The Woodlands, TX 77384
(936) 321 - 1477
Dentistry in The Woodlands
porcelain Veneers
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With porcelain veneers as an alternative, there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth that are stained, badly shaped or crooked. A porcelain veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly, to help you achieve a beautiful smile!
Will they look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade. Dr. Barber will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials available.
The Procedure
The process of having veneers requires three appointments:
- Diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Preparation of the teeth.
- Bonding the veneers to your teeth.
Diagnosis and treatment planning
You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Barber will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.
Preparation
The second appointment will take one to several hours, depending on the number of teeth being restored. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly shaped to allow for the added porcelain thickness. Approximately one half of a millimeter of tooth is removed.
An impression or mold is taken of the teeth and sent to the dental laboratory for the veneers to be fabricated. Temporary veneers will be placed until you return to have the final restorations placed. The veneer should be ready in approximately three weeks.
Bonding
At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Barber will first place the veneers on your teeth with water or try-in paste to check their fit and color. At this point the color of the veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is determined, and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleaned and etched so that a strong bond may be established. A special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement.
Care and follow up
Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.
Maintenance of your new Veneers
Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your porcelain veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer. If you are a known clencher/grinder (bruxer), Dr. Barber may recommend a night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep. We may also recommend a fluoride appointment to further protect your investment.
You may experience some minor sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please call the office.
We hope that your new porcelain veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
Beauty is the Natural Expression of Proper Function
From our state-of-the-art dental office in The Woodlands, Dr. Timothy Barber and our experienced team provide comprehensive dental care to patients from Conroe, Spring, and the greater Houston area. If you have questions or would like to reserve your porcelain veneers consultation call us today at 936-321-1477 or email us here.
Dr. Timothy M. Barber is a general and cosmetic dentist in The Woodlands, TX. His services include sleep apnea therapy, implant dentistry, smile makeovers, laser dentistry, porcelain veneers, sedation dentistry, Zoom! teeth whitening, and Invisalign clear braces. For more information, contact Dr. Barber's dental office in The Woodlands.