Porcelain Veneers

It’s time to find out! To start, schedule a consultation with Dr. Susan Baker. She examines your teeth, gums, and mouth. During your visit, you discuss your “smile goals” and what you do not like about your teeth. Dr. Susan Baker needs to confirm that your mouth is healthy and that your goals align with what veneers can achieve.

Conditions that are often treated using porcelain veneers include:

• Stubborn stains and discoloration
• Chipped teeth
• Small cracks
• Gaps between teeth
• Other spacing issues (that do not require any orthodontic treatment)
• Misshapen teeth
• Irregularly-sized teeth
• Wear and tear

The treatment process involves slightly reducing the teeth that require veneers to ensure a proper fit. We then take impressions or scans of these teeth, which are used to create your custom veneers. Once ready, the veneers are securely applied to your natural teeth using advanced bonding agents. This strong bond not only keeps the veneers in place but also supports the long-term strength of your teeth.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the longevity of your porcelain veneers. Here are some tips for keeping them looking great for as long as possible:

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Just like with natural teeth, maintaining proper oral hygiene is considered truly essential for the health and appearance of your veneers. Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque buildup, which can cause discoloration and damage to the veneers.
2.  Avoid hard foods: Porcelain veneers are strong, but they can still chip or crack if you bite into very hard foods such as ice, hard candy, or bones. To avoid potential damage to your veneers, try to stick to softer foods or cut hard foods into smaller, more manageable pieces.
3. Don’t use your teeth as tools: Your veneers are meant to enhance your smile, not perform tasks such as opening bottles or tearing open packaging. Using your veneers for these types of activities might cause them to either chip or break, so it’s best to use the appropriate tools for these tasks.
4. Wear a mouthguard during sports: If you actively participate in any contact sports or activities where there is a risk of getting hit in the face, wearing a mouthguard is essential. A custom-fitted mouthguard will provide protection for both your natural teeth and veneers.
5. Avoid staining agents: While porcelain veneers are considered resistant to staining, they are not completely immune. It’s best to avoid or limit consumption of staining agents like beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even habits like the use of tobacco products. If you do consume these substances, make sure to rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush your teeth regularly.
6. Keep up with regular dental appointments: Even though our quality veneers are not susceptible to decay like the natural teeth, it’s still important to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. This allows your dental team to fully assess the condition of your veneers and ensure that they are functioning properly.
7. Consider getting a nightguard: If you have a habit of either grinding or clenching your teeth at night, this can put excessive pressure on the teeth as well as restoration. Using a nightguard/mouthguard can protect the smile while you sleep.

Dr. Susan Baker can also discuss treatment alternatives with you during your consultation. For example, dental bonding uses a tooth-like composite resin applied directly to the teeth. Dr. Susan Baker then expertly shapes the resin to hide gaps, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections naturally.