Porcelain Veneers by Westminster Dentist Dr. Gary Imm

Of all the methods available today for changing and improving the look of your smile, veneers are among the most popular and successful with our patients. The process involves removing a small amount of tooth structure to make room for the veneers. The dental lab then fabricates the veneers from impressions. After placement, the veneers look like natural teeth. Some advantages of porcelain veneers over bonding include: increased longevity, natural beauty and resistance to staining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What are porcelain veneers?

A:  Veneers are a thin piece of tooth-like porcelain the covers the front of a tooth.  These sculpted tooth-shaped veneers are customized for you and are the cornerstone of premiere modern cosmetic dentistry.  Not long ago, only Hollywood stars and the wealthy could obtain this level of dentistry, but today, veneers are quickly becoming a way for many individuals to obtain a healthy new smile.  You are an excellent candidate for veneers if your teeth are discolored, misshapen, poorly positioned or worn.  Veneers will make an immediate and drastic positive impact on the look of your smile.


Q: Are all veneers the same?  What makes one veneer different from another?

A:  The short answer is - not all veneers are the same.  Dr. Imm has gone through extensive post-graduate training which specifically addresses the cosmetic factors which make a premium veneer look great.  The best results come after a doctor looks at your age, gender, personality and face shape, then recommends veneers that have an appropriate shape, color, translucency and bite relation specifically for you.  While there is a science behind the aesthetics of a beautiful smile, in the end your doctor and you need to decide what would look best for you individually.  Also, the best dental labs produce the best veneers.  Dr. Imm uses only the highest quality master labs.  Some labs do not have the advanced training to make a veneer to a demanding doctor’s exact specifications.  When done correctly, veneers look and feel exactly like real teeth!

Q: How are porcelain veneers made?

A: Less than a millimeter thick, veneers are made of porcelain and are just as hard as your natural tooth enamel.  This specialized porcelain is made with a mix of art and science to ensure a natural look.  A well-fabricated veneer takes shape, color, translucency and even florescence into consideration.  

Q: What are porcelain veneers used for?

A: Veneers are an ideal treatment option for an individual suffering from misshapen, discolored and poorly aligned teeth.  They can provide a quick and functional solution for individuals who would like a straight smile without the hassle and pain of orthodontic work.  They are an especially attractive option when one considers that they can be made to your shape and color specifications and they do not stain like your natural teeth.  Many older patients wear their teeth down due to poor bite or clenching problems.  Veneers offer an excellent solution for these individuals as well.
 
Veneers also can have an extremely positive impact on the overall face.  Veneers, in combination with occlusal (bite) adjustments can result in dramatic improvements in overall facial appearance including: the reduction of “double chins”, more prominent jaw, more relaxed facial features and improved facial symmetry.

Q:  How long would it take to achieve a new, youthful smile with porcelain veneers?

A:  Veneers can be accomplished in as few as three visits.  The first visit would be a consultation with Dr. Imm to decide on the shape and color of the veneers and talk about the procedure.  The second visit Dr. Imm would prepare your teeth and place temporary veneers on you teeth until your new smile arrives a few weeks later.  The final visit is when you get your permanent veneers which were customized for you.  Each visit is between 2 and 4 hours long, and the whole process takes little more than a month.  Imagine having an amazing smile that allows you to really express yourself in just a couple months!

Q: What is the process of getting porcelain veneers?

A:  In contrast to crowns, preparing a tooth for veneers means removing only a small amount of the tooth enamel (usually less than a millimeter).  This small tooth reduction is made so the veneer will look exactly like a real tooth, not bulky or thick.  The veneer is then made to fit exactly over your tooth and prepared with that mind.

Once a master lab fabricates and creates your perfect teeth, they are shipped back to the dentist who then uses advanced adhesives to bond the veneer to your tooth.  This bond is much stronger than years ago when veneers were essentially glued in place.  Today's veneers are bonded so they become part of the structure of your teeth.  This is done using a special high-intensity curing light and new cutting-edge materials.  The process from beginning to end is quite simple and painless.  No wonder it is one of our most popular treatments!

Q:  How many veneers are needed for a new smile?

A: Generally, it is recommended that patients veneer at least the front 8 teeth, because these teeth are visible.  Look in the mirror and count how many teeth you can see.  It is best to do at least that many to ensure a uniform and pleasing result.  Sometimes patients will do even more teeth, especially when addressing occlusal (bite) issues simultaneously with cosmetic concerns.

Q:  How long can I expect my porcelain veneers to last?

A:  There is no way to know exactly how long your veneers will last, but there are many individuals who have had their veneers without problems for 20 or more years.  While they are meant to be a permanent and long-term solution, it would be unrealistic to expect them to last forever.  Just like all things, including your own teeth, they may eventually break or wear.  Dr. Imm can explain this even better during your cosmetic consultation.

Q:  How do I maintain the beautiful appearance of my new smile and porcelain veneers?

A:  Just like your regular teeth, teeth fitted with porcelain veneers need routine maintenance. This includes flossing and brushing, using normal, non-abrasive toothpaste and regular checkups with your dentist.  It is also important to have a follow up with your cosmetic dentist a few weeks after receiving your permanent veneers for a brief evaluation.

Individuals who clench their teeth or grind their teeth need to be especially careful of their new teeth.  Often constant clenching and grinding of your natural teeth results in wear and damage; the same is true with veneers.

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