Veneers

If you struggle with stains, minor misalignment, damaged, or unusually shaped teeth, Smiles for Miles Family Dentistry has a solution for you. Dr. Richard Salm creates and places porcelain veneers at his Waukesha, WI, office to provide the aesthetic look you want and boost your confidence. These thin porcelain shells fully cover the front of your teeth to conceal blemishes and transform your smile. Contact our office to find out if this treatment is right for you.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin piece of plastic or porcelain and bonded to the surface of your teeth. Veneers are used for a number of reasons, generally to improve the appearance of discolored, fractured or misshapen teeth. Veneers mask the imperfections, leaving your teeth looking better and healthier.

• chipped, cracked, or disfigured teeth
• gaps between teeth
• permanently stained teeth

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are sculpted from the mouth and bonded to your teeth. For your comfort, porcelain veneer can be made thin to allow a more natural feel and help preserve your teeth. If a tooth is significantly discolored, our team may recommend a thicker veneer to conceal it better. Porcelain has naturally translucent elements which provides a natural toothlike look.

• Multiple visits (if they require a custom shade)
• Can last up to 10-15 years if well maintained
• Color is more constant
• More durable
• More tasteful as it resembles enamel better
• Higher price

Composite Veneers (Bonding)

Composite veneers are sculpted by coating composite resin material onto teeth. This method is generally less expensive than porcelain, but may need to be replaced more often.

Porcelain and Composite Veneers Compared

• Single visit
• Requires less time to manufacture
• Can last up to 4-8 years if well maintained
• Susceptible to discoloration
• Less durable and susceptible to chipping and fractures
• Less tasteful as it doesn’t resemble enamel as well
• Lower price

Veneers Enhance Your Smile

Because veneers attach directly to the front your teeth, they can address a diverse range of cosmetic issues:

• Chips or surface cracks

• Irregularly shaped or uneven teeth

• Worn or proportionately small teeth

• Stains (especially internal discoloration, which does not respond to teeth whitening)

• Minor misalignment

• Small gaps between teeth

Depending on your goals and concerns, Dr. Salm can place one or more veneers to correct various issues and provide your desired look.

Porcelain Veneers

Since a porcelain veneer is specially made by a dental lab, the entire process may take longer than that of a composite resin veneer. They are, however, very strong and not easily stained.

To place your porcelain veneer, the dentist usually treats the front and sides of your tooth to remove a little enamel so there is room for your veneer to fit and look natural. Once any necessary adjustments have been made by the dentist, your custom veneer is then bonded to your tooth. If need be, the dentist can make some alterations during future appointments.

Why Consider Porcelain Veneers?

If your dental concerns are primarily cosmetic, porcelain veneers are a conservative alternative to more invasive procedures. With this treatment, Dr. Salm is able to preserve more of your healthy tooth structure while still offering more significant aesthetic results. For example, veneers conceal discoloration on the inner surfaces of teeth that would not be treatable with whitening. Veneers also immediately provide the color and shape otherwise only possible through multiple procedures. 

Dr. Salm uses porcelain veneers made of durable, stain-resistant materials to provide beautiful, long-term results. With proper care, your porcelain veneers can last ten years or more - twice as long as other procedures such as bonding or composite veneers. The high-quality materials also make it possible to achieve natural-looking results. Dr. Salm consults with patients regarding the desired shape, fit, and color of veneers before they are created. He works with you to be sure the placement and appearance of the veneers will match your other teeth, ensuring your satisfaction with your new smile. 

How Porcelain Veneers Are Placed

Dr. Salm uses gentle, conservative techniques to attach your porcelain veneers in two appointments. First, he reshapes the chosen teeth by removing a layer of enamel, roughly equal in thickness to an egg shell. This step is safe and will not damage the deeper layers of dental tissue. It simply creates more room so the veneers lay flat against your teeth.  Your teeth will also be numb during the process, so you should experience minimal discomfort. Dr. Salm then takes impressions of your teeth, and sends them to a dental lab. Ceramists use the molds to create custom veneers that look and feel natural. Dr. Salm and your lab team select porcelain that is virtually indistinguishable from the color of your teeth.

When the veneers are completed, you will have your second appointment. Dr. Salm gently etches your teeth to help the bonding agent secure the veneer in place. Once in place, you can enjoy an immediate smile transformation that lasts for years to come.

Caring for Veneers and Bonding

• Avoid eating hard foods like apples and carrots
• Avoid opening objects like bags and other containers with your teeth
• Brush and floss regularly (You have teeth exposed to the oral cavity that can contract cavities)
• This may be tough for some, but don’t chew on your nails
• If recommended, wear night guard or occlusal splint loyally
• Schedule regular checkups to ensure veneers are functioning properly

Find out If You Are a Candidate for Veneers

If you feel self-conscious about cosmetic issues with your teeth, porcelain veneers are a natural-looking solution to achieve the brilliant smile you want. Contact Smiles for Miles Family Dentistry to learn more about veneers and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salm.