Dental veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that attach to the front of the teeth. Each veneer is custom made to fit a particular tooth for quality comfort and a beautifully natural look. The veneer covers over any chips, cracks, or stains when placed. In addition, veneers help to prevent hairline cracks or chips from getting worse. They are also very strong and durable, offering long-term results. Call the Aventura Dental Center in Aventura, FL to schedule an appointment with our skilled dentist, Dr. David Bistritz.

Porcelain veneers are classified as indirect veneers. This means they are made in a dental lab. To fabricate veneers, the ceramist relies on measurements and molds provided by the dental office. The necessary information is obtained at the first visit in which teeth are gently reduced and impressions taken. Additional information sent to the dental lab includes the shade of dental porcelain from which veneers should be carved. Utilizing the information sent by the dental office, the ceramist sculpts veneers from durable dental porcelain to match the color, size, and shape needed to enhance the natural beauty of the smile.

Nearly all dental procedures carry some degree of risk. Porcelain veneer treatment is carefully planned and executed to reduce the potential for complications. Some of the risks associated with porcelain veneer treatment include:

• Dental decay or discoloration at the margins of veneers.
• Cracking of the veneer or tooth.
• Staining. According to studies, over 90% of patients remain happy with the radiance of their veneers after 5 years. At 10 years, that percentage may drop to about 65%. Though made to resist discoloration, porcelain can stain over many years. With proper care, this risk can be reduced.

Getting porcelain veneers is a relatively simple process. Your dentist will conduct a consultation and examination before commencing with cosmetic treatment. X-rays may be taken if it has been some time since your last exam and cleaning. Your teeth will be cleaned and polished beforehand, as well. If your dental exam reveals gum disease, inflammation, tooth decay, or other structural conditions, these will be corrected before porcelain veneers are designed. It is essential to address dental concerns before performing cosmetic procedures, especially porcelain veneers, because we want to prolong the life of these cosmetic restorations as much as possible. Once your dentist confirms that your teeth and gums are in good health, your porcelain veneer process may begin.

To begin the process of making the veneers, Dr. Bistritz must make room for the veneer by removing a thin layer of enamel from each tooth that will be covered. Once the teeth have been prepared, Dr. Bistritz will make a digital impression of the teeth, which will be used to create your custom veneers in a dental laboratory. A temporary veneer will cover your teeth until the permanent veneers are delivered to our office. The custom veneers will be attached to the front of the teeth with a special resin bonding agent. Dr. Bistritz will adjust the veneers as needed to give you a comfortable fit.

A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled about one week after the veneers are placed to make sure the bond is secure and the fit is still comfortable. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining than your natural enamel, but it is advised to avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, soda, tea, and red wine to keep your veneers in their best condition. You should continue to follow a good home oral care routine, including brushing your teeth with a non-abrasive toothpaste, flossing, and visiting our office for professional cleanings and dental exams. With good care, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.

“Best dentist I have been to! The staff is super nice and knowledgeable. Didn’t have to wait and started my appointment right on time. The office manager was super thorough and went through my options and insurance coverage. The doctor is super nice and made me feel very comfortable (I hate getting dental work done). And the cleaning was one of the best I’ve gotten! Totally making this my new dental home!” -Alexis W.

Porcelain veneers are pretty hardy and stain-resistant. However, they are not indestructible. After receiving porcelain veneers, patients should temporarily minimize the consumption of:

• Staining foods and beverages. Common examples include coffee, tea, soda, and red wine. Your dentist can advise you regarding how to maintain a radiant white smile while still enjoying your favorite foods and beverages.
• Sticky foods and candies. Goodies like taffy and caramel can be especially stressful on veneered teeth. This is due to the tensile strength required to bite and twist simultaneously.
• Chewy, hard foods. Examples include nuts, ice, and other hard objects. Nuts and harder or denser foods can be chewed using posterior, non-veneered teeth. However, biting into such items, or chewing on hard objects, should be strictly avoided.

Porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is generally not covered by dental insurance. However, our office accepts many payment options and we can help you with financing plans to make porcelain veneers more affordable.

To revitalize your smile and hide cosmetic flaws, porcelain veneers can be a great treatment. Teeth that are crooked, chipped, discolored, and/or stained can be camouflaged with natural-looking veneers custom made for a comfortable, long-lasting solution. To learn more about porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options that will optimize your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bistritz.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.