Transform Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers
Are you ready to unlock the secret to a dazzling smile? Porcelain veneers have revolutionized the world of cosmetic dentistry, offering a transformative solution that can enhance the appearance of your teeth and give you the confidence to light up any room. With their natural-looking aesthetics and remarkable durability, veneers have become the go-to choice for achieving a flawless and radiant smile.
If you’re ready to re-envision your smile, contact our cosmetic dentist in Tacoma, WA, today by calling (253) 761-5422 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, transparent shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They’re made from a type of dental porcelain that’s durable, stain-resistant, and has a similar translucency to natural teeth. Veneers are often considered a permanent treatment, as a small amount of enamel has to be removed from your teeth before placing them.
Porcelain veneers are commonly used to improve the appearance of teeth that are:
- Discolored
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Misshapen
Porcelain Veneer Benefits
Patients who chose porcelain veneers as their cosmetic dentistry treatment can experience various benefits, including:
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Veneers can cover many dental imperfections, including stains, chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, and slight misalignments.
- Natural Appearance: Porcelain has a translucency that closely mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, making the veneers look very natural.
- Stain Resistance: Veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, allowing them to maintain their bright, white appearance over time.
- Durability: With proper care, custom veneers can last for 10 to 15 years, or even longer.
- Customization: Veneers are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly with your smile.
- Minimal Tooth Alteration: Porcelain veneers require less removal of the tooth surface compared to crowns.
- Quick and Simple Procedure: The porcelain veneer process usually requires just a few visits to the dentist. You’ll receive temporary veneers between appointments to ensure proper tooth function.
- Immediate Results: Once applied, the results can be seen immediately. There’s no recovery period or need for any additional procedures to make the veneers effective.
- Gum Tolerance: Porcelain is well tolerated by the gums, which reduces the risk of gum inflammation or discomfort.
The Different Types of Dental Veneers
No-Prep Porcelain Veneers
No-prep porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells that require minimal tooth preparation. Unlike traditional veneers, which require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, no-prep veneers can be bonded directly to the surface of your teeth with little or no preparation. This means you can enjoy the benefits of porcelain veneers without any discomfort or sensitivity. We offer prepless veneers at Petrie Advanced Dental.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of ultra-thin porcelain dental veneer designed to be even thinner than traditional veneers. They’re typically about the same thickness as a contact lens and require minimal tooth preparation. Lumineers can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental problems, including stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth. We offer Lumineers at our Tacoma dental practice.
Chairside Veneers
Chairside veneers are a type of porcelain veneer that can be made in one visit to our Tacoma office. With this treatment, we’ll measure, design, and fabricate your veneers right here in our office. You’ll walk out of our office with a brand-new smile in just one visit.
Zirconia Veneers
Zirconia veneers are made from a type of dental ceramic known for its strength and durability. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, which can chip or crack over time, zirconia veneers are highly resistant to wear and tear. They are also more translucent than traditional porcelain, making them an excellent choice for patients who want a more natural-looking smile.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers can correct various dental and cosmetic imperfections, such as chips, cracks, stains, and minor misalignments, providing a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing smile. The composite resin veneer procedure typically involves minimal tooth preparation, preserving the natural tooth structure. The composite resin is carefully shaped and bonded to the teeth, resulting in improved symmetry, color, and overall appearance.
The Porcelain Veneer Process
The porcelain veneer process begins with a detailed discussion with our dentist to go over your smile goals and treatment plan. During your first procedure appointment, the teeth are reshaped by removing a thin layer of enamel, making space for the veneer placement. Impressions of the teeth are made and sent to a dental lab. They’ll create your custom veneers.
Sometimes, temporary veneers are provided to protect the teeth while permanent ones are made. The final veneers are bonded to the teeth after thorough cleaning and etching to ensure they adhere well. A follow-up visit ensures everything is comfortable and looks great.
How to Know Which Veneer is Best for You
The best type of veneer for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It’s important to talk to your Tacoma dentist about cosmetic concerns and your goals for your smile. They’ll determine your veneer candidacy and discuss the other dental veneer options. Dr. Arvind Petrie can help you make an informed decision about which type of veneer is best for you based on your individual needs and preferences.
In some cases, dental veneers may not be right for you. Our Tacoma cosmetic dentist offers several veneer alternatives, such as teeth whitening and dental crowns.
Why Choose Petrie Advanced Dental for Your Veneers?
As an occlusion-based dental practice, we always look at how the teeth come together and articulate to ensure proper function first. Your bite is like a foundation, and your teeth are like a house. You must first have a solid foundation, or you’ll build a flimsy house of cards. Dr. Petrie has taken extensive continuing education (CE) and has a natural talent for aesthetic and cosmetic work.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers can vary depending on several factors, such as:
- Number of veneers needed
- Type of veneers
- Complexity of the case
- Location of the dental practice
While they may be more expensive than other cosmetic dental options, veneers offer exceptional durability, stain resistance, and a natural-looking appearance.
To learn more about porcelain veneer cost, contact our Tacoma dentist and schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care and maintenance, they can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and longevity. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential to maximize the lifespan of your veneers.
Can porcelain veneers be whitened?
Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining and discoloration, which is one of their advantages. However, they can’t be whitened through traditional methods. If you desire a whiter shade for your veneers, it’s advisable to discuss your options with a dentist who can guide you on potential solutions, such as replacing the veneers with a lighter shade or considering alternative cosmetic treatments.
Are veneers painful?
In general, the veneer process shouldn’t be painful. Many dentists will use a local anesthetic when shaving the small amount of enamel that needs to be removed. There may be some slight discomfort as you get used to your new veneers.
Find Your Best Smile With Petrie Advanced Dental!
Veneers can be an effective way to enhance the appearance of your teeth and achieve a brighter, more beautiful smile. With several different types of dental veneers available, it’s important to do your research and talk to our Tacoma dentist to determine which type of veneer is best for you.
Contact our dental team today at (253) 761-5422 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
