Considering porcelain Veneers in Los Angeles? Here is a complete guide from Dr. Bruce Vafa, top cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills, CA about porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are the same as dental porcelain laminates, or dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells that your dentist will customize to cover teeth, thus improving their appearance. Dental porcelain laminates are often made using materials that resemble the color of the teeth to avoid mismatches. These shells change the length, color, size and shape of the teeth.
Dental laboratories usually make veneers using composite materials such as porcelain. The compact nature of porcelain makes the veneers stain resistant. Besides this, porcelain veneers mimic the natural properties of the teeth. Veneers are durable and have been used on patients who wish to have healthy and beautiful smiles.
Table of Contents
Choose a topic from our FAQs to Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
- What are Porcelain Veneers?
- When Do You Need Porcelain Veneers?
- Advantages of Beverly Hills Porcelain Veneers
- What are Possible Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers?
- What is the Proper Maintenance of Porcelain Veneers?
- Bad Veneers
- The Process of Fitting Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Veneer Emergencies
- The Causal Factors of Veneer Fractures and Debonding
- Lumineers vs Porcelain Veneers
- Determining the Cost of Veneers
- How Porcelain Veneers Compare With other Dental Procedures
- Porcelain Veneers Verses Teeth Whitening
- Porcelain Veneers Verses Dental Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers Verses Braces
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Dental veneers are a brainchild of Charles Pinchus. The famed dentist invented them in the 1930’s to cater for the needs of movie stars who were trooping Hollywood at the time. The veneers gained popularity and mainstream acceptance due to their frequent use by the movies starts, and their use during Halloween. During that time, their use was limited since they were fixed using dental adhesive. Extensive research led to the advancement of more developed porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers work via tooth bonding technology. Following the correct procedures guarantees strong bonds between the filling material and the enamel. Similar procedures are often used to form subsequent bonds between the tooth enamel and porcelain. This often results in a situation whereby the bond formed acts as a cement, which seamlessly fits in between the tooth and the veneer. This bonds holds everything in place.
Can Veneers withstand high pressure
Many individuals often question the ability of thin porcelain to withstand high pressure that results from chewing food and other dental process. You should however take note of the fact that in as much as porcelain is brittle in nature, the underlying tooth is sturdy and thus offers the necessary support. This creates a strong surface, which us able to withstand wear and tear for a long time.
Porcelain veneers enhance the smile of an individual by virtue of how they handle light rays. Whenever light strikes the outer surface of porcelain veneers, it penetrates to the interior. The light rays travel throughout the veneer before being redirected to the plaque. After traversing the veneer, the light rays will be reflected out of the teeth, thus creating a shiny appearance. Veneers also have orthodontic purposes. They have been extensively used by dental specialists to close in on the gap found between teeth. Veneers reduce the spaces, thus helping a patient to have an even smile.
When Do You Need Porcelain Veneers?
Traditionally, porcelain veneers were used to slightly reshape misaligned teeth, or treat permanently discolored teeth. In recent times however, other uses have emerged. These include:
Porcelain Veneers for the Treatment of Crooked Teeth.
Despite being an emerging technology, porcelain veneers have quickly gained prominence. They are now a popular choice between dental practitioners over traditional aligners such as the use of braces. Dr. Vafa, Los Angeles veneers dentist, can use veneers to fix crooked teeth within a short time. This is quite remarkable because braces for instance, can take up to two years before they fully align crooked teeth. It is advisable that you make a dental appointment if you have teeth that have grown at odd angles.
Treatment of Gaps between Teeth
In the past, braces were the only alternative to remove the gaps between teeth. However, nowadays you have more one treatment options. Veneers might be a good option to treat the gaps in between your teeth. Contact Smile Angels of Beverly Hills for a free veneers consultation and to explore your options. Top dental practitioners currently use veneers to restructure the teeth by closing large and small gaps.
Fix Small Teeth with Veneers
It is not uncommon to find individuals whose teeth are of unequal size. Small teeth are an obvious nuisance since they can alter one’s smile. Porcelain veneers come in handy to such individuals since they can enhance the size of short teeth. Highly competent dental practitioners user these shells for the purpose of single tooth replacements. This helps match the shape and color of the teeth. A specific number of porcelain veneers are used depending on how many short teeth a patient has. The entire procedure of correcting short teeth takes only two visits to a dental facility.
