Raleigh Porcelain Veneers
We all want that beautiful, perfectly-designed movie star smile – did you know that a lot of these smiles you see on screen are porcelain veneers? Let’s start with one of the most common questions: what is a porcelain veneer?
What is a Porcelain Veneer?
The porcelain veneer (also known as “dental veneer”) has come a long way in strength and esthetics over the last 20 years. Porcelain veneers are made of lithium disilicate Emax porcelain which closely replicates enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. A porcelain veneer is typically a very thin layer of porcelain ranging from 0.3mm – 0.5mm thick (half the width of a dime).
Porcelain veneers are not only for enhancing a smile, but can be used to correct multiple dental problems, including:
- tooth asymmetries
- crowding
- spacing
- providing a brighter color that will not fade, stain, or lose its shine
- correct worn or cracked teeth
All of these common dental complaints can be fixed at once with porcelain veneers. Years of treatment are not required! A good estimate of porcelain veneer treatment time from start to finish is just 2 months.
Raleigh’s top rated cosmetic dentist Dr. Justin Russo uses the latest diagnostic techniques to determine which patients can benefit from porcelain veneers or dental veneers. Dr. Russo is trained to analyze your facial features, your jaw relationship (the way your teeth come together when you close your mouth), and your teeth and gums in order to properly diagnose the perfect smile enhancement for you.
Cosmetic Dentistry: The Artist’s Approach
Dr. Russo believes that doing smile enhancements is, in its purest form, smile art. During a smile enhancement appointment, Dr. Russo takes an artist’s approach. When Dr. Russo creates the perfect smile for you, it is a unique smile that will look good in your mouth. No two pieces of art are the same. There are no standard porcelain veneer shapes, and every smile is different with subtle nuances in contours.
Porcelain veneers will feel and look like natural teeth – giving you the smile you always dreamed of having.
The Porcelain Veneer Process: Step By Step
- Consultation.
Essentially, this is where you go over what a veneer is and how it works. You and Dr. Russo will discuss your goals and answer any questions. If at this point you are unsure about a smile enhancement, or what it would look like in your mouth, Dr. Russo can invite you to “Test Drive Your Smile“. This is a process where Dr. Russo will take several photos and dental impressions. From these, Dr. Russo’s lab team will create a tangible ‘temporary smile’ that will help you visualize what an ideal smile enhancement would look like over your existing teeth. This is an experience like no other! There is not any other body enhancement where you can actually try it on in virtual 3D prior to committing to treatment. - Formal Smile Design.
At this point, you know this is the right choice for you. You and Dr. Russo will begin the smile design process where a series of final photographs of your teeth along with designing your smile on models of your mouth. This will serve as a template for your temporary veneers and will get you 95% of the way to your ideal smile. - Veneer preparation.
At this appointment, Dr. Russo will get you comfortable with local anesthetic and additional Relaxation Therapy if needed. Your teeth will be custom shaped to support the porcelain veneers. Laser gum sculpting will be completed at this step if needed. A final impression will be obtained for the cosmetic dental lab and temporary veneers will be fabricated from the smile design that you had approved previously. - Veneer delivery.
At your final appointment, Dr. Russo will remove the temporary veneers and permanently bond the permanent veneers to your teeth. Dr. Russo will check to make sure that your teeth close evenly and your bite feels great. Minor contour changes will be made to ensure a smile that will turn heads and give you the confidence and improve your overall health and wellness.
Your porcelain veneers will feel and look like natural teeth – giving you the smile you have always dreamed of having! If you are ready to step your beauty and confidence up to a whole new level schedule an appointment and see how a smile makeover can benefit you!
Check out this amazing before and after of a patient who got a beautiful new smile thanks to Dr. Russo!
