Porcelain Veneers

At Mangrove Bay Dentistry, we know what makes a smile beautiful! If your teeth have aesthetic flaws that are causing you to feel self-conscious, porcelain veneers are a fast and effective treatment to give you the beautiful smile you deserve! Our experienced restorative dentist, Dr. Tran, will work with you to correct your teeth imperfections and create a stunning smile that will last for years to come.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

A veneer is a thin layer of strong porcelain that can be bonded to the front of a tooth to improve its color and shape. Dental porcelain is a popular material for veneers because it is translucent and looks like natural tooth enamel. It doesn't stain easily, and when veneers are applied, teeth become stronger.

Depending on your circumstances, Dr. Tran may be able to use veneers that are so thin they can be bonded directly onto the existing tooth surface without modifying your teeth. These are called "no prep" veneers. In other cases, Dr. Tran will need to remove a very thin layer of tooth enamel, as thin as the veneer itself, in order to securely attach the new porcelain veneer to the surface of your tooth.

When you choose to have your porcelain veneer treatment done by an experienced dentist like Dr. Tran, you can expect your veneers to last a long time, and often they will last decades. If a veneer becomes damaged, for example if you have an accident that chips a veneer, it can be easily replaced.

What Teeth Imperfections Do Porcelain Veneers Correct?

  • Color - When teeth whitening does not fully remove stains or when staining is deep within the inside of a tooth, veneers are a great way to cover the staining with natural-looking results. Veneers are custom color matched to your preferred shade of whiteness. Dr. Tran may recommend teeth whitening prior to shade-matching your veneers, so the porcelain color selected will blend with your adjacent teeth that are not going to receive veneers.
  • Size & Shape - Veneers can be custom shaped and sized in a way that is flattering to your face and produces symmetry when you smile. Dr. Tran can also coordinate veneer treatment with a minor surgical procedure to perfect the symmetry of the gum contours framing your teeth.
  • Alignment & Spacing - Veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth and to make slight corrections in alignment. If you have large gaps, more than minor misalignment, or turned teeth, a course of orthodontics, with ClearCorrect clear orthodontic aligners may be recommended.

The Veneer Treatment Process

The first step in the veneer treatment process is a complimentary consultation with Dr. Tran. During this appointment, he will discuss what you don't like about your smile as it is now and he will provide you with recommendations to achieve your smile goals. It may be helpful to bring pictures of smiles you do like, as a starting point for discussion.

It's possible to see how veneers would look on your teeth in several ways. A model of your teeth can be created over which wax "veneers" can be placed, or acrylic (plastic) or tooth-colored filling material can be placed directly onto your teeth to demonstrate the effect veneers would have on your smile.

Once your treatment plan has been agreed upon, including the color of the porcelain that will be used, Dr. Tran will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel, if necessary. Impressions of your teeth will be taken, and Dr. Tran will work with one of our preferred dental ceramists with expertise in fabricating custom porcelain veneers. The ceramist will use your models to create your custom veneers in accordance with Dr. Tran's instructions. During the next few weeks we will create your permanent veneers and you may be given a temporary set of veneers to allow you to stay comfortable and function normally. When your permanent veneers are ready, we will call to schedule you for the next appointment during which your porcelain veneers will be securely bonded to your teeth. You will now be able to enjoy your brand new smile!

Caring for Your Veneers

Caring for your porcelain veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. It is important to brush and floss twice each day to remove dental plaque and ensure good gum tissue health around the veneers. Regular checkups in our office will continue to be as important as always to maintain your oral health. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, Dr. Tran will make a custom night time occlusal guard to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of damaging your veneers.

Learn if Veneers Are Right for You

Dr. Toan Tran offers a complimentary porcelain veneers consultation to help you learn if veneers are the right choice for your smile. Call our Oldsmar dentist office today, at (813) 544-6778, to schedule an appointment.

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