Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of colored porcelain that cover the front, and sometimes the sides, of visible teeth. There are several types of materials used in making porcelain veneers. The original veneers required a very talented lab technician to fabricate “from scratch,” using feldspathic porcelain, a powder mixed with distilled water to form a paste that the technician then applied to a model made from the impression of the patient’s prepared teeth. In the early ’90s, Empress porcelain changed the cosmetic dentistry world by introducing injection-molded porcelain with high strength and excellent aesthetic effects, allowing technicians to wax the full shape of the tooth, similar to a gold crown or a quality piece of jewelry. The increased strength and ease of use skyrocketed the popularity of porcelain veneers, and our dentists continue to use mostly Empress porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneer Candidates
Porcelain Veneer Benefits
Instant Orthodontics with Veneers
Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Porcelain Veneer Results
Porcelain Veneers & Pain
Porcelain Veneers Maintenance
Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns
Porcelain Veneer Cost
Choosing a Porcelain Veneers Dentist
Additional Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain Veneer Before & After Photos

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

The ideal candidate for porcelain veneers wants to address cosmetic concerns in order to enhance the appearance of their smile. These issues often include cracks, chips, discoloration, and misalignment. Veneers are considered a classic example of cosmetic dentistry; in other words, they are used to improve aesthetic issues rather than oral health problems. With this in mind, if you have more pressing dental concerns – such as gum disease or significant decay – we may recommend you undergo a different treatment before moving forward with veneers. The first step to forming the perfect plan for your needs is an initial consultation with our team.

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

For a wide variety of tooth imperfections, porcelain veneers can often serve as the right solution. Veneers can help improve a tooth’s structural integrity as well as provide a complete cosmetic overhaul. You can expect:

Improved overall appearance with youthful results
Enhanced function, helping to improve issues with chewing, your bite, and TMJ disorder
Boosted protection of the tooth’s surface
Elimination of gaps between teeth
A bright, lifelike shade designed to match your surrounding teeth
Long-lasting results that are strong and durable

Perfectly aligned teeth without braces
Thin veneers fitted over existing teeth
Little to no tooth removal
Approve your look before final fitting
Brand new smile in just a few visits

Dentist Chair

What Is “Instant Orthodontics” With Veneers?

Are you tired of having misaligned or crooked teeth, but not interested in spending years in braces? With “instant orthodontics” through porcelain veneers at Austin Dental Spa, you can achieve a straight and stunning smile in just a few visits! Porcelain veneers can be fitted over a patient’s existing teeth after we make only the most conservative preparations. Our Austin dentists have used this technique to help many of our patients achieve consistently impressive results, and we can also help you.

What Is the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Like?

Recent technological advances in the strength of feldspathic porcelains have ushered in the latest craze of minimal- or non-prep veneers (also known by the trade names Lumineers^{^™} and DURAthins^{^™}). A talented lab technician can fabricate an extremely thin veneer, allowing us to change your smile in many cases with little or NO tooth structure removal. Our dentists work with two world-class dental laboratories. Call us now to schedule a consultation to see if this technology is right for your new smile!

Regardless of what material is utilized for your veneers, our dentists pay meticulous attention to the temporaries that are placed on your teeth while your permanent veneers are being made. These are your “prototypes” for your final smile, and we want to ensure that you are happy with them before your final veneers are made. Typically, only about three weeks are needed from the preparation appointment to the final delivery of your new smile!

What Results Can I Expect with Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers often produce results that can last between 10 to 15 years. While made of thin strips of porcelain, these pieces are durable and resistant to staining. Because the veneers can be shade-matched to your surrounding teeth, the finished results are incredibly natural looking. Porcelain veneers are designed with the intent of improving your smile’s appearance while avoiding a fake or unnatural look.

Are Porcelain Veneers Painful?

The porcelain veneers procedure is typically not considered painful. With this in mind, the process sometimes requires the removal of a certain amount of enamel, and some patients may find this more uncomfortable than others. During this part of the treatment, we can employ a sedation dentistry technique to ease anxiety and discomfort.

Once your veneers are placed, it may take a few weeks for you to get used to their feel. Rest assured that this is normal, and within a short time, the veneers should feel virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

How Do I Take Care of My Porcelain Veneers?

Although veneers usually do not require any intensive maintenance, practicing excellent oral hygiene is essential for the veneers to look great and function properly for years to come.* We advise you to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly to keep away harmful bacteria. You are also encouraged to attend your scheduled cleanings and exams. If you ever have questions about taking care of your veneers, do not hesitate to contact our staff.

Porcelain Veneers Vs. Porcelain Crowns

While often composed of the same material, veneers and crowns are used in distinctly different situations. Porcelain veneers utilize thin strips of porcelain to improve the appearance and some functionality while covering just the front and sides of the tooth. Porcelain crowns are used for more severe situations where there is significant damage present. By encapsulating the entire tooth, crowns can provide improved function, prevent further damage, and enhance the overall look of your smile. Both treatments are viable options and our team will be able to determine which is best for you at your initial consultation.

View Our Gallery

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The cost of porcelain veneers will likely be different for each patient and their varying needs. The type of veneers chosen will also need to be considered as the selection will impact the overall price as well. Our team can go over financial information and insurance coverage during the initial consultation.

Learn more

Video Image Placeholder

Why Choose Austin Dental Spa for Porcelain Veneers?

The choice to get veneers is an important one; after all, you’re investing in a dramatic makeover for your smile! For this reason, we advise you to entrust your care to a qualified cosmetic dentist with years of experience. Choosing the right dentist can greatly increase your chances of top-quality aesthetic effects and long-lasting results – not to mention a safe, successful procedure.

At Austin Dental Spa, our dentists possess not only profound skill and knowledge, but also compassionate chairside manner, which regularly helps our patients feel comfortable during visits. Dr. Mark Sweeney has been considered a top cosmetic dentist for decades, and is known for his ability to bring out the natural beauty of patients’ smiles using a variety of advanced treatments.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers

Do porcelain veneers look natural?

Veneers crafted from Empress porcelain are known for both their durability and aesthetics. For this reason, our dentists have used this material to create veneers for decades. Every time we place veneers, our goal is to produce results that match and enhance a patient’s smile.

Can porcelain veneers break or chip?

Top-quality porcelain veneers (i.e., the ones we place at Austin Dental Spa) are quite durable and are made to withstand normal use. With that said, they may break or chip if subjected to excessive force or misuse.* As such, it’s wise to avoid grinding your teeth or biting down on hard objects; if the former is a recurrent problem for you, ask our staff about potential solutions.

Can porcelain veneers be whitened?

Porcelain differs from natural enamel in that it does not respond to teeth whitening agents (even the most potent solutions, such as Zoom!^{^®} Advanced Power and KöR^{^®} Whitening Deep Bleaching^{^™}). Keep in mind, however, that your dentist will create your veneers to match your teeth’s natural shine. In addition, practicing great oral hygiene should encourage your veneers to retain their beautiful brightness.

For an unbeatable cosmetic dentistry experience tailored to your every unique dental need, look no further than Austin Dental Spa!