Fix Grown Down Teeth
In the course of our lives, the outer part of our teeth tends to wear out. When this happens, our smiles can greatly be compromised. Veneers can be used to restore ground down teeth. Mouth guards are also used alongside the veneers to prevent the extensive effects of grinding. Porcelain veneers have been successfully fixed on hundreds of patients who previously had decayed or won out teeth. In some instances, single tooth implants are used in place of teeth that are completely worn out.
Fix Stained, Yellow or Discolored Teeth
Human teeth are mostly stained by habits such as cigarette smoking and excessive use of beverages. Our teeth can also yellow with age. Veneers are a permanent and pragmatic solution to stained, yellowed or discolored teeth. In addition, porcelain veneers do not stain. Their use will therefore give you a beautiful smile for years to come. More often than less, dental practitioners replace severely damaged teeth with porcelain veneers. This leaves patients with natural and beautiful appearances.
Fix Misshapen Teeth
Teeth may sometimes grow improperly or shift out of place over time. A single malformation can negatively affect one’s smile because it can hold you back. Veneers offer the best solution to this defect.
Advantage of Dental Veneers
Many people have raised questions concerning how long porcelain veneers last. The answer to this is simple and straightforward. Porcelain veneers offer a permanent solution to most teeth malformations. The following are some of the ways that porcelain veneers benefits a patient.
The shells give the teeth a natural appearance. Their thin nature makes it possible for them to be held in place using strong adhesives. This enables them to be strong and resilient just like the enamel of a natural tooth. Owing to the fact that porcelain veneers are usually custom made to suit the needs of each patient, it is almost impossible to draw parallels between them and the teeth. Veneers also have the ability to resist tea and coffee stains, and nicotine deposits. This is because they are manufactured using high quality materials.
Importance of fitting veneers correctly
A patient’s dental system cannot be affected if the veneers are properly fitted. Dr. Vafa can fit the shells with minimal harm to the natural alignment of the teeth. Normally, a marginal part of the affected teeth is clipped away to pave way for the veneer. Porcelain veneers have similarly been used successfully on individuals with permanently stained teeth. They are also highly recommended to patients who have minor twists in their dental system such as gaps and overlaps. This gives them an advantage over traditional methods such as the use of braces and invisalign aligners.
Porcelain veneers are cost effective and also save a lot of time. In addition, they offer a better approach as far as changing the color, shape and size of teeth is concerned. It is also stress-free to use veneers compared to braces, which sometimes take up to 24 months to correct dental malformations. Extensive reshaping is not needed despite the fact that veneers offer a more pragmatic, aesthetic, and stronger alternative to all the other methods. Besides this, teeth need minimal preparation before veneers are fitted. Newer types of porcelain veneers do not require any form of preparation at all.
What Are Possible Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
Before you opt for the use of porcelain veneers, you need to be made aware of common porcelain veneers health risks. Most importantly, you need to understand that the entire process cannot be reversed. Porcelain veneers are similarly slightly expensive than other procedures such as composite resin bonding. This aspect has majorly been overlooked by most porcelain veneer 101 online magazines.
A number of patients who have been fitted with the shells raise complains about tooth sensitivity, more so when taking hot or cold drinks. Chipping away the enamel exposes the sensitive parts of the tooth. Taking hot or cold drinks therefore becomes quite uncomfortable. Porcelain veneers may not exactly look like the color of a patient’s teeth. Teeth whitening therefore has to be done before veneers are fitted. The color of the shells cannot be changed once they are put in place.
Importance of Experience
Failure to find a qualified dentist to fix the veneers is also disadvantageous. Porcelain veneers that have been fitted unprofessionally may dislodge and consequently fall off. To minimize the chances of such occurrences, those who need veneers should only seek the services of the best dentist in Bevely hills. One should similarly avoid biting on hard surfaces such as nails, pens and ice blocks. Such surfaces exert excessive pressure on the teeth, thus weakening the veneers.
