Porcelain Veneers
HIGH-END VENEERS
High-end cosmetic porcelain veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth, can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing and chips or cracks.
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After
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Before
After
How Do Veneers Work?
Porcelain veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today’s veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.
When are porcelain veneers appropriate?
Bonding often serves as an inexpensive and effective restoration for small chips and cracks in the teeth. Such minor problems may be functionally and cosmetically repaired with a composite “white filling.” A composite resin material is bonded to the tooth in order to fill in the chip or crack and better protect the surrounding tooth structure. But for more severe cases of dullness, wear, discoloration, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven teeth, dental veneers may be recommended as a more appropriate solution.
Porcelain Veneers or Composite Resin Veneers?
The two most common materials used in the manufacture of dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain veneers. Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory; composite veneers can also be directly fabricated inside your mouth at the dental office.
Dental veneers that are indirectly fabricated – fabricated in a dental laboratory – are bonded to the teeth with various types of resin cement. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting and more expensive.
Elite Preparation
To better prepare for a patient’s case, Dr. Meden has labs create models of the patient’s teeth. He also creates models of the patient’s mouth post-surgery, meaning a patient will get to see what they’ll look like before the procedure begins.
Temporary Veneers
Before the final veneers are placed, patients are given temporary veneers. The patient will wear temporary veneers for two weeks while the teeth are being prepared for placement of the final veneers.
Dr. Meden takes great pride in providing amazing temporary veneers, so that your smile will be amazing without you having to wait. Additionally, the temporary veneers let you feel how the final veneers will feel, and where the bite is. It is a great time to give feedback to Dr. Meden about what you want!
I could not be more pleased with my experience with Dr. Meden! He gave me the smile of my dreams! The entire process was amazing! I did my top 8 veneers, & he walked me through every detail of what was happening & made me feel so comfortable! I was very impressed with my temporaries, most people thought they were the final product! I literally can’t stop smiling! The entire staff was great! So grateful! Thank you Elite Smiles!
-Alex
Patient model: Before
Patient model: After
Dr. Meden Talks About His Experience With Manu Bennett
Why Dr. Meden?
Dr. Walter Meden is a passionate dentist with high levels of training and experience. Dedicated to his craft, he far exceeds the required hours for continuing education, having received the best training at institutions around the country. He is an active member of many dental organizations, and has the most modern equipment. Most importantly, the smiles of his patients speak for themselves.
What cosmetic dental issues do veneers solve?
Worn enamel:
Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumptio
Wear and tear:
Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.
Genetics:
Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth that grows wider as they age
Uneven teeth:
Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.
A Restorative Benefit to Veneers
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, porcelain veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. In some cases, veneers may replace the need for a dental crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation.
Because porcelain veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping when bonded onto the tooth. Once veneers are bonded into place, they are relatively strong and durable; however, care must be taken so as not to abuse veneers because the thin porcelain shells can damage or break. Your dentist may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies (such as eating carrots) and may recommend you wear a protective appliance while your sleep, especially if you grind your teeth in your sleep.
Veneers or Whitening?
Teeth whitening may provide a white smile for mildly discolored teeth. Some people who are interested in veneers will find that their cosmetic dentist will steer them to the simpler alternative of whitening, perhaps combined with some simple orthodontic alignment. The placement of porcelain veneers requires the “shaping” or “prepping” of all teeth being fitted with the custom-designed shells. This process permanently alters the teeth that are treated and is therefore not recommended if your natural teeth are functionally and aesthetically adequate.
If you have a severe case of dull or discolored teeth, you may have to opt for porcelain veneers. Veneers do have the added benefits of longevity and a proven ability to enhance the appearance of the mouth, smile, and possibly other areas of an aged face that would be better supported by properly shaped teeth. Although veneers require a much larger commitment than teeth whitening, the results are typically well worth it.
