Veneers Q & A

What are veneers?

They are thin pieces of porcelain that fit over your existing teeth. They’re customized to match your skin, tooth, and tissue color. They can improve the overall appearance of your smile, while also enhancing tooth strength and resiliency.

At Arnica Dental, Dr. Vasilev specializes in ultra-thin veneers, with minimal reduction of healthy tissue.

What types of conditions can veneers improve?

Veneers can improve the shade of your teeth, especially those with stains that are resistant to peroxide whitening treatments. They can also improve the look of teeth that are chipped, fractured, or poorly shaped. They may correct minor misalignments in your bite and offer a mildly straighter smile as well.

Dr. Vasilev customizes them to match your smile and look as natural as possible.

What is the process for getting veneers?

If you and Dr. Vasilev decide that veneers are the right treatment for your goals, you schedule at least two separate appointments.

At the first appointment, Dr. Vasilev files down a very small amount of your existing enamel to make space for the porcelain overlay to fit. This is usually less than one millimeter total. She then takes a mold of your teeth that she sends off to a lab to create your custom fit. In the meantime, Dr. Vasilev fits temporary veneers to protect your teeth.

At the next appointment, Dr. Vasilev places the custom ones and seals them in position using a light-sensitive resin that is placed between the original tooth and the veneer. She corrects the fit, optimizes your bite, and ensures your smile is just right.

How do you take care of veneers?

You should care for them just as you would your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene that involves twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular visits for professional cleanings and check-ups keeps them looking and functioning their best. If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, Dr. Vasilev may recommend a nightguard to protect your veneers.

Veneers last approximately 10 years and can deteriorate with time, so you may need to have them replaced at some point in the future.

To learn how porcelain veneers can transform your smile, call Arnica Dental, or book an appointment online today.