Dental Veneers in Palmdale, CA – Transform Your Smile at Dr. Markarian’s Office
At Dr. Markarian’s Dental Practice, we specialize in transforming smiles with the art and science of dental veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your dental appearance. These shells are made from porcelain or from resin composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Veneers offer several advantages:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Veneers make significant cosmetic improvements, including whitening teeth and correcting chips.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers are durable and long-lasting, with the ability to resist stains better than resin veneers.
- Versatility: They can address multiple cosmetic problems at once, including misshapen teeth, discoloration, and gaps.
- Minimally Invasive: Veneers require a minimal amount of your tooth’s enamel to be removed compared to crowns.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Consultation and Planning: The first step involves a detailed consultation with Dr. Markarian, during which your goals and the suitability of veneers are discussed. Impressions of your teeth may be taken as part of the planning process.
Tooth Preparation: Teeth are prepared by removing about 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the tooth surface, which is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. A model or impression of your tooth is then made.
Veneer Fabrication: The impression is sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom-made for your teeth. This process can take a few weeks.
Bonding: Before permanently cementing the dental veneer to your tooth, Dr. Markarian will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color, making any necessary adjustments. The tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is then applied to the veneer, which is placed on your tooth. Once properly positioned, the veneer is hardened using a light beam.
Post-Procedure Care
Taking care of veneers is simple: follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as you normally would. Although porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, Dr. Markarian may recommend avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages.
References
- American Dental Association (ADA): ada.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are typically made from porcelain or resin composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth. For more information, the American Dental Association offers a detailed guide on veneers [American Dental Association].
How long do dental veneers last?
Veneers typically last between 7 to 15 years before they may need to be replaced, depending on the material used and how well they are cared for. The longevity of dental veneers is discussed extensively in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry [Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry].
Are dental veneers prone to staining?
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining due to their non-porous nature, while composite resin veneers may absorb stains over time. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry provides insights into the properties of different veneer materials [American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry].
Can veneers be repaired if they chip or crack?
Minor chips or cracks in veneers can sometimes be repaired; however, if the damage is significant, replacement might be necessary. This is outlined in clinical guidelines by the Academy of General Dentistry [Academy of General Dentistry].
How are dental veneers applied?
The veneer application process involves tooth preparation, where a small amount of enamel is removed, followed by an impression taken for the dental lab. The final step is the bonding process, where the veneer is permanently attached to the tooth. This procedure is further explained by the National Institutes of Health [National Institutes of Health].
Do dental veneers require special care?
While dental veneers do not require special care beyond good oral hygiene practices, maintaining the longevity of the veneers involves using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and avoiding excessive force or biting hard objects. Guidelines for caring for veneers are provided by the Oral Health Foundation [Oral Health Foundation].
What are the alternatives to dental veneers?
Alternatives to veneers include dental bonding, which is less invasive and more cost-effective, and crowns, which cover the entire tooth and are used when there is significant decay or damage. These alternatives are discussed in resources from the International Association for Dental Research [International Association for Dental Research].
Will my insurance cover dental veneers?
Most dental insurance plans consider veneers a cosmetic procedure and may not cover the cost. However, some aspects of the procedure, such as preliminary treatments for oral health issues, may be covered. Patients are advised to consult their insurance providers for detailed coverage options, as noted by the National Association of Dental Plans [National Association of Dental Plans].
References
- American Dental Association (ADA): ada.org
- Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: aacd.com
- Academy of General Dentistry: agd.org
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): nih.gov
- Oral Health Foundation: dentalhealth.org
- International Association for Dental Research: iadr.org
- National Association of Dental Plans: nadp.org