Porcelain veneers are a type of dental veneer used to address cosmetic concerns such as discolored, misshapen or widely spaced teeth. Dr. John and Dr. Sara Gotwalt place these high quality, durable and natural looking dental veneers in their Lititz, PA dentist office.
Often considered a “Hollywood Smile”, porcelain veneers can either dramatically change the look of your natural smile, or they can be used effectively to create a subtle smile makeover to hide a diastema (gap between the teeth), tooth damage or discoloration that will not respond to a tooth whitening treatment.
Porcelain Veneers: About The Process
Dr. John or Dr. Sara will conduct a thorough assessment of your oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. We will discuss your concerns and goals before creating a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve the smile you desire as well as support lasting dental health.
The porcelain veneer process is typically completed in two visits:
- First visit: this visit will be the planning phase of treatment and will include tooth preparation and impressions, which will be sent to a dental lab for the fabrication of your custom dental veneers. We will provide temporary veneers to be worn until your permanent restorations are ready.
- Final visit: Dr. John or Dr. Sara will permanently place and adjust your new porcelain veneers, ensuring a comfortable fit and a beautiful new smile.
Porcelain Veneers: FAQs
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
Patients often ask about the cost of veneers or how much a single tooth veneer costs. There are several factors that go into the price of veneers, the first of which is materials. Other factors include the size and location of the tooth as well as the cosmetic goals of treatment.
Dr. Gotwalt also offers cosmetic tooth bonding for patients with minor concerns.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Our goal is for your porcelain veneers to last a lifetime. After several years, it is common to need some minor repair or maintenance. You can ensure long lasting veneers by maintaining a healthy diet, brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination.
Tooth bonding will not last as long as porcelain veneers. Most patients will need a “touch up” procedure in about five years or less.
What are the pros and cons of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and stain resistant. They also look and feel more like natural teeth compared to alternatives like lumineers or tooth bonding.
Some patients may be hesitant about porcelain veneers because they are an irreversible procedure. If this is a concern you share, Dr. Gotwalt may suggest you try an alternative procedure like tooth bonding which requires little or no tooth preparation.