What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are custom porcelain shells or dental composite that covers the fronts of your teeth to restore them beautifully. You can get one cosmetic tooth cover or a complete makeover for the teeth that show when you smile. Dental veneers rejuvenate and brighten your teeth with natural-looking results. Dr. Mo Saleh of Vancouver, WA, will use his advanced cosmetic dentistry training to personalize your veneers, creating an authentic-looking smile.

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

Composite veneers are a quartz and resin mixture—applied directly to your teeth. While you sit in the dental chair, Dr. Saleh skillfully blends and layers composite veneers to create lifelike tooth structure, color, translucence, and gloss. Composite veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers.

Dental veneers can improve these flaws:

· Gaps
· Chips
· Cracks
· Poor shape
· Size
· Severe discoloration, including fluorosis or tetracyline stains
· Wear

Dr. Saleh offers porcelain and composite veneers to rejuvenate your smile while achieving natural-looking results. 

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom shells that precisely cover the fronts of your teeth. One veneer covers each tooth. Dr. Saleh uses ultra-thin porcelain veneers made by his ceramist and the Lumineers brand. He bonds porcelain veneers to your teeth, achieving a perfect fit at your gumline so they look natural.  

What Are Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are a quartz and resin mixture—applied directly to your teeth. While you sit in the dental chair, Dr. Saleh skillfully blends and layers composite veneers to create lifelike tooth structure, color, translucence, and gloss. Composite veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers.

What Is the Porcelain Veneers Procedure?

The porcelain veneer procedure begins with examining your gums and teeth and taking X-rays to ensure good oral health. Dr. Saleh will listen as you describe your ideal smile to help determine if veneers are the right solution.

Next, he will show you his catalog of smiles to help you choose details for your smile, including:

·  Shape
·  Size
·  Length
·  Shade
·  Brightness

After you and Dr. Saleh define your smile design, these steps follow:

·  Make a wax-up of your smile based on your input ,facial features, personality, and his artistic perspective
·  Conservatively prepare your teeth as needed unless you choose no-prep veneers
·  Make provisional veneers after you approve the wax model
·  Attach the temporary veneers to your teeth for you to wear for a week or two to see how your permanent veneers will look and feel
·  Make any changes you want until the temporary veneers match your ideal smile
·  Give pictures and instructions to his master ceramist for crafting your permanent veneers
·  Use a try-in paste to attach the porcelain veneers for you to wear and see how they look and feel
·  Give our ceramist instructions for any adjustments you want—or to remake the veneers if necessary
·  Bond the veneers to your teeth after you feel completely confident about your new smile

You will have the most natural-looking veneers. People won't know you have veneers unless you tell them.

How Long Does It Take to Get Porcelain Veneers?

You can complete the porcelain veneers process in about three visits. But Dr. Saleh does not rush you through it. He partners with you and takes time to ensure your smile makeover matches what you envisioned. He will bond your veneers to your teeth only when you are sure that you love your smile.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Porcelain veneers do not hurt. Dr. Saleh will use local anesthetic as needed to prevent you from feeling pain if your teeth require preparation. Let us know if you have dental anxiety, and Dr. Saleh will explain sedation options to help you remain calm and relaxed throughout your visit. After treatment, you may feel some temporary sensitivity in your teeth.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

High-quality, well-bonded veneers can last seven to 20 years or longer. But you must practice good oral hygiene and get routine exams, checkups, and maintenance from an advanced cosmetic dentist to help preserve your veneers.

What Is the Composite Veneers Process?

Composite veneers are handcrafted while you sit comfortably in a dental chair. During the procedure, Dr. Saleh will:

· Clean, rinse, and dry your teeth
· Lightly etch each affected tooth
· Apply one layer of composite at a time and harden it before applying the next layer
· Complete and sculpt layers as required
· Refine tooth color and shape
· Polish each tooth

How Long Does It Take to Get Composite Veneers?

The time it takes to get composite veneers includes several factors, including the condition of your teeth, how many teeth are affected, the desired results, and what Dr. Saleh must do to achieve them. Remember—composite veneers are handcrafted directly on your teeth. Before treatment, Dr. Saleh will estimate the length of your case.

How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?

Composite veneers last an average of five to seven years. If you take good care of your veneers, they can last longer. Composite is less durable than porcelain, so you must replace the veneers sooner.

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The cost of dental varies depending on the dentist, where you live in the country, and whether you want porcelain or composite veneers. Porcelain veneers cost an average of $1500-$4,000. Composite veneers are often less expensive. Dr. Saleh’s fees are lower than average.

How Do You Care for Dental Veneers?

You can care for your dental veneers as you would your natural teeth.

1. Brush and floss – Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Floss daily.

2. Protect your veneers – Please let us know if you clench or grind your teeth. Dr. Saleh can make a custom nighttime mouthguard for protecting your teeth and veneers while you sleep.

3. Keep dental exam appointments –Professional cleanings and exams are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. During your visits, we will ensure your veneers are well-maintained.

Request a Dental Veneers Consultation

If you have one or more teeth that you want to improve with affordable dental veneers, schedule a consultation with Dr. Saleh. Your cosmetic dentistry consultation will include complimentary X-rays and a smile analysis. Call us or complete our online appointment request form.