Broken Tooth
Portland OR
 Veneers have grown in popularity, as these thin, tooth-colored shells are attached to the surface of teeth to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Most patients interested in veneers suffer from several cosmetic concerns ranging from smaller-than average teeth, discoloration, and chipping. While some people get a single veneer to fix a cosmetic defect such as a broken or chipped tooth, it is more common to get between six to eight veneers to create a symmetrical smile. Regardless of your reasoning for wanting veneers, our experienced staff at Portland City Dental is here to help.
What Are the Different Types of Veneers?
There are two different materials commonly used to create veneers, each with its advantages and disadvantages. We will help you decide whether porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers are best for your case. Porcelain veneers are considered traditional dental veneers, using an irreversible technique for proper placement. Composite resin veneers are considered no-prep veneers and require only minimal alterations, only affecting the enamel. This technique can be reversible but this technique is not as durable as porcelain veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is the most common material used in cosmetic dentistry since they are custom-made to fit each tooth. Porcelain veneers do not stain easily, require less enamel to be removed than crowns, have a natural aesthetic, and are durable and long-lasting. However, porcelain veneers are the more costly option and use a traditional dental veneer technique, which is more invasive than a composite resin veneer. They are also more painful and often require a local anesthetic.
To place a porcelain veneer, our team will have to grind down the enamel of the tooth from both the front and sides of the teeth. This process makes room for the veneers to fit perfectly on the teeth so that they look natural. After the teeth are shaved, our team will make an impression of your teeth. We will also consult with you to determine the best shade for the veneers, selecting the perfect brightness.
After the impression is made and shade selected, both are sent to a dental lab to be custom-made. This process can take several days to complete, so temporary veneers may be applied in the meantime. Once the porcelain veneers are sent back to us, we will ensure they are the right fit and shape for your teeth during your next appointment. We will make any adjustments needed before placing them. Your teeth are then cleaned, and the veneers are bonded to your teeth with a liquid adhesive.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers benefit those who want veneers, but don’t want to be placed under local anesthetic to get it done. These types of veneers are considered no-prep, which means they are not painful and only require minimal alterations to your teeth. They can also be done in fewer visits than with porcelain veneers, sometimes being completed in a single visit. They are less costly than their counterparts and can be repaired much more easily if damaged.
Our team will first prepare and shape your teeth, usually going no further than the enamel. You will then select a composite resin color that is ideal, where it is then carefully bonded and sculpted to your teeth. After the composite is molded, we utilize laser light technology to harden the composite resin and bond it to your teeth. We then smooth and polish it to look like your natural teeth.
Aftercare With Veneers
Proper maintenance of your veneers is important. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing, as you would with your natural teeth, is still important to prevent cavities from getting around and under the veneers. It can take a few days to get adjusted to your new veneers, so they might feel slightly odd at first. However, if your bite feels off, be sure to let us know before leaving the office so we can adjust your veneers to feel as natural as possible.
If you have a broken tooth and are considering veneers, let us help you. Contact Portland City Dental at (503) 256-7917 to schedule an appointment today. |
