Porcelain Veneers

Your Smile Transformation Awaits

Porcelain veneers are one of the most transformative cosmetic dental treatments available. These ultra-thin, custom-made ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to change their shape, size, color, and position. Veneers can correct stained teeth, gaps, chips, slightly misaligned teeth, and other cosmetic concerns. They're ideal when you want dramatic results that look completely natural. At Lincoln Smiles Dental, Dr. Sepi combines artistic vision with clinical expertise to design veneers that transform your smile while looking absolutely natural.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin (about 0.5 to 1 millimeter) ceramic shell that covers the front surface of your tooth. The veneer is custom-made to match your tooth perfectly and is bonded permanently to your tooth surface. Veneers essentially become the new outer surface of your tooth. Unlike crowns, which cover the entire tooth, veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth. This means we can preserve most of your natural tooth structure.

Porcelain is the ideal material for veneers because it mimics the optical properties of natural tooth enamel. It's translucent (allowing light to pass through), reflects light the same way natural enamel does, and can be color-matched to your adjacent teeth precisely. This results in veneers that look absolutely natural, not artificial or fake. When done well, people can't tell the difference between your natural teeth and your veneers.

What Problems Can Veneers Solve?

Porcelain veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns. If your teeth are stained or discolored and whitening doesn't provide satisfactory results, veneers cover the discoloration with a bright white surface. If you have gaps between your teeth, veneers close the gaps by making the teeth slightly wider and positioning them together. If your teeth are chipped or worn, veneers restore the shape and size.

If your teeth are slightly crooked or misaligned but not severely enough to warrant Invisalign, veneers can improve alignment by changing tooth shape and position. If you have short teeth that make your smile appear more gummy, veneers can lengthen your teeth. If you have an irregular smile line or uneven teeth, veneers can create a beautiful, even smile. Veneers are incredibly versatile and can solve most cosmetic dental problems.

Many patients combine veneers with other cosmetic treatments. For example, you might get veneers on your front teeth and Invisalign or teeth whitening to complete your smile transformation. Dr. Sepi will evaluate your smile and recommend the best combination of treatments to achieve your specific goals.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are made in a laboratory by a dental technician and are the most popular choice. They're incredibly durable, typically lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. They resist staining better than composite and maintain their appearance over time. They look more natural because porcelain more closely mimics tooth enamel. The downside is that porcelain veneers require more tooth preparation and a longer treatment timeline (you need temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made).

Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin material similar to what we use for fillings. They can often be completed in a single appointment without temporary veneers. They're less expensive than porcelain veneers. However, composite veneers don't last as long as porcelain (typically 5 to 10 years), they stain more easily, and they don't look quite as natural. Composite veneers are a good option for patients on a tight budget or who want a reversible cosmetic treatment.

For most patients concerned with durability and esthetics, porcelain veneers are the superior choice. Dr. Sepi will discuss both options during your consultation and help you decide which is right for your situation and budget.

The Veneer Procedure

The veneer procedure involves several steps spread across multiple appointments. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sepi evaluates your smile and discusses your goals. She'll explain what's possible with veneers and show you examples of her work. She may take photographs or use digital imaging to show you potential results. If you decide to proceed with veneers, you'll schedule your preparation appointment.

During the preparation appointment, Dr. Sepi removes a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of your teeth to make room for the veneers. The amount of tooth removed is minimal (about 0.5 millimeters) to ensure the veneers won't be too thick or bulky. After tooth preparation, she takes impressions or digital scans that are sent to the lab where technicians craft your custom veneers.

While your permanent veneers are being made, we place temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your smile. The temporary veneers aren't as strong or beautiful as permanent ones, but they look acceptable and allow you to function normally. You'll be given care instructions for the temporary veneers.

About two to three weeks later, you return for your placement appointment. We remove the temporary veneers and try on your permanent veneers. Dr. Sepi checks the fit, color, and alignment carefully. The veneers should feel comfortable and look beautiful. If any adjustments are needed, the lab can make minor modifications. Once everything is perfect, we permanently cement the veneers to your teeth.

After placement, you might experience some sensitivity to temperature for a few days as your teeth adjust, but this usually resolves quickly. Your veneers are now fully functional and will serve you beautifully for many years.

Smile Design and Customization

One of the most important aspects of veneer treatment is smile design. Dr. Sepi doesn't just make veneers to cover your teeth. She designs them as part of your overall facial features, considering your age, skin tone, personality, and facial proportions. The right smile complements your unique features and reflects your personality.

During your consultation, she'll discuss factors like the shade of your veneers (typically a bright white, but can be more or less white based on your preferences), the shape of your teeth, the smile line, and the length of your teeth. She'll show you digital mockups of how your smile will look with veneers. Your input is crucial. This is your smile, and it should reflect who you are.

The art of veneer placement is creating a result that looks absolutely natural and age-appropriate. Too white or too perfect-looking veneers can look fake. The goal is veneers that enhance your natural beauty while looking like they've always been part of your smile. Dr. Sepi's expertise and attention to detail ensure you get exactly the result you want.

Caring for Your Veneers

Veneers require the same care as natural teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss daily, and visit us for regular cleanings and checkups. Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candy, or pen caps as this can chip or crack your veneers. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or crack nuts.

Be mindful of very hot and very cold foods and beverages, as rapid temperature changes can potentially cause veneers to crack (though this is rare). If you grind your teeth at night, we recommend wearing a nightguard to protect your veneers from damage. With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Some veneers last 20 years or more with excellent care.

When a veneer eventually needs replacement, we can remove it and place a new one. The tooth underneath remains healthy and intact, ready for a new veneer. This is one of the advantages of veneers over some other treatments.

Is Everyone a Candidate for Veneers?

Most people are good candidates for veneers. However, veneers work best on teeth that are relatively healthy. If a tooth has a large cavity or has had root canal treatment, it might be better served by a crown instead of a veneer. If you have significant gum disease or bone loss, we may need to treat those conditions first.

If you have severely crooked or misaligned teeth, Invisalign might be a better first step before veneers. Veneers are best for minor to moderate alignment issues. During your consultation, Dr. Sepi will evaluate your teeth and recommend the best approach for your specific situation.

If you've been dreaming of a completely transformed smile, veneers might be the solution. Many patients are amazed at how veneers change not just their appearance but also their confidence and quality of life. A beautiful smile makes an enormous difference in how you feel about yourself.