Transform your smile with porcelain veneers in Los Altos, CA
Smiling confidently is a feeling we believe every patient should experience. Embarrassment about the color, shape, or overall look of your natural smile can cause a shift in your confidence and may contribute to the way you interact with others.
Advancements in modern dentistry have allowed many patients to undergo treatments that improve the health of their smile and appearance. The porcelain veneer is one of the most performed and effective cosmetic dentistry options.
Porcelain veneers uniquely meet the needs of each patient. Your dentist permanently bonds the thin porcelain shells to the front and sides of the teeth. He will shape and color-match the veneers to repair the teeth. Dr. Ken Schweifler has undergone advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and provides each patient with personalized dental care.
Visit Dr. Schweifler and our team at our Los Altos, CA dentist office for a cosmetic consultation. We can explore your treatment options and give the best solutions for your smile. Before we perform any cosmetic treatment, we work with you to evaluate the condition of your teeth. Addressing any underlying dental concerns before focusing on the smile’s aesthetics is essential. Our dental practice focuses on your overall wellness, dental education, and disease prevention.
What To Expect During The Porcelain Veneer Process
Creating a custom treatment plan is the key to creating a beautiful, long-lasting smile. First, Dr. Schweifler will discuss your goals, check your mouth, and advise on addressing your dental care needs. Our goal is to offer patients the most effective treatment for their smiles. Whether that requires a more conservative and inexpensive approach to treatment or a more elaborate approach, we will help you reach your desired look.
Then, we will use state-of-the-art dental tools and software to plan and craft your porcelain veneers. Smile Design software allows patients to preview their smiles before we perform any treatment. We take digital images and videos of the teeth and surrounding structures to create digital and wax models of your teeth. Patients become active partners in their smile design journey during this process. The wax model allows patients to “try on” their new smile before proceeding to the final stage.
Once your dentist achieves your desired look and you approve the design, Dr. Schweifler will plan your treatment. He works closely with local master ceramists to help build high-quality restorations.
After we create your veneers, Dr. Schweifler will carefully bond each veneer to the surfaces of the affected teeth. He will polish each veneer to create a natural-looking finish. Porcelain veneers can last many years with proper care and maintenance. Following a proper oral hygiene routine and scheduling regular visits to the dentist’s office are important. Finally, you will achieve your ideal smile with patient-centered, high-quality dentistry at our office.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile solutions for cosmetic concerns. The dentist may recommend them to you for a variety of reasons. Professional teeth whitening is usually the solution for discolored teeth. But some discoloration doesn’t respond to these techniques. Staining from medication or teeth discolored by trauma needs a different solution. Porcelain veneers cover the front and sides of your tooth, and we can color-match them to any shade of white you desire.
As we age, the years take their toll on our teeth. In addition to being discolored from lifestyle habits and other things, they wear down, and you may see chips and cracks from the years. Veneers are a great way to get a more youthful smile. They can take back years of aging on your teeth. We craft them to blend in naturally and completely cover your problem teeth.
If your teeth are crooked or misshapen and don’t cause problems with your oral health, veneers can help those as well. They can also fix larger gaps between your teeth. Each veneer is created especially for your unique needs. We shape the veneers so that they look natural in your smile. They match the size and shape of the teeth in your smile.
Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can be incredibly long-lasting if you care for them properly. First, ensure you brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily. The porcelain material isn’t susceptible to tooth decay, but the natural tooth structure is still there. If you get cavities in the natural tooth, it’ll compromise the veneer, and it can loosen or fall off entirely. Plaque builds up on all surfaces and can cause inflammation, so clean all sides of the tooth.
The actual products that you use are important, too. Avoid using toothbrushes that have anything stiffer than soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles are too rough and can scratch the porcelain. Avoid abrasive toothpaste ingredients, too. Things like activated charcoal can also scratch your veneers. Focus on swirling your toothbrush around to hit all the spots, and avoid brushing too hard or aggressively.
While porcelain veneers are durable, they can still stain and break in the right situations. Avoid staining beverages like coffee and soda, or drink them through a straw for less contact with the veneers. You should also try not to bite down on hard foods with the veneer. Habits like nail biting or tearing open packages can also damage the veneers.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental solution. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Are porcelain veneers easy to take care of?
Yes. There is no special care and attention that you have to give to your porcelain veneers. If you brush your teeth regularly, floss, and use mouthwash, they can last up to 15 years. Your dentist will determine if you need touch-ups or repairs at your routine dental exams.
Will my dental insurance cover porcelain veneers?
The answer depends on the purpose of getting porcelain veneers and your dental plan. It is not common for dental insurance carriers to cover the cost of dental veneers if used strictly for cosmetic purposes. For example, if you are covering a stained tooth. Although, your dental carrier may cover the cost if used for restorative purposes, such as to repair a chipped tooth. Contact your dental insurance for specifics.
Do porcelain veneers stain like normal teeth?
No. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant porcelain ceramic that lasts long without staining. You could have a perfect smile with veneers if you have an excellent oral health routine, floss regularly, use mouthwash, and visit the dentist at least twice a year.
Do porcelain veneers break easily?
A veneer can crack with the wrong pressure if it is applied incorrectly. Veneer breakage is uncommon due to its extreme durability. Porcelain veneers are exceptionally robust for their thinness.
Can you bite an apple with veneers?
Because they are typically composed of delicate porcelain, veneers are more brittle than cosmetic dental bonding. As a result, you must be extremely cautious while consuming highly firm foods like raw carrots, apples, and bone-in meat. You can bite into an apple. However, we recommend you cut it first before biting directly into it.
Can I get a cavity with veneers?
The veneer itself isn’t susceptible to tooth decay. It’s not a natural, porous surface like your actual tooth. However, your natural tooth is still under the veneer, so you must keep up your oral health routine. Getting tooth decay in the tooth supporting the veneer can compromise the veneer, loosening it or making it fall off.