Porcelain Veneers

What are Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that are placed over the teeth to cover up imperfections in the smile. Unlike dental crowns, which encase the entire tooth, porcelain veneers only cover the front of the teeth. They are also a longer-lasting solution than dental bonding. At Durán & Martínez Cosmetic and Reconstructive, we pride ourselves on providing the highest-quality porcelain veneers, and work closely with two of the area’s top dental labs to provide our patients with beautiful, natural-looking restorations. Porcelain veneers reflect light similarly to natural teeth, and can be shaded to match surrounding teeth, making them virtually undetectable to others. This versatile dental treatment can be used to eliminate a number of flaws in the smile, including:

• Attach dental bridges
• Cover dental implants
• Cover a chipped or cracked tooth
• Restore the appearance of the tooth after extensive decay or dental work
• Cover a compromised dental filling

Veneers can be used on a single tooth that is hindering the appearance of the smile, or they can be placed on several teeth to accomplish a complete smile makeover.

Who is a Candidate for Veneers?

Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile may be interested in having porcelain veneers. However, it is important that patients have good dental health prior to veneer placement. Patients with pre-existing conditions such as gum disease or tooth decay should have these dental health issues taken care of before pursuing any cosmetic treatment. It is also important that patients have enough enamel on their teeth prior to the procedure; this is because the veneers are actually bonded to the enamel. Patients who grind their teeth or suffer from severe misalignment issues may not be suitable for veneers, as these conditions can hinder the long-term effects of treatment.

During a consultation Dr. Durán will evaluate a patient’s candidacy for porcelain veneers. At Durán & Martínez Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry, we take a thorough approach to each consultation and perform a comprehensive analysis of each patient’s oral health to determine which treatments will work best for them. During this time patients are encouraged to ask questions about treatment so that they feel comfortable every step of the way.

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The Procedure

The placement of porcelain veneers is a comprehensive procedure which takes place over the course of several dental appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Durán preps the tooth for the veneer by gently removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer. Once the teeth have been shaped, he makes a mold of the teeth which acts as a blueprint for the dental lab, where the customized veneers are made. He then places temporary veneers on the teeth, to be worn for about two weeks while the permanent veneers are being made. Once the porcelain veneers are crafted, patients can return to Dr. Durán’s San Juan dental office to have the final steps of treatment completed, which typically take about two hours. Using special dental cement, Dr. Durán carefully bonds the veneer to the tooth. He may also make adjustments to the size or shade of the veneer to achieve the most aesthetically-pleasing and natural-looking results.

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