Veneers – Arcadia, CA
Restoring Teeth with Ease
People often refer to porcelain veneers as “instant orthodontics” and “permanent teeth whitening.” The truth is that porcelain veneers can correct a significant number of cosmetic dental problems like staining, discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignment – you name it! With the help of Dr. Canzoneri, you can transform your teeth into a set you’ll never stop showing off. If you’d like to learn more about this smile-enhancing treatment, continue reading or schedule a consultation today.
What are Dental Veneers?
A veneer is a thin, shell-like covering that fits directly over the front surface of a tooth, and each one will be handcrafted according to specific design instructions provided by Dr. Canzoneri. The custom design created for your porcelain veneers will take into consideration your skin tone, the shape of your features, and the information you provided in your smile analysis.
Dr. Canzoneri may create a diagnostic wax model of your mouth to ensure that your veneers will fit properly and that optimal occlusion will be maintained. You will be able to see both how your teeth look now and how they’ll look after your procedure.
Normally, patients prefer that veneers be placed on the teeth that show when they smile. This includes, in most cases, about eight to ten teeth. Because they cover the entire front surface of teeth, veneers hide chips, stains, and misalignments; they can even change the overall shape and appearance of individual teeth!
The Process of Getting Veneers
Expect two or three visits for your entire procedure. At the first clinical appointment following your initial consultation, Dr. Canzoneri will prepare your teeth for the veneers in Arcadia by removing a small amount of natural tooth enamel. This allows the new veneer to lay flat and in line with surrounding teeth in order to create a natural appearance.
Some cases allow for no-prep veneers, which require no tooth preparation before placement. Dr. Canzoneri only recommends no-prep veneers when they will result in a natural-looking smile. He’ll review your case and discuss with you the best option for your situation before proceeding with any treatment.
After preparing your teeth for veneer placement, Dr. Canzoneri will take impressions for the dental laboratory. He’ll then send design plans for your new restorations, and a ceramist will handcraft each veneer to detailed specifications. You’ll wear temporary restorations while your veneers are being fabricated. At your second visit, he will remove your temporaries and permanently affix the porcelain veneers in place. You’ll leave the office with a new smile and renewed self-confidence!
The Benefits of Veneers
By choosing to get veneers in Arcadia, you can expect to reap several incredible benefits beyond an enhanced appearance. Some of those include:
- Natural-looking results designed to last a decade or more with proper care
- More permanent solution compared to other forms of cosmetic dentistry
- Fast treatment that takes as little as two dental appointments to complete
- Improvement in the color, size, shape, and proportion of your teeth
- Durable material that’s much more stain-resistant than natural enamel
Veneer FAQs
Have you ever seen someone with a perfectly straight, gleaming white, completely flawless smile and wondered “How did they do that?” Everyone is different, but for a surprising number of them, the answer is veneers.
If you’re interested in this style of cosmetic treatment, you’re sure to have some questions. We’re happy to help you with whatever you need, so here are some of the answers you may be looking for. And if you have a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to call us regarding a consultation today!
Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?
Obviously, veneers look incredible, but how do they feel? The answer is that they shouldn’t really feel like anything is different at all.
Veneers are meticulously crafted based on impressions of your smile and the porcelain used for them is thin enough that they blend in perfectly with the rest of the teeth. If your veneers are done right, they shouldn’t be irritating or rub against anything in your mouth. Often, our patients say that after a while they don’t even notice them anymore.
Are Veneers Permanent?
While veneers can last for years and years, they are not considered to be permanent. Eventually, wear and tear will necessitate that they be replaced.
However, veneers are considered to be irreversible, meaning that once you get them, you’ll have to replace them whenever they break. This is because placing veneers requires us to remove a small sliver of your enamel to make room for them. This enamel does not grow back, meaning that something will have to cover your tooth in its place. Fortunately, you can easily expect your veneers to last 10-12 years with the proper care.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of Veneers?
Veneers are a prime example of “you get what you pay for.” They can produce beautiful results, but they are one of the more expensive cosmetic treatments available.
That said, Dr. Canzoneri understands that everyone has a budget, and he’s happy to work with you to make getting veneers more affordable. A big part of that is being conservative with care, and only giving patients as many veneers as are necessary to rehabilitate their smile.
We also offer financing through CareCredit, which can help some patients afford cosmetic services that may not ordinarily be accessible to them.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?
Veneers work best for patients who have a fairly healthy smile, but maybe one that isn’t as pretty as they’d like. That’s because certain oral health problems can cause problems for the integrity of your veneers down the line. For example, patients with the following may not be good candidates for veneers:
- Cavities: tooth decay will only get worse if you place a veneer over it, which can put your dental work at risk.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause gums to bleed and swell, both of which can make taking the necessary impressions for your veneers difficult.
- Brusxism: grinding your teeth can be a serious problem for your veneers. If we detect signs of bruxism or teeth grinding during your veneers consultation, we will recommend getting fitted for a custom nightguard first. Not only will this protect your investment in your smile, but it will stop jaw pain and enamel wear as well.
None of these are strictly dealbreakers, but we will take the time to treat any of these health conditions before we feel comfortable outfitting you for veneers.
Do Veneers Make Your Teeth Sensitive?
Your cosmetic dentist must remove a small amount of enamel to prep your teeth for veneers, so it's normal to have concerns about tooth sensitivity. However, you have nothing to fear. Veneers will give your teeth a layer of protection against hot or cold foods and drinks. Therefore, veneers can actually help patients with a history of tooth sensitivity. They can reduce the occurrences of uncomfortable sensations for patients with weakened enamel or other issues.
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
It's possible to bond a veneer to only one tooth to improve its color, shape, and size. However, the overall goal of the procedure is to enhance your entire smile. Therefore, your cosmetic dentist will likely recommend bonding veneers to the teeth that show when you smile. Everyone's mouth is unique, so there's no way to know how many you'll need until after your consultation. Some patients only need four or six, while other patients may require eight or more. This will ensure seamless results that look natural.
Can Veneers Get Cavities?
Veneers are not vulnerable to tooth decay, but cavities can occur underneath your restorations. Small cracks will form in the dental cement that holds your veneers in place over time. Poor oral hygiene habits can allow food residue and plaque to build up, giving bacteria access to your tooth through the crevices. In addition, any exposed tooth surface is still vulnerable to cavities. You can safeguard your smile from tooth decay with good oral hygiene and regular dental care. Moderate your consumption of sugars and starches, which feed cavity-causing bacteria.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Veneers?
Veneers are made of porcelain, which is stain-resistant. Your veneers should not change color with the correct care, so you shouldn't need teeth whitening. However, your underlying teeth can discolor. Although teeth whitening can get your enamel many shades whiter, your cosmetic dentist will advise against it if you have veneers. The whitening ingredients can weaken the bonding material holding your restorations in place, which may cause them to fall off. In addition, it can cause color inconsistencies between your teeth and veneers, causing your results to look unnatural. If you have concerns about discoloration, your cosmetic dentist will create a personalized treatment plan to restore a vibrant smile.