What are porcelain veneers?
Also referred to as dental veneers or porcelain laminates, porcelain veneers are thin pieces of ceramic that are bonded to the surface of your natural teeth. Veneers are custom made to fit the exact shape of your teeth, or to slightly change their shape, depending on what is wanted. Dr. Krasowski will ensure that they blend perfectly with your natural teeth.
What can porcelain veneers fix?
An easy way to hide minor blemishes, porcelain veneers can conceal:
- Tooth-discoloration or dullness
- Small gaps between teeth
- Stained or worn fillings
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Small chips and cracks
Why are porcelain veneers a good smile-enhancement option?
The enamel on your natural teeth is translucent, meaning that light penetrates it and is reflected off the layer beneath it, known as the dentin. Porcelain absorbs and reflects light in the same manner, absorbing it, and allowing it to reflect off the dental cement (bonding) that attaches the veneer. This gives you an extremely natural looking smile.
How are porcelain veneers attached to my teeth?
For the porcelain veneer to attach firmly to your tooth, an etching gel is first used to roughen the tooth’s surface. Dental bonding cements the veneer to the tooth, and after a curing light hardens the bonding, the veneer becomes a part of that tooth. It is permanently bonded to the tooth. However, an accident or misuse could cause it to break off, so you need to take care of your veneers, and avoid using those teeth as bottle openers!
Does the procedure hurt?
In order to make room in your mouth for the veneer, some enamel from your tooth is shaved away. You are given Novocain for this part of the procedure and should not expect to feel any discomfort. No anesthetic is needed when the veneers are bonded to your teeth.
How long will the procedure take?
For the entire sequence, you will need to schedule four appointments, although only the second and third are needed for the veneer procedure itself:
- An initial consultation to discuss your health history, the procedure and your questions
- A visit for Dr. Krasowski to create a dental mold of the tooth or teeth to receive the veneers
- The actual procedure visit, where the veneer is bonded to your tooth
- A follow-up visit to ensure the veneers feel right and there have been no problems with them
Will my teeth hurt after the procedure is complete?
Your teeth may temporarily feel sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but you will not feel any type of pain.
Can I still drink coffee?
Yes! You do not need to worry about staining your beautiful new smile. Because of the properties of porcelain, stain-creating products will roll right off your tooth’s surface. Rest assured you are safe drinking coffee, black tea, or red wine, or even using tobacco.
Will porcelain veneers ever come off accidentally?
Porcelain is extremely strong and, with proper care, your veneers will last a very long time. However, if you chew on pen caps, ice chips, or other hard-on-your-teeth items, you may risk chipping the porcelain veneer. You should talk with Dr. Krasowski about any habits you fear may break your veneers.
To find out more about porcelain veneers, please visit our porcelain veneers page, or call our office. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation in Rhinelander, Stevens Point, or Wausau, Wisconsin, your first step to a more beautiful you.