Philadelphia dentist explains what to expect and how to make your smile shine with porcelain veneers

Your smile is linked to your confidence. A stunning smile makes you feel better about yourself, helps you make a good first impression, and improves your personal and professional relationships. Cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers provide options for enhancing patients’ smiles. If you live near Philadelphia David Spilkia Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can help, make your smile shine with porcelain veneers.

Originally created to temporarily transform actors’ and actresses’ smiles while performing, veneers are now available to everyone. Veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are applied to the front of the teeth to alter their appearance. They can correct a single tooth or multiple. Veneers are often used as part of a smile makeover to create an even, beautiful smile. Made of porcelain, they look, feel, and function as natural teeth.

Uses of veneers

Veneers are versatile. They have a number of uses for smile enhancement. For some patients, they may be the first cosmetic treatment used to transform the smile. For others who have tried other procedures without the desired results, veneers may be a secondary treatment. Veneers may be a solution for the following concerns:

• Discolorations or staining
• Chipped teeth
• Uneven teeth
• Gaps or spacing issues
• Crooked or misaligned teeth

Unlike most whitening procedures, veneers can cover tetracycline stains. Patients who have tried whitening may turn to veneers for brighter smiles. Similarly, patients with minor imperfections such as small gaps or minor misalignments may be able to correct their smiles with veneers rather than major orthodontic work. Since veneers are customized based on the color, size, and shape of the teeth, they produce smiles that look and feel natural. Cosmetic imperfections are easily addressed.

What to expect

Patients who are interested in cosmetic procedures for smile enhancement should schedule a consultation with Dr. Spilkia. This allows time to assess your teeth and review your medical history and lifestyle. He will also discuss potential procedures, the process, and any pros and cons to help you make the best decision on how to improve your smile. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Our team will customize a treatment plan best suited for your needs.

Veneers are completely individualized for each patient. The teeth must first be prepped. With advancements in dental technology and veneer fabrication, very little enamel must be removed. The veneers are no thicker than a fingernail so only a tiny amount of surface enamel is removed. This allows the veneers to lay flat and flush with the natural tooth. Impressions are taken of the teeth. Your dentist also makes notes regarding the size, shape, and color of the teeth. To improve discolorations and staining, the desired shade of whiteness is selecting from a shading guide.

Your information, dental impressions, and the notes about your teeth are sent to a laboratory so the veneers can be fabricated. This information customizes your veneers and ensures they fit your teeth and mouth for a natural-looking result. After the veneers have been created, they can be bonded into place. The teeth are prepped with an acid etching gel to create a rough surface. This helps the veneers bond to the teeth. The veneers are cemented into place and residual material from the bonding process is removed. You can leave the office with a shiny new smile.

Advantages of porcelain veneers

Cosmetic dental treatments are designed to improve the appearance of the smile. Veneers are a popular way to achieve the smile you deserve. There are a number of benefits to this treatment.

• Veneers are made of porcelain which matches natural enamel in color and opalescence. The exact shade can be matched using a color guide.
• The porcelain material is strong, durable, and long-lasting. It can withstand the pressures and functions of a natural tooth.
• Veneers are very thin shells that are no thicker than a fingernail. They are applied so they blend naturally with the tooth.
• Veneers can be used for a single tooth, multiple teeth, or an entire set for a smile makeover.
• The entire treatment is customized based on the patient’s needs and impressions for a natural, even smile.

Veneers are an effective way to disguise imperfections and produce a stunning smile. To learn more about how to make your smile shine with porcelain veneers, contact the team at David Spilkia Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA. Call (267) 463-2777.

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