, yellow teeth, funky shaped teeth or just down right ugly teeth.

We use them to solve all of these different problems. Tooth shape can be corrected with a veneer. The added layer will help even out the way the edges of the tooth looks and conceal any chips. Patients who experience noticeable tooth discoloration may opt to have dental veneers applied. In this instance, the veneer covers up discoloration that tooth whitening was not able to remove. The patient’s smile looks natural while concealing any defects that might be present. With porcelain veneers, we can have total control over the shape, color and size of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are very versatile in what they can do. The process is quite simple and our patients are ecstatic with the results.

WHAT IS A PORCELAIN VENEER?

A porcelain veneer is actually a thin layer of dental porcelain that is shaped just like a tooth. The veneer maintains a natural white color and shape so it blends well with your existing teeth. The layer is applied directly to the surface of the tooth, covering up any existing esthetic flaws.

Porcelain veneers are made of a very thin porcelain material. They are made in a dental lab by a skilled cosmetic dental technician. We at Camarillo Smiles use the finest technicians in the world.

HISTORY OF PORCELAIN VENEERS

Early dental veneers were researched by Simonsen and Calamia in 1982. The research revealed that porcelain etched with hydrofluoric acid could be permanently applied to a tooth. Previously, the very first dental veneers were not permanent and were often used by actors to change the way their teeth looked while performing. Now, the porcelain veneers are bonded using a resin cement and are expected to last for many, many years. We have been making porcelain veneers since 1988 and we are fortunate enough to get to see our patients enjoying their veneers year after year. They tend to not only have a dramatic effect on the way the patient’s teeth look when speaking and smiling but they also have a dramatic effect on their confidence and self image.

THE PROCESS TO GET PORCELAIN VENEERS

The patient will make two trips to complete the process. The first trip involves preparing the teeth for the veneers. The first visit is the preparation procedure which usually, but not always, involves the removal of a portion of the tooth’s enamel. After resizing teeth to accept porcelain veneers, an impression is taken. Temporary veneers are then made that will stay on the teeth until the permanent veneers are ready to put on.

When the patient arrives for their second appointment, we will try the veneers in check to make sure all of the patient’s cosmetic concerns have been met. The veneer is then applied using a resin which is sensitive to light. We will apply a light to the resin to harden it. Once this is complete, your porcelain veneers will be secure and ready to show off to the world.