The teeth can also decay while veneers are in use. This is particularly common when they are partly covered. To eliminate such possibilities, full coverage of the teeth using crowns is advised. Celebrity porcelain veneers may not be a good option to those who have long term disorders in their dental systems. These disorders include gum diseases and extensive tooth decay. Individuals whose teeth are weakened due to fractures, large dental fillings or decays should seek free dental consultation so that they can be advised about the best interventions available for them.
Porcelain veneers may not be appropriate to those whose enamel layer is thin. Those who have the habit of clenching or grinding their teeth, and opening beer bottles using the teeth do not also need porcelain veneers since these habits often make the shells to either crack or chip. Such excessive forces need to be minimized since veneers are generally brittle. This lowers their effectiveness in the long run.
What is the Proper Maintenance of Porcelain Veneers?
Just as it is the case with other dental implants, porcelain veneers ought to be properly maintained so that they last long. Fortunately, these objects are generally easier to maintain than other types of dental implants. Porcelain veneers ought to be maintained just like natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing removes food remnants. The use of nonabrasive toothpaste is advisable since it does not harm the teeth, or corrode the veneers.
One week after the veneers are fitted, you should seek an appointment with your dental practitioner. This paves way for an evaluation to be done and determine how your dental system is coping up with the veneers. The shells have to be closely monitored during the first few weeks. Dental appointments are helpful because potential failures can be detected. Individuals who have the habit of grinding their teeth at night should use a bite guard when they go to bed. This prevents extensive damage to the veneers at night. One of the most important personal maintenance practices for porcelain veneers is the use of nonabrasive paste to polish them.
Bad Veneers – Veneers gone wrong
Hundreds of cases concerning veneers gone wrong are usually reported each year. Most of the reported cases involve veneers that were shoddily fitted and thus need to be properly fixed. In most cases, the veneers fail within one year of being fitted. Quacks have infiltrated the industry, which highlights why one has to seek the services of practitioners whose expertise in cosmetic dentistry is unquestionable. Someone who lacks the necessary expertise may lack the ability to create a symmetry between porcelain veneers and the dental system of a patient. This explains the high number faulty porcelain veneer cases.
Dentists who offer cheap services are also a major source of worry. This is because they tend to use outdated materials or poor quality adhesives, which wear out within a short time. This explains why you need to seek the services of specialists who are well versed in the profession. Such services are often expensive but worth every penny in the long run. Dentists whose charges are in congruence with the quality of services offered always ensure that the fittings made are suitable to each individual patient.
Another major issue as far as veneers gone wrong is concerned is cases where both the veneers and crowns bear no resemblance to the human teeth. This normally happens when dentists fail to take into account the facial structure of their patients, and their teeth color when fabricating the veneers. Individuals whose treatment involved such mismatches often end up having what is commonly referred to as horse teeth. Dental practitioners should therefore ensure that all the porcelain veneers that they fabricate are custom-made for each patient. This ensures that all the veneers naturally resemble the teeth of a patient. Learn more about Veneers gone wrong here.
The Process of Fitting Porcelain Veneers in Los Angeles
There are certain processes, which ought to be followed to guarantee the success of the entire exercise. The first step that needs to be taken is trimming back the enamel of a patient’s tooth. The extent to which the enamel is trimmed depends on the thickness with which the veneers will be placed. In the event that there is tooth decay, the affected areas should be removed.
After trimming, the dentist needs to observe the tooth to determine the correct porcelain shed needed to make the perfect fit. To achieve symmetry, the porcelain veneer used should resemble the teeth of a patient as close as possible. The impression of the affected tooth has to be taken, together with that of the adjacent teeth and gums. This is often done using an impression putty or dental milling machines.
Sometimes, patients have to be given temporary veneers, more so if they experience tooth sensitivity. It takes between one to two weeks for a porcelain veneer to be fabricated. To reduce pain when eating, it is advisable to opt for temporary veneers. These objects may also be used in cases where the enamel has been extensively trimmed. A plastic-filled mole often acts as a temporary veneer. It is usually slid over a patient’s teeth to ease pain.
