A smile makeover with porcelain veneers will enhance your facial appearance and boost your confidence. It only takes a few visits to transform your teeth into the perfect shape, size, and color and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. In Marietta, Dr. Cristi Cheek and Dr. Kristina Chandler each have training in cosmetic dentistry to provide porcelain veneers that look beautiful and natural.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin wafers of porcelain that are customized for a precise fit and bonded to the fronts of your natural teeth. Porcelain is a ceramic that can mimic the characteristics of natural teeth, including color, translucency, and gloss. They are used to correct a wide variety of appearance-related problems. If teeth are stained, porcelain veneers can give you a smile as bright as you want, one that will be pretty much impervious to any further staining. If your stains are particularly stubborn and don’t respond well to bleaching, they can be covered beautifully with well-done veneers by an expert cosmetic dentist in Marietta. Crooked teeth can often be corrected in two appointments. Gaps, short teeth, or chipped teeth can all be fixed.
The Difference a Dental Artist Makes
Although any general dentist can provide you with porcelain veneers, it takes an artistic cosmetic dentist to create lifelike smile makeovers. A smile makeover should complement your personality and facial features so it looks and feels uniquely your own.
In addition to artistic talent, a true cosmetic dentist will have received advanced post-graduate training to understand what techniques and tools are required to give you the exact smile makeover you want. Drs. Cheek and Chandler continually train to ensure you get amazing results.
Porcelain Veneers Designed Exclusively for You
The first step is to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and sound and that you are a candidate for porcelain veneers. One of our dentists will examine your teeth and take digital x-rays.
You will become part of the design team as Dr. Cheek or Dr. Chandler talks with you and listens closely to understand your smile goals. You’ll also view our catalog of patient smile makeovers to help you make decisions about your smile design, including:
- Color
- Length
- Shape
The design process continues with the following steps:
- Your input, personality, and facial features will be included as Dr. Cheek or Dr. Chandler uses their artistic talent and experience to make a wax-up of your smile design.
- Your natural teeth will be prepared to ensure your porcelain veneers will fit well and look natural.
- If the wax-up reflects the final result you want, it will be used to make provisional, or temporary, veneers.
- You’ll be able to wear the provisional veneers as a preview of how your porcelain veneers will look and feel. You’ll likely love them, but if you have any hesitation, the temporary veneers will be adjusted or remade until they are exactly what you want. Our master ceramist will use them to make your final smile makeover.
- Your porcelain veneers will be placed on your teeth and you’ll be given time to examine them and ensure they look and feel natural.
- When you’re certain that your smile makeover perfectly meets your goals, the veneers will be bonded to your natural teeth.
As the before-and-after photos below show, our patient’s teeth were short and worn you could barely see the upper teeth when she smiled. Porcelain veneers were used to resolve the issues and create a naturally beautiful smile.
Request a Porcelain Veneers Complimentary Consultation
If you are interested in beautiful porcelain veneers, call us for a ten-minute complimentary consultation with one of our dentists. Or, if you’re ready to start the process, request an appointment for an exam.
“My appointment today was for placement of my permanent dental veneers. I could not be more pleased. The whole process, from my initial visit to fruition, was painless. Dr. Cheek explains everything in detail and is very professional, yet friendly. Her work is meticulous. Thank you, Dr. Cheek, for my beautiful smile!” – Therese S.
“I had to have extensive work done on my front teeth where I had to have my dental bridge replaced. Dr. Chandler gave me so much extra care and attention throughout the whole process which meant a great deal to me. She is patient, kind and most importantly, she does beautiful work! I couldn’t be happier with the end result.” – Brooke B.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are porcelain veneers and how do they improve the appearance of teeth?
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental solution designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your teeth. These are thin, custom-made shells crafted from high-quality dental porcelain, which are meticulously bonded to the front surface of your teeth. The primary goal of porcelain veneers is to address various dental imperfections, including discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor misalignments. By doing so, they create a uniform, bright, and natural-looking smile that many people desire.
The beauty of porcelain veneers lies in their ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, ensuring that your smile looks authentic and vibrant. They are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, allowing for a seamless blend. This customization process ensures that each veneer is a perfect fit for your unique dental structure, resulting in a smile that complements your facial features. Whether you’re looking to correct a single tooth or transform your entire smile, porcelain veneers offer a versatile and effective solution for achieving a stunning appearance.
How long do porcelain veneers usually last with proper care?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. Their longevity largely depends on the individual’s oral hygiene practices, lifestyle choices, and adherence to routine dental check-ups. To maximize the lifespan of your veneers, it is crucial to maintain a diligent oral care routine, which includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay.
Regular visits to your dentist, like Dr. Cristi Cheek at Cheek Dental in Marietta, GA, for professional cleanings and check-ups are also essential. These appointments allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your veneers and address any potential issues before they escalate. Additionally, avoiding habits that can damage your veneers, such as biting fingernails, chewing on ice, or using your teeth as tools, can significantly extend their lifespan.
What is the process for getting porcelain veneers?
The process of getting porcelain veneers typically involves several steps, ensuring that the final result is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective. Initially, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist to discuss your goals and expectations. During this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and determine if veneers are the right option for you.
Once you’ve decided to proceed, the next step involves preparing your teeth for the veneers. This preparation includes removing a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of your teeth to make room for the veneers. Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers are crafted.
While waiting for your permanent veneers, temporary ones may be placed to protect your teeth. Once your custom veneers are ready, you’ll return to your dentist for the final fitting. During this appointment, your dentist will check the fit and color of the veneers and make any necessary adjustments. Once satisfied, the veneers are bonded to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive, and any excess material is trimmed away for a perfect finish. The result is a beautiful, long-lasting smile.
Are porcelain veneers resistant to staining from foods and beverages?
One of the significant advantages of porcelain veneers is their resistance to staining. Unlike natural tooth enamel, which can absorb pigments from foods and beverages, porcelain veneers are non-porous, making them less susceptible to discoloration. This means that your veneers will maintain their bright and pristine appearance even when exposed to common staining agents like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
However, it is important to note that while the veneers themselves are resistant to stains, the natural teeth surrounding them are not. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and limiting the consumption of staining substances can help ensure that your entire smile remains uniformly bright. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also key to preserving the overall appearance of your veneers and natural teeth, ensuring that your smile continues to dazzle for years to come.