PORCELAIN VENEERS

Natural Looking Cosmetic Dental Restoration in Richmond, VA

Commonwealth Prosthodontics of Richmond, VA is proud to offer porcelain veneers, a cosmetic dental restoration that can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are designed to bond to and cover the front surface of your teeth. Advancements in dental materials have come a long way in helping to make veneers a very natural-looking cosmetic dental restoration. The porcelain material is resistant to staining and polished in a way that mimics the shine and luster of your natural teeth. The beauty and natural appearance of veneers make them a popular choice for cosmetic enhancements. 

Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting and effective solution used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems such as:

  • Gaps or extra space between teeth
  • Stained or discolored teeth that make you feel self-conscious when smiling
  • Darkened teeth that have had root canal treatment
  • Chipped or broken teeth that appear uneven or irregularly shaped
  • Misaligned or slightly crooked teeth can be fixed with dental veneers

Commonwealth Prosthodontics of Richmond, VA is proud to offer patients porcelain veneers as a cosmetic treatment option to address a wide range of smile issues. If you are interested in learning more about how veneers can enhance your smile and give you back the confidence you deserve, call (804) 346-3366.

porcelain veneers

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH PORCELAIN VENEERS

Prosthodontists are extensively trained to handle the most complex cases of restorative dental procedures. A prosthodontist has 3 to 4 years of additional training beyond general dentistry to understand dental aesthetics and specialize in treatments that will help improve your smile. They are also experts in preserving the health and function of your smile. Dr. Schleider and Dr. Dallow are award-winning Richmond, Virginia, prosthodontists, and they can help determine the best cosmetic treatment option for you. 

Dental porcelain veneers usually require three visits to complete; however, it is not uncommon to need to come in for adjustments after receiving your permanent veneers. The first appointment will be a consultation to determine if veneers are the right cosmetic treatment for your unique smile concerns. At your consultation appointment, we will discuss your concerns, take any necessary images or x-rays and check the health and function of your teeth and gums. We will discuss the procedure and what you can expect during and after the treatment. You can feel free to ask any questions that you may have. 

The next appointment will involve preparing the teeth for porcelain veneers. Your Richmond prosthodontist will reshape the surface of the tooth or teeth getting veneers. A local anesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable throughout this procedure. Next, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to be sent to the lab to make your custom veneers. Once the reshaping is complete, you will receive temporary veneers to cover your teeth until your permanent veneers are made. 

Once your porcelain veneers are created, you will come back to the office to have them bonded to your teeth. The dentist will carefully examine the fit and color of the veneer and make adjustments if necessary to attain the proper fit. The surface of your teeth will be cleaned and etched to establish an optimal surface on which to bond the veneer. Once placed, your dentist will use a special light to harden and bond the porcelain veneer to your tooth. If necessary, you may need a follow-up visit to make minor adjustments and check your gums. 

After getting dental veneers, you can resume your normal diet and oral care routines. Taking good care of your teeth and gums will maximize the longevity of your cosmetic enhancements. If you would like to learn more about dental veneers, call Commonwealth Prosthodontics today at (804) 346-3366.

Versatility of
Porcelain Veneers

Veneers can be used to improve any of the following characteristics of your teeth:

  • Color — Teeth can become stained by the foods and drinks we like, smoking and even normal aging. Veneers are available in numerous shades, from the most natural to the brightest Hollywood white.
  • Size & Shape — Teeth can become worn down from grinding habits or may not have the shape or size you want. For example, some people consider rounder teeth more feminine and squarer teeth more masculine. Veneers can be shaped and sized in whichever way is most flattering to your face.
  • Alignment & Spacing — Veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth or make slight corrections in alignment while improving tooth color and shape.

Creating a New Smile
with Porcelain Veneers

The first step in creating a new smile with porcelain veneers is to communicate exactly what you don’t like about your smile as it is now. It’s a great idea to bring in pictures of smiles you do like, as a starting point for discussion. It’s possible to see how veneers would look on your teeth in one of several ways. A model of your teeth can be created over which wax “veneers” can be placed; sometimes acrylic (plastic) or tooth-colored filling material can be placed directly onto your teeth to demonstrate the effect veneers would have on them.

Once the plan has been agreed upon, your teeth will be prepared by removing a small amount of enamel, if this step is necessary. Molds of your teeth will be taken and used by a skilled dental laboratory to create your veneers, and you will receive a temporary set of veneers to wear during the few weeks it will take to create your permanent veneers. When the veneers come back from the lab, they will be cemented onto your teeth.

Caring for
Your Veneers

According to the American College of Prosthodontics, porcelain veneers can last about 10 years with proper care and good oral hygiene. Just like the teeth nature gave you, teeth restored with veneers need gentle brushing and flossing every day. This will remove dental plaque and ensure good gum tissue health around the veneers. Regular checkups at the dental office will remain as important as always to your oral and general health. And keep in mind that as tough as veneers are, they may not be able to withstand forces that come from using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example) or biting into very hard foods like candy apples — which isn’t good for your natural teeth, either! And if you grind or clench your teeth at night, you might be advised to get a custom-made nightguard to protect your veneers — and your investment.