Once the Veneers are ready to fit
Once the permanent veneer is ready for use, it is never bonded immediately. In retrospect, a dental practitioner must first evaluate how it fits in a patient’s mouth. This is done by setting it in place, inspecting it, removing it, and trimming it if need be. This should be done with precision to ensure that any rough edges are removed. The color of the porcelain veneer should then be inspected to ensure that it is in congruence with that of a patient’s teeth.
In case there are no flaws, the veneer must be expertly bonded into place. The mouth must first be washed to remove the trial paste. The surface of the teeth should be etched using a suitable etching gel for 15 seconds. The process creates an uneven enamel surface on which a veneer’s cement is bonded to. The washing gel should be washed off and the teeth dried completely before a layer of the bonding agent is applied. Cement should then be placed inside the veneers before they are squeezed into place until they are firmly held.
After ensuring that the veneers are secured. Excess cement needs to be scrapped from the surface of the teeth and washed away. Depending on the level of symmetry, dentists are sometimes required to polish and trim the contours to make them look as natural as possible. The bite similarly has to be evaluated to ascertain that no alterations have been brought about by the veneers. . Follow-up appointments ought to be scheduled to evaluate how responsive a patient’s dental system is to the porcelain veneers. It is advisable to see a dentist if celebrities raise concerns about excessive tooth sensitivity after the veneers have been fitted.
Porcelain Veneer Emergencies
More often than less, porcelain veneer emergencies tend to be related to fractures and debonding. Cracks, breakages and chippings are generally categorized as veneer fractures. On the other hand, debonding occurs when the veneer comes off while still intact. This often come about when the bonding agent weakens. There are several ways of handling veneer porcelain emergencies.
You should first ensure that the veneer is not damaged. Thereafter, remove all the veneers without causing them any further damage. If the veneer comes off in one piece, schedule a free dental appointment so that it can get reattached. In the event that it is irreparable, the only option is to fabricate a new porcelain veneer.
The general outline of an intact veneer is usually symmetrical and fairly rounded. In addition, intact veneers look exactly like real-life teeth when one looks at their shiniest surfaces. An in-depth evaluation needs to be done on the teeth from which the veneers came off. Any broken segments should be removed carefully since they pose great danger to the tongue and lips. A debonded veneer should be stored carefully and taken to the dental facility for further evaluation before it is debonded. To avoid damaging it, you should wrap it in tissue paper.
Other Veneers Emergencies
Common indicators of porcelain veneer fractures and debonding include sudden increases in tooth sensitivity and increased roughness whenever the lips and tongue come into contact with the veneers. Thermal sensitivity can be controlled by placing orthodontic wax on the affected teeth. Wax acts as a protective layer and helps provide relief.
Veneer chips are another common emergency. This occurs when parts of the veneer is flecked off. The commonest solution offered at dental facilities during such cases is to trim the veneer till the chip’s divot is entirely polished out. Trimming the chips offers a permanent condition. The adjacent teeth should however be restructured in the same manner to maintain dental symmetry.
Cracked veneers are quite intricate because the dentist may not accurately tell the extent to which the fissured parts are bonded to a patient’s tooth. This is nonetheless a serious emergency because stains often accumulate on the cracked veneer quite quickly. This ultimately spoils its appearance. Cracked repairs cannot be repaired. Once you notice this, you should start making arrangements with your family dentist to have the veneer replaced.
The Causal Factors of Veneer Fractures and Debonding
The type of emergency that one is faced with can go a long way in helping the dentist unravel its causal factor. Debonding occurs when the porcelain veneer is separated from its tooth. The separation often takes place at the point which the ceramic and the cement meet. Sometimes, it occurs at the tooth-cement junction. The detachment is often caused by excessive exposure to dentin, which is a tooth layer found underneath the enamel. This high degree of exposure often leads to weakening of the tooth-cement interface.
Porcelain veneer fractures are common, more so among individuals who do not maintain the shells properly. Their thin and fragile nature calls for proper maintenance. Fractures often occurs when the tooth structure absorbs a lot of force. On the other hand, cracking occurs when excess force is directed to the veneers instead of the teeth. Chipping occurs when one bites hard objects. Pressure generated from such activities cannot be withstood by the veneers, which explains the breakages.
