Porcelain Veneers

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that cover teeth to close gaps and eliminate imperfections. Teeth that can benefit from porcelain veneers are teeth that have stains, chips, cracks, or misshapen teeth. If you want a custom solution to give you the smile you have always wanted, porcelain veneers may be right for you.

Do Veneers Look Natural?

Absolutely! Veneers are made of dental porcelain that reflects light like natural tooth enamel, so they look and feel completely natural. Our veneers are virtually undetectable – no one will know you have them, but they will notice your stunning smile!
See Actual Patient Photos in Our Before & After Gallery

How Durable Are Veneers?

With proper care, veneers can brighten your smile for well over a decade or much longer. There are highly resistant to stains from food, beverages, and tobacco so your smile will stay beautiful. Veneers come in many qualities, styles, shapes, and shades. Visit with us about your options that will work best for you.

The Procedure

Veneers require three visits to design, create, and place. Here is what you can expect:
Diagnosis and treatment planning with an examination of your teeth and smile. We will take photos and impressions of your teeth so you can see your new created smile before we actually start. This is where your desires and expectations are voiced and heard so we can deliver the smile you have always wanted.

Preparation

Dr Grapevine will conservatively remove a minimal amount of enamel, about 1/2 millimeter from each tooth receiving a veneer, and then custom temporary veneers will be made. Many of our temporaries are mistaken for the final permanent veneers by others. This procedure may require some local anesthesia. We will take a custom impression and then send your impressions to a trusted lab were they will hand make each veneer according to our specifications for your smile. The veneers will be ready in two to three weeks.

Cementation

We will remove the temporaries and then place the veneers on the teeth. We will check the fit and color of the veneers and once they have met your approval, we will clean the teeth and bond the veneers on permanently.

Follow Up Care and Maintenance

You will return one to two weeks and the final cementation for a follow up visit. Brush and floss normally and use a non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your teeth and the veneers clean. Good home care will ensure optimal durability and appearance.

Let us know if you clench or grind your teeth. We may suggest a nightguard to protect your veneers.

The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

  • Because they are made from fine dental porcelain, veneers are very natural looking
  • This is a conservative treatment and only requires minimal adjustment to the teeth to accommodate the veneers
  • Very durable and long lasting – porcelain veneers can last for decades
  • Able to permanently eliminate stains in the teeth or from old bonding that has stained over the years. Plus veneers are stain resistant, meaning your smile will stay white and bright.
  • Able to reshape the size, length, and width of the teeth
  • Able to close minor spaces between the teeth or misaligned teeth
  • Improve the appearance of misshapen front teeth
  • Able to permanently brighten and change the color of the teeth with natural characterizations to the them as well

Porcelain Veneers are so natural, no one will even realize you have them – but they will notice your beautiful smile. Dr. Grapevine has done custom veneers for his fellow dental colleagues who interact with their patients daily and have never noticed their veneers, just their beautiful smile.

Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers

Dr. Grapevine also offers Lumineers and cosmetic bonding as alternatives to porcelain veneers for patients who have concerns about removing healthy tooth structure or who have budget considerations. Learn more about the differences between porcelain veneers, Lumineers and cosmetic bonding.