Freese & Bengtson Family Dentistry, PLLC

Veneers in Concord NH

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are a viable choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative, patients now have the ability to correct gaps between their teeth and improve badly stained or crooked teeth. The overall result can be a beautiful smile!

When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea, or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth. It is also a very conservative treatment requiring minimal tooth structure preparation.

The Procedure

Placing porcelain veneers will require three appointments:

  • Diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Preparation
  • Bonding

Diagnosis and treatment planning:

You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design. Dr. Bengtson or Dr. Freese will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.

Preparation:

The second appointment will take one to two hours. Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly prepared to allow for the added thickness. Approximately one half of a millimeter of tooth is removed. This may require little or no local anesthesia.

Then a mold(impression) is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab for fabrication. A temporary veneer may be placed at the end of this visit. The veneer should be ready in approximately two to four weeks.

Bonding:

At the time of your third appointment, Dr. Bengtson or Freese will first place the veneers on your teeth with water or glycerin to check their fit and color. At this point the color of the veneer can still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the color is determined, and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a visible light beam is used to harden the cement. This appointment takes approximately one to two hours.

Maintenance of your new Veneers:

Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing. Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.

You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please call the office.

If you are a known clencher (bruxer), please be sure to let us know. Dr. Bengtson or Freese may recommend a custom nightguard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.

We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they should help provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.

Learn More About Dental Veneers

For more information, or to make an appointment, call 603-228-3384 today!