Lumineers vs Porcelain Veneers
Before dental practitioners reach a decision as far as fitting porcelain veneers on patients is concerned, they always have different options. Lumineers are often considered alongside veneers. These are ultra-thin veneer-like products which do not require tooth preparation to fix. The general lack of preparation arises from the fact that Lumineers are thin to an extent that they can directly be bonded to the tooth surface. This negates the need for dentists to trim the surfaces.
Despite their thinness, lumineers are remarkably strong because they are made using high quality porcelain. Whenever dentists opt for them, anesthesia and dental drills are not needed. This technology offers a number of benefits to patients. There is tooth conservation since no part of the tooth is scrapped away. This makes Lumineers one of the most conservative interventions in dentistry.
When Lumineers is Recommended
The use of Lumineers is similarly beneficial to patients who are fearful about tooth clipping as it is the case with fitting porcelain veneers. Whenever patients seek free porcelain veneers consultation, they should also be made aware of Lumineers. Minimal tooth sensitivity is experienced by individuals who are fitted with Lumineers. There might be some discomfort in the first few days but the dental system often gets used to the shells. Post placement sensitivity is therefore minimal, if any. This is rarely the case when conventional veneers are used.
Lumineers also have an advantage over traditional veneers because they create very tight bonds. The Lumineers are usually bonded to the enamel directly. The enamel is the strongest part of a tooth. This therefore means that the resultant bond will not only be strong but also enduring and predictable. When veneers are used, the enamel is often clipped, thus exposing the dentin and other sensitive parts. Such bonds are not as strong as those made on the enamel.
The debate about lumineers and veneers has been raging on for months now. Each procedure has its own pros and cons. In addition, the cost of carrying out each one of them varies. When you visit your dentist, you should discuss how long porcelain veneers last, and the various porcelain veneers benefits. A comparison of these benefits with those that come with the use of Lumineers will ultimately help you and your dentist make the most suitable choice.
Determining the Cost of Veneers in Los Angeles
The cost of fitting veneers greatly depends on the dentists experience and the location you get them. In addition, the cost of porcelain veneers also depends on the amount of time that your dentist spends with you. Other factors include the type, geography and size of your teeth.
On the other hand, extensive tooth decay may inflate the veneers cost because such conditions may require dental treatments in the first place. The total cost of making a high quality veneers can range from 1,000 dollars to 2,000 dollars for each tooth. Dont’t forget to visit our complete guide to Veneers cost in Beverly Hills.
How Porcelain Veneers Compare With other Dental Procedures
A lot of debate has been raised concerning how porcelain veneers hold out against other dental procedures. Patients suffering from dental defects can chose from different cosmetic dental procedures. These include dental bonding, tooth whitening and braces.
Porcelain Veneers Verses Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening is an old procedure offered at most dental facilities. Professionals can whiten teeth to remove all kinds of stains. Porcelain veneers have an advantage over teeth whitening since they are durable and won’t change colors. On the other hand you need to repeat teeth whitening regularly. Therefore, in long run teeth whitening could be ineffective and less desirable than veneers.
Porcelain Veneers Verses Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is basically used to correct flaws and any chips that may occur on the surface of the teeth. In as much as the procedure produces impressive results in the short run, it doesn’t endure for long. Actually, the procedure is only effective for a maximum of five years. It also doesn’t offer precise symmetry as it is the case with porcelain veneers.
Porcelain Veneers Verses Braces
Veneers are superior to dental braces by far. Braces take long before they align the teeth. Veneers on the other hand work within a short time and do not require numerous dental visits. The results of using veneers are also natural and enduring.
Don’t forget to visit our ultimate guide to porcelain veneers. Call now for your free cosmetic consultation, at our Beverly Hills dental office.
Bruce Vafa DDS. is one of most trusted Porcelain veneers specialist in Los Angeles. He is an award-winning dentist in Los Angeles with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Vafa has can transform your smile with porcelain Veneers. Call today for your free porcelain veneers consultation.