Porcelain veneers or (dental veneers) are simply thin pieces of strong porcelain that are attached to your teeth. They are extremely natural both in look and feel, maintaining the function of your normal teeth while improving your smile.
Smiling is the second most contagious facial expression, coming in just after yawning. But what if you’re feeling the need to cover your mouth as much for a smile as you would for a yawn? It makes for a very long day if you’re around tired people who grin a lot!
If your teeth are crooked, you might assume that the best way to straighten them for a killer smile is some form of braces. But why waste time and money on straightening them if they’re still going to be discolored, oddly shaped or chipped? Porcelain veneers are a way to take care of all those issues in as little as two porcelain veneer appointments. If you’re in Spokane, WA area and interested in talking with Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins about how these can solve multiple cosmetic dentistry issues, please call 509-532-1111 .
What Porcelain Veneers Can Do for You
Veneers are a versatile cosmetic treatment that can improve many aspects of your smile with a single procedure. With veneers, we can:
- Close gaps in your smile
- Straighten crooked teeth
- Repair chipped teeth
- Lengthen small teeth–no more gummy smile!
- Restore worn teeth
- Reshape unattractive teeth, such as peg laterals
Best of all, veneers can do all this in just a couple of appointments at our Spokane office. You may be able to have your new, beautiful smile within a month.
Porcelain Veneer Options
Veneers give you many choices to get the beautiful smile of your dreams. When you visit Spokane cosmetic dentists Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins for a consultation about porcelain veneers, you’ll find you have many choices in making them look how you want. Some of the options for their appearance are:
- The shape – to get an idea, see LVI Smile Catalog
- The shade – choose how white you want your smile to be!
- The opacity – this lets light through and helps your teeth look natural
- The number – fix one tooth or your entire smile!
We will give you the benefit of our expertise. We can help you understand how all these options affect the appearance of your smile, but the final decision about what veneers you want is yours.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
After you’ve found the perfect porcelain veneers options, Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins will carefully remove a small amount of the tooth’s surface, which will allow both a comfortable fit and a strong bond of the porcelain veneers. This process is not painful, as it is done under local anesthesia. He or she will then take impressions of your teeth to send to a dental lab to create porcelain veneers that will be perfectly fit to the natural structure of your teeth.
While the dental lab hand-crafts your new porcelain veneers, you’ll have temporary veneers placed. Many patients feel that the look of their smile is already improved just with the temporary veneers! Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins will instruct you how to care for your temporary veneers since they won’t be as strong as your permanent all-porcelain veneers.
Once the lab ships your finished permanent porcelain veneers, you will visit our Spokane office again for the final fitting. He’ll gently remove the temporary veneers, and bond the porcelain veneers over your natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are a durable cosmetic treatment, typically lasting between 10 to 15 years, sometimes as long as 20 years with meticulous care. The lifespan of your veneers depends significantly on how they are maintained. Regular dental visits for professional cleanings and check-ups, practicing good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste, and flossing daily are crucial. Additionally, to extend the longevity of your veneers, it is advisable to avoid habits that can damage them, such as biting nails, chewing on hard objects like pens or ice, and using your teeth to open packaging.
Can porcelain veneers fix severely misaligned teeth?
While porcelain veneers are an excellent option for enhancing the cosmetic appearance of your smile by covering minor misalignments, gaps, and uneven teeth, they are not a solution for severe misalignment. Veneers can create the illusion of perfectly aligned teeth by being placed over the natural teeth, but they do not change the actual position of the teeth. For significant alignment issues, orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign are recommended first. In some cases, a combination of orthodontics followed by veneers can achieve the desired aesthetic result and correct functional issues.
Are porcelain veneers reversible?
Once porcelain veneers are applied, the process is not reversible. This is because a small amount of enamel from the tooth's surface is typically removed to accommodate the veneer and ensure a seamless fit with the natural contour of your teeth. This enamel removal means that the treated teeth will always need to be protected with veneers or crowns in the future. For patients looking for a reversible option, composite veneers might be a suitable alternative, although they do not offer the same durability or stain resistance as porcelain.
Will getting porcelain veneers affect my speech?
Initially, some patients may notice a slight alteration in their speech, such as a lisp, as they adjust to the new thickness and shape of their teeth. This adjustment period is typically short-lived, lasting only a few days to a week. As you become accustomed to the feel of your veneers, any speech impediments caused by the veneers should disappear. If speech issues persist, consult your dentist as the veneers might require slight adjustments.
Can I still eat and drink normally with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are designed to function like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat and drink normally. However, it is important to exercise caution with very hard or sticky foods, which could potentially damage the veneers. Additionally, while porcelain is less prone to staining than natural teeth enamel, limiting exposure to substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help maintain the aesthetic quality of your veneers for longer.
Do porcelain veneers require special maintenance or cleaning?
Caring for porcelain veneers is similar to caring for natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste to avoid scratching the porcelain. Daily flossing is also important to prevent gum disease around the veneers. While veneers resist stains, regular dental cleanings are essential to keep them looking their best. Additionally, using an alcohol-free mouthwash can help maintain the integrity of the bonding agent that holds the veneers in place.
Why should you choose Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics for porcelain veneers?
At Collins Dentistry & Aesthetics, we specialize in creating custom veneers that enhance the natural beauty of your smile while addressing any functional issues. Our experienced dentists use state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials to ensure your veneers are not only aesthetically pleasing but durable. We take the time to understand your specific needs and aesthetic goals, ensuring results that improve your overall facial aesthetics and confidence. Choosing us means opting for a provider that values patient care and offers a tailored, meticulous approach to cosmetic dentistry.
Choose a Neuromuscular Dentist for Your Porcelain Veneers in Spokane
Being a neuromuscular dentist as well as a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Collins pays special attention to the occlusion of your new smile to make sure that the cosmetic changes that he is making do not cause any problems such as TMJ disorder. This also helps your veneers to feel comfortable and natural.
Making sure your veneers fit with your healthy, balanced bite also helps protect them from excessive force that can lead to chipping or cracking. That helps your veneers last longer.
If you’re in the Spokane area and ready to transform your smile with porcelain veneers, contact Drs. Ken & Marnie Collins to set up an initial consultation, or call their office at 509-532-1111 in Spokane.