Porcelain veneers help you make your teeth look their best without surgery or total tooth replacement. At Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine, California, experienced dentist Michael Choi, DMD, and his team design and fabricate your veneers to match the natural contours and color of your original teeth. To see how veneers can make your smile look better than ever before, schedule your appointment online or over the phone today.
Veneers Q&A
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin covers that attach to the front surface of your teeth. While they don’t improve the way your teeth fit together or function, they make the frontal surfaces of your teeth look more attractive or similar to one another.
At Smile by Design Dental Group, the team customizes your veneers according to the original shape, size, and color of your teeth so they look as natural as possible. They use porcelain to make the veneers, which comes in a range of colors and has a very similar translucency to natural teeth.
Porcelain is also similar in strength and durability to your natural tooth enamel, the outermost layer of a tooth.
As long as you follow proper care instructions, porcelain veneers can last several years before you detect any wear-and-tear that might require a replacement.
How can veneers improve my smile?
Veneers mimic the natural characteristics of your teeth while eliminating the appearance of many of the most common types of cosmetic damage. Sometimes teeth break or wear down and still function just fine without the need for crowns or dental implants.
As long as you’re addressing issues with teeth in the front of your mouth and not your molars, you can use veneers to cover defects like:
- Minor cracks
- Minor chips
- Discoloration that doesn’t improve with whitening
- Worn-down biting surfaces
- Minor twists or overlaps
- Small or short teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Porcelain veneers from Smile by Design Dental Group are stain-resistant and maintain their white shades. However, it’s important to know that veneers aren’t a reversible treatment since your dentist must alter the structure of your natural teeth before attaching them.
What is the procedure for getting veneers?
As with any dental services at Smile by Design Dental Group, you’ll need to come in for a consultation regarding your goals and oral health.
The team conducts a visual screening before taking scans and X-rays of your smile. Based on their findings, they decide whether or not you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.
The team buffs your targeted teeth to prepare for the veneers before attaching them. They use a handheld digital scanner to get the exact dimensions and contours of your teeth before designing and fabricating your custom veneers in a lab.
It might take some time to fabricate your veneers, so the team might offer you temporary veneers to wear as you wait.
When your porcelain veneers are ready, the team etches your teeth to help the veneers attach to them securely. Then, they use a firm bonding material to attach the veneers to your teeth and use a curing light to harden it. They send you off with instructions on how to care for your new and cosmetically improved smile.
If you’re interested in improving your smile’s beauty with high-end porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation at Smile by Design Dental Group online or over the phone today.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
Determining if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers starts with a thorough evaluation by Dr. Choi. Generally, ideal candidates are those who:
- Have healthy gums and teeth
- Have no severe tooth decay or gum disease
- Have sufficient tooth enamel to support the veneer
- Are looking to correct issues like discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps, and minor misalignment
Those with significant dental problems, such as severe misalignment or decay, might require alternative treatments. Orthodontics or crowns may be more appropriate.
What are the benefits of porcelain veneers over other cosmetic treatments?
Porcelain veneers offer several advantages over other cosmetic treatments:
- They provide a realistic appearance.
- They are highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, and smoking.
- They require minimal removal of the existing tooth structure.
- They can address multiple concerns simultaneously.
How long do veneers typically last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years. In some cases, they can last even longer.Â
Maintaining veneers involves a few essential steps, including:
- Regular dental check-ups
- Good oral hygiene practices
- Avoiding habits that could damage them, such as biting nails or chewing on hard objects
Veneers are durable. However, you must treat them with the same care as your natural teeth to extend their lifespan. Dr. Choi will provide detailed instructions to help you keep your veneers in excellent condition for years to come.
Can veneers fix severely damaged teeth?
Porcelain veneers are primarily used for cosmetic enhancements. They might not be suitable for severely damaged teeth.Â
For teeth with extensive decay, large fractures, or insufficient enamel, other treatments like crowns or root canals may be necessary. However, veneers can provide an effective solution for minor to moderate issues, such as chips, cracks, or discoloration.
During your consultation at Smile by Design Dental Group, Dr. Choi will assess the extent of the damage. He’ll then recommend the most suitable treatment.
What should I expect during the recovery period?
The healing period after getting porcelain veneers is generally minimal. You might experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks for a few days. This issue typically resolves on its own.Â
During your recovery, you should follow these guidelines:
- Avoid very hard or chewy foods (for the first few days)
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Attend follow-up appointments at Smile by Design Dental Group to ensure your veneers settle well and function correctly
Our team will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to help you achieve the best results.
Why Choose Smile by Design?
At Smile by Design Dental Group, you are under the expert care of Dr. Michael Choi, DMD. He is a renowned general dentist, cosmetic dentist, prosthodontist, and implant specialist. With training from some of the world's top implant dentists and over 15,000 dental implant surgeries and restorations completed, he brings unparalleled expertise and precision to every procedure.
Dr. Choi is supported by a team of highly skilled dental hygienists and assistants dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Their combined knowledge and commitment to excellence ensure everyone receives personalized treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Trusting your veneers to this experienced team guarantees outstanding results and a beautiful, confident smile.
