What are the advantages of porcelain veneers compared to those made of resin composites?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nPorcelain is such a unique material and can really mimic the natural characteristics of a smile. With porcelain we can change the size, shape, and width of the smile. We can make it broader and accentuate certain facial features more (and even de-emphasize other features). We can work with facial proportions and really change a face! Porcelain is hand crafted by a ceramist with attention to detail down to the translucency of the edges to make them look natural. Veneers can also be made out of resin composites (same material used for fillings). While the result can often be great, the material is not as color stable or durable. It is more porous so it picks up stains more quickly. Additionally it generally doesn\u2019t offer as much translucency or color options as porcelain. That said, for patients that needed more time decide on a specific treatment plant composite has been a nice transitional treatment to test aesthetics and function of the smile.<\/p>\n
What is the difference between veneers and crowns?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nVeneers and crowns are both made of porcelain. Crowns extend 360 degrees around the tooth where veneers cover the front surface and typically wrap over slightly to the back of the tooth. A combination of both can be used in one smile design for the same patients based on how the patient functions and the aesthetic look we are going for.<\/p>\n
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Veneers are permanently placed on the teeth - do they wear out with time? What type of routine <\/b>maintenance<\/b><\/span>\u00a0is needed?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\nYes, veneers are definitely a permanent procedure. Taking good care of them they can last up to 20 years or so. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key! Avoid habits like nail and ice chewing. Remember while porcelain is super strong once bonded to your teeth, you still need to use common sense.<\/p>\n
What is the immediate after-care once veneers are placed?\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nGood hygiene, be aware of any habits that may cause fractures and also wear a night guard if you are a grinder at night!<\/p>\n
Except for aesthetic purposes, what other uses do veneers have?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nVeneers can truly rehabilitate a smile! Of course we can transform a smile into a gorgeous 2.0 version of that patient's smile for aesthetics and beauty alone. However, we see so many patients that have lost or compromised tooth structure do to issues like parafunction (grinding and clenching), eating disorders or effects of medication. Additionally, if the condition of one's smile affects them psychologically, that is a very big deal. The transformation can be life-changing, confidence-boosting and restore a damaged or weak smile back to function. Veneers and smile transformations are beyond aesthetics alone.<\/p>\n
Veneers application often requires trimming the enamel - is this painful? What are the benefits\/setbacks of doing this?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nEvery smile design case is different. Sometimes we can do very conservative preparation of the teeth and do what we call \u201cminimal prep veneers.\u201d This doesn\u2019t require much removal of enamel, just some recontouring. The best candidates for this are people with already fairly straight teeth or a lot spacing. This gives us the room we need for the porcelain. If it isn\u2019t already there we have to create it so that the veneers don\u2019t look too bulky and have an ideal arch form. When we do actually have to prepare the teeth for veneers, it is not painful. This is done under local anesthesia and post-op sensitivity is usually minimal. Downtime is minimal as well. Most of our patients return to work the next day or even the same day!<\/p>\n
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