General Information

What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, durable, custom-made porcelain facings that are created by our master ceramists and bonded to the front of unsightly teeth. They are meticulously hand crafted from tooth-colored, high-tech materials to portray a natural, bright smile.

Should You Consider Veneers?
Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshapen or crooked teeth. If these conditions apply to your mouth, veneers may be your best option.

How Long Will Veneers Last?
Veneers are intended to last for many years. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers will not change color over time. You should consult with your dentist to find out exactly how long veneers will last in your mouth.

How Are Veneers Applied?
The tooth is reshaped initially to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. A molded image is taken of the reshaped tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth. The veneer is applied with adhesive material which bonds it to the original tooth structure.

Advantages of Veneers

Tooth-Like Appearance
Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

Stain-Resistant
Custom-made veneers resist stains from coffee, tea and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech, extremely polishable materials.

Benefits of Veneers

• A minimal amount of the natural tooth must be altered to fit the veneer.

• Veneers can be matched to make even the darkest teeth appear to be bright white.

• Minor twists and overlaps, as well as small gaps, can be quickly corrected through the use of veneers.

Maintaining Your Veneers

Here are some tips for making sure your veneers stay sparkling.

• Brush and Floss Regularly to Prevent Oral Hygiene Problems.

• Veneers generally cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss.

• Good oral hygiene will ensure your veneers stay strong and provide you with a long-lasting, attractive smile.

Keep In Mind
When considering veneers, keep in mind these important points before undergoing the treatment.

Non-Reversible Procedure
Because a small amount of tooth is reduced to fit the veneers, the process is NOT reversible.

Anesthetic Advised
Generally, the use of a local anesthetic is advised to maintain absolute comfort throughout the treatment process.

Strength of Veneers
Veneers provide more strength when crushing an object than twisting or tearing. Therefore, just as with natural teeth, patients with veneers are advised to avoid opening nut shells, chewing on bones or any other matter that may cause the veneers to chip or crack.

Talk to Your Dentist
Dr. Phelps is happy to provide complimentary consultations to determine if porcelain veneers are right for you.