Porcelain Veneers Inglewood CA

by Dentist Inglewood

Porcelain veneers can instantly help you achieve the smile you desire. Dental veneers are thin medical-grade ceramic covers that are placed over the visible part of the tooth and look like natural teeth. They are individually created for each patient and closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. New Image Dental dentists use veneers to fix a variety of dental solutions for issues such as: chipped or worn teeth, crooked or misshapen teeth, stained teeth, an uneven smile, crowding, bite issues, and large gaps between the upper front teeth.

Cosmetic Dental Veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most trusted and popular procedures in the cosmetic dental industry. New Image Dental has been specializing in veneers since we opened our office in Inglewood near Los Angeles in 2001.

They have become increasingly popular in the past couple of decades after their invention in the late 1920s to help actors and actresses achieve the perfect Hollywood smile. In recent decades, technology has improved veneers to become more life-like and convenient. Additionally, veneers are now a much more affordable dental solution from New Image Dental.

Veneers are a near-perfect match to individual teeth shade and can be combined with teeth whitening and dental crowns to provide patients with their goal cosmetic results.

Benefits of Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a thin shell that is custom-made to fit on the tooth. There are many benefits of porcelain veneers:

• They are natural-looking
• They are strong and long lasting
• They are highly stain resistant
• Less tooth enamel needs to be removed. A crown or cap covers the entire tooth, while veneers simply cover the surface

What I Need to Know Before Getting Veneers

1. Teeth and gums need to be healthy. Before veneers are placed, the dentist can treat disease or decay. Patients with severe tooth decay, gum disease, and root canal infections may not qualify for veneers until they are cleared.
2. Veneers are not the best choice for patients who grind or clench their teeth because veneers are thin and may chip.
3. Once the enamel is removed to prepare for veneers, the process cannot be undone.
4. Getting veneers is an investment especially from an affordable dentist. They are not inexpensive and may cost more than other cosmetic treatments. Choosing to get veneers is a smart investment as most patients only need a few veneers, they are long-lasting, and offer a confidence boost.
5. Veneers can come loose over time and new ones may be needed. Most veneers can last between 10-15 years and up to 20 years.
6. There is no recovery time after getting veneers. However, some patients may find that their teeth may be more sensitive to temperature and may feel slightly sore for about a week.
7. As with any other dental procedure, it is important to research and discuss all treatment options.

Types of Porcelain Veneers

There are several types of veneers available to you:

• Pressed ceramic veneers are strong, and they are usually thicker than other types of veneers.
• Stacked ceramic veneers can be more precisely customized for each patient.
• Lithium Disilicate veneers are so strong that even patients who grind their teeth may be candidates.

Porcelain Veneers Procedure

First, the dentist from New Image Dental will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and side of the teeth in order to create room for the veneers, so it looks natural. The amount is so small, between .5mm and .7mm, that sometimes a local anesthetic may not be required.

The dentist may use no-prep veneers which require even less enamel may be removed. No-prep veneers may be more convenient, but because they may look bulky, patients with large teeth may not benefit from them.

Then a mold or impression is made of the teeth and a shade is chosen to create the most natural smile. Soft putty is put into a tray that rests in the mouth as it hardens.

That impression is sent to a dental lab that creates a custom porcelain veneer to fit the teeth. This may take a few days so the dentist may attach a temporary veneer in the meantime. Temporary veneers offer a preview of the expected outcome, protect the part of the tooth under the enamel, and prevent sensitivity.

The veneer is made by a ceramist who uses heat or pressure to build up the layers of porcelain and strengthen it. When the veneer is ready, the dentist double-checks its appearance and shape. The dentist then removes the temporary veneer and places the final veneers on the teeth to check the fit, shade, and shape inside the mouth.

If necessary, the dentist can trim down or reshape the veneer. After, the teeth are cleaned, and the veneers are bonded to them. This is done by applying an acid gel to the teeth to dissolve minerals on the surface and then coating the teeth in a bonding agent in order to create a strong base for the veneers.

Finally, dental cement is spread on the back of the veneers, and they are placed onto the actual teeth. After applying light pressure, a curing light is used to set the cement. If any other changes need to be made, a later appointment may be necessary.

Do I Qaulify for Veneers?

In order to determine candidacy for veneers, patients need to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in Inglewood. After evaluating health history, current dental health, and the condition of tooth enamel, the dentist can make an informed decision.

The dentist may recommend veneers for qualifying patients or may suggest alternative options for non-qualifying patients.

What Do I Need to know after getting veneers

Veneers can chip or break and cannot be repaired. So, it is important to avoid nail-biting, grinding teeth, opening packages with teeth, and chewing on hard objects such as pencils or ice after getting veneers.

Some patients may experience temporary or mild discomfort. For about a week, it may be helpful to avoid very hot or cold food, as well as very chewy, hard, or crunchy food. After the initial sensitivity wears off, patients can return to normal dietary habits.

It may take a few days to get used to veneers. Let your dentist know if after the veneer has been placed, biting doesn’t feel right.

It is important to keep teeth and gums clean. Flossing and brushing teeth daily is important as cavities are still possible under or around veneers. Additionally, receding gums will make the edges of the veneers visible which requires veneer replacement.