Frequently Asked Questions

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that your SEDA Dental provider bonds to the front of your natural, permanent teeth in order to improve their aesthetic appearance. Some people only get one or two veneers, but the team at SEDA Dental usually recommends getting 6-8. This helps produce an even, symmetrical smile. 

What types of issues can porcelain veneers correct?

Porcelain veneers are incredibly versatile. The team at SEDA Dental regularly uses porcelain veneers to address a variety of oral imperfections, including:
Smaller-than-average teeth
Pointed teeth
Unusually shaped teeth
Gaps between teeth
Broken teeth
Chipped teeth
You might also benefit from treatment with porcelain veneers if your teeth don’t respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments. 

What is the process for getting porcelain veneers?

Prior to applying veneers, your SEDA Dental provider conducts a preliminary appointment to discuss how many veneers you want and to determine if you’re a good candidate. If you have crooked or overcrowded teeth, you might need to undergo orthodontic treatment with Invisalign prior to getting veneers.  

Your dentist also takes a series of X-rays to evaluate the health of your teeth. Your dentist reviews your X-rays to look for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. If everything looks healthy, they move forward with treatment.

To accurately size your veneers, your dentist administers a local anesthetic, and shaves a layer of enamel from each tooth, about one millimeter thick. Next, your dentist takes molds of your teeth. Your dentist sends your molds to a dental laboratory that manufactures your porcelain veneers.

A week or two later, you return to SEDA Dental. At your second appointment, your dentist once again administers a local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia sets in, your dentist lines up your porcelain veneers with each tooth and bonds them in place using dental cement. 

How do I care for my porcelain veneers?

You care for your porcelain veneers like you would your permanent teeth. The team at SEDA Dental recommends brushing your teeth twice each day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. You should also avoid bad habits such as using tobacco, biting your fingernails, or chewing on ice. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years.

If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers can help. Request a veneers consultation at SEDA Dental today by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.