What is the Procedure for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers often come into consideration when individuals are dissatisfied with the aesthetic appearance of their smiles due to dental issues. One common situation is when teeth are discolored and do not respond to traditional whitening treatments. This could be due to intrinsic stains caused by certain medications, trauma, or fluorosis. In Precision Dental, our dental office in Glendale, our dentist, Dr. Leo Aghajanian, performs this procedure that can effectively solve minor cosmetic issues like gaps between teeth, minor misalignments, or chipped and worn down teeth. This blog aims to dispel your doubts, clearly understand the process, and answer the most common questions about this procedure.

What are porcelain veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from medical-grade porcelain that overlay the front of your teeth. Veneers are robust and durable, mimicking the strength and resilience of natural tooth enamel. The ceramics used are durable and translucent, similar to the enamel on your teeth, allowing for a highly realistic look. Besides, they can be tinted to match the color of the surrounding teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with the rest of your smile.

The initial consultation for porcelain veneers is crucial in achieving a patient's desired smile. It involves a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Aghajanian to understand the patient's aesthetic goals. He will assess the patient's oral health, examining the teeth and gums to ensure they can support veneers. This session may include taking digital X-rays and making impressions of the mouth. It's an interactive process where patients are encouraged to ask questions and express their expectations and the veneers' preparation.

How long is the process for porcelain veneers?

Getting porcelain veneers takes about four to six weeks, from the initial consultation to the final placement. After the initial consultation, your dentist in Glendale, Dr. Leo Aghajanian, will prepare your teeth for veneers. This involves removing about half a millimeter of enamel from your tooth surface, which is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. Next, he will make a model or impression of your tooth, which is then sent to a dental laboratory. It usually takes 2-4 weeks to receive the veneers from the laboratory.

Once the veneers are ready, Dr. Aghajanian will temporarily place them on your teeth to check their fit and color. He will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer to achieve the proper fit and adjust the color with the shade of cement to be used. Before the veneer is cemented to your tooth, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a robust bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and placed on your tooth. When it's positioned correctly, Dr. Aghajanian will use a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden quickly.

What happens to teeth under porcelain veneers?

In most cases, getting veneers should not be painful. Dentists typically administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being worked on, preventing discomfort during the procedure. Some patients may experience minor sensitivity or pain after the anesthetic wears off, but this tends to be temporary and subside within a few days. As always, it's essential to let your dentist know about any concerns or discomfort you may be having.

While veneers are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, it's important to note that the original teeth underneath are still susceptible to issues like decay. Proper oral hygiene is crucial, as the veneers themselves won't succumb to decay, but the tooth structure underneath them might. Regular check-ups with your dentist are necessary to maintain the health of your teeth under the veneers. At Precision Dental, our dental office in Glendale, we specialize in Porcelain Veneers and Cosmetic Dentistry. So, you can rest assured that your teeth will be in the hands of veneer specialists in the Glendale area.

To sum up, porcelain veneers effectively solve various cosmetic dental concerns, offering a natural, durable, and aesthetically pleasing result. However, it's important to remember that the procedure requires a high level of expertise, and at Precision Dental, Dr. Leo Aghajanian is committed to ensuring patients fully understand the process. Despite the veneers' durability, maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits with your dentist is still essential to protect your underlying natural teeth. If you're considering porcelain veneers, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Glendale and schedule a consultation today.