If your teeth are discolored or badly shaped and you’re sensitive about your smile, you might want to consider having porcelain veneers applied to brighten your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are made from ceramic material and are bonded to the front of teeth. The material used for porcelain veneers is highly resistant to permanent staining from smoking, coffee, or tea and the bond is extremely adhesive to the tooth, making replacement almost unheard of.

The process of applying the porcelain veneers involves three visits to the dentist. In the first appointment, you will make decisions about smile design and your dentist will plan the steps for changing your smile. The next visit will take one to two hours and the teeth are prepared. A small amount of the tooth is buffed down to make room for the porcelain shell. You may require a local anesthetic for comfort. A mold is cast of your teeth and sent to a lab where the veneers are molded to your specifications. If necessary, temporary veneers will be placed on your teeth while the permanent ones are being made.

In the third appointment, your dentist will make certain that the the new veneers were made correctly and have the proper color. The shells are then bonded to your teeth using special cement. You will need to return once more for a follow up appointment in several weeks.