Porcelain veneers are one of the most effective treatment solutions for enhancing the appearance of your natural smile. Depending on your needs, your dentist can use them to address a single tooth or multiple teeth to achieve your ideal smile. At LIFESmiles Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use advanced technology to custom design porcelain veneers in Boise, ID. We will design them to fit comfortably over the existing teeth to provide optimal results.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin translucent, shells that dentists bond over the front and side of the teeth. Dentists create them using a durable, natural-looking porcelain ceramic. A porcelain restoration reflects light like your natural teeth, making it the ideal material for dental veneers.
Dental veneers made from porcelain are a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. To place this type of dental veneer, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of the tooth. This step in the procedure will accommodate the thickness of the veneer and prepare the tooth for bonding. Once in place, your porcelain veneers will look, feel, and resemble your natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers Can Address:
- Irregularly Shaped Teeth
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth
- Gaps Between The Teeth
- Discolored or Stained Teeth
- Misaligned or Crooked Teeth
Perfectly crafted porcelain veneers can noticeably transform a damaged smile. Dr. Dennis Garpetti and Dr. Brock Hyder are highly trained dentists in Boise, ID. As an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Garpetti offers patients specially crafted, natural-looking cosmetic restorations. Our team of dentists takes the time to plan, design, and place quality porcelain veneers in Boise, ID.
Porcelain Veneers in Boise, ID
During your initial consultation, your dentist will look at your teeth and smile to see if dental veneers are the right treatment for you. You should let them know exactly what your cosmetic goals and budget are. We will create a treatment for you. In most cases, the process will require at least two trips to our office.
During the first visit, your dentist will begin by preparing the teeth by removing a small amount of tooth enamel. This is a necessary step that will create enough room for the placement of the veneer.
Once your teeth are prepared, we will take molds and impressions of your teeth. Dentists use these to create dental veneers, ensuring a precise fit over the teeth. We will place temporary teeth veneers to protect your teeth until your new restorations are ready.
When your custom porcelain veneers are ready, the dental laboratory will ship them to use. We will book your next appointment where we will place them.
The first thing we will do is remove the temporary veneers. Then, we will try on the new, custom teeth veneers to ensure they are the proper fit and color. Once you are happy with the final look, your dentist will carefully bond your porcelain veneers to the teeth.
Finally, the veneer is polished to reveal its natural shine. You will notice a dramatic change in your smile right after treatment. You will be able to resume your normal activity after the appointment.
Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Resin Veneers
Porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers are great options to help the appearance of your teeth. However, they are vastly different cosmetic treatments.
Porcelain veneers are made of a thin layer of ceramic material. This kind of material gives them a natural and lifelike look. They are strong, durable, and resistant to stains, making them a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting solution.
Composite veneers are made of a tooth colored resin material. Patients love that they are a more affordable option that can get in one visit.
Resin veneers are also more conservative. This type of cosmetic dentistry treatment requires less removal of the natural tooth structure. However, they are not as resistant to stains or as durable as porcelain veneers.
Choosing between porcelain and resin dental veneers depends on the specific needs and wants of the patient. A consultation with your dentist will help determine which option is best.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of a single tooth. However, we can also do a complete smile makeover with just dental veneers. Review our frequently asked questions section to learn more about how they can help you. Please reach out to our dental practice if you have more questions about teeth veneers.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
You will need to care for your porcelain veneers so they will last a long time. This involves keeping up with a regular oral hygiene routine.
You should brush and floss in between your teeth every day. Also, you need to visit our dentist office every six months. Your dentist will clean your teeth, do an oral exam, and check for dental problems.
How long will my porcelain veneers last?
The better you care for them, the longer they will last. Proper oral hygiene is key as well. While porcelain is tough, they are capable of breaking. You need to avoid chewing on hard objects and putting an excess amount of pressure on them.
This will prevent them from breaking. Taking these precautions will keep them from wearing down and breaking and will ensure that they last for many years. With proper care, your dental veneers can last for up to 30 years.
What is the right number of dental veneers to get?
This depends on your cosmetic goals or restorative needs. However, most dentists will recommend placing them in even numbers to make your smile even. The teeth most seen when smiling are the most popular teeth that have veneers placed on them which is the top four teeth.
People with wider smiles will benefit from placing them on more than the top four teeth and even the bottom teeth as well. However, many patients simply need to repair one tooth that is stained, chipped, or cracked. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable to only place a single veneer. We can match the color of the veneer to the surrounding teeth.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
Dentists consider porcelain veneers a permanent dental restoration. Anytime a dentist must alter the tooth to make room for the restoration, they cannot undo it.
To make room for the veneers, dentists will need to shave down the surface of a tooth. This means, you will have to upkeep them for the rest of your life. However, this is no different than any other dental restoration, such as a dental crown.
Does the porcelain veneer process hurt?
To prepare your teeth, we will administer local anesthetic. So you will be numb and unable to feel pain during the procedure. However, after your appointment, you may be sore. Over-the-counter pain medication will help.
How are porcelain veneers different from Lumineers?
Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are both thin shells that your dentist will place over teeth to enhance their appearance. However, porcelain veneers are typically thicker and require more tooth preparation. Lumineers, on the other hand, are thinner and require less tooth reduction, making them a more conservative option. Both provide similar results, but some prefer Lumineers because they require fewer changes.
Will my porcelain veneers look natural?
Yes, your new porcelain veneers will look incredibly natural. Your dentist will carefully match the veneers’ color, shape, and size to your existing teeth. We ensure that your porcelain veneers will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, giving you a beautiful and confident smile.
Will dental insurance cover my porcelain veneers?
Insurance coverage for porcelain veneers can vary. Some plans may cover a portion of the cost if your dentist deems the dental veneers medically necessary. However, for purely cosmetic reasons, insurance often doesn’t cover porcelain veneers. We encourage you to check your specific plan and discuss coverage with your provider.
Can my porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers have a high resistance to staining, making them an excellent choice for creating a brilliant, long-lasting smile. Of course, practicing good oral hygiene and limiting foods and drinks known to stain teeth is vital. When well taken care of, your dental veneers will be able to maintain their beautiful, natural look for years to come.
Schedule A Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Boise, ID
To explore your cosmetic dentistry solutions or determine if porcelain veneers are right for you, visit our Boise, ID dentist office. To schedule an appointment, call (208) 254-6365.