There are a wide variety of esthetic problems that people want to change about their smile: chips, cracks, gaps, crooked teeth, discoloration, and size inconsistencies are just a few of them. If you’ve ever been unhappy about your smile, you’re not alone. About half of all Americans wish they could change something about their smile.
One of the best and fastest ways to do that is with porcelain veneers. We provide porcelain veneers to fix multiple cosmetic dental problems for patients in Tulsa, OK. We also provide additional cosmetic dentistry services to the public in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that we directly bond to your teeth. Under the artistic hands of Dr. Jerome Cha, you can completely transform your smile. There are some real advantages to using porcelain materials.
Porcelain perfectly mimics the natural translucency and sparkle you get with natural teeth. Veneers made of porcelain are actually stronger and harder than natural tooth enamel, as well as more stain resistant, giving you added protection that you can’t get with your natural teeth alone.
Porcelain Veneers in Tulsa, OK
The first step to treatment with veneers is to determine your smile design. We start by creating a computer simulation of what you would like your new smile to look like. There are many different types of smile designs, such as young or sophisticated smiles. Getting to see the different smiles visually will help you determine the right one to give you the look you’re going for.
Once we know exactly what you want, we get to work on your veneers. Dr. Cha is so committed to giving you a gorgeous smile that he doesn’t use a secondary lab to create the materials for your veneers. This helps ensure everything is of the highest quality for his patients.
Dr. Cha will do a wax mock-up and make some temporary veneers. This enables you to get a sneak peek at how veneers will look on you. We will not permanently place your veneers until you are absolutely sure and satisfied with the temporaries. When your permanent veneers are ready, we will gently shave your teeth to prepare them for placement.
The shaving is so minimal you will not even notice a difference. Some people are under the impression that your teeth are ground down. In reality, there is very little shaving done. Once your teeth are prepared, we’ll bond your veneers onto your teeth.
What are Lumineers?
Lumineers are a specific brand of porcelain veneers. A traditional porcelain veneer is approximately 0.5 mm thick, while ultra-thin veneers, including lumineers, can be as thin as 0.3 mm. Dr. Cha prefers to use other brands of ultra-thin veneers rather than Lumineers.
Den-Mat, the company that makes Lumineers, requires dentists to use their laboratory in order to use their material. Dr. Cha prefers to do his own lab work where he can be sure of the customized results. As an AACD-accredited dentist, Dr. Cha meets the highest standards of artistry to create gorgeous smiles.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that many patients want to learn more about. Getting dental veneers is a big decision, and it’s important to be well-informed before you make the decision to have your dentist put them on your teeth. Here we discuss the most frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers. If you have more questions about veneers, please call us today.
Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Many people can benefit from porcelain veneers. If you have gaps, chips, stains, or slightly misaligned teeth, Dr. Cha will suggest dental veneers because they are great solution for these types of issues. They are also an option if you want to change the shape or size of your teeth for a better smile. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Cha to see if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers.
How long will my porcelain veneers last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. However, they require suitable oral hygiene, regular dental visits, and avoiding certain bad habits. Habits like grinding your teeth or chewing on hard objects damage your new restorations. If you follow these basic guidelines, your new smile should last for many years.
Are porcelain veneers safe?
It is perfectly safe for Dr. Cha to place porcelain veneers on your teeth. This is a well-established dental treatment that your dentist has completed many times successfully. The dental veneer process is minimally invasive, and the veneers themselves are biocompatible, meaning they are safe to use in the mouth.
Will getting porcelain veneers be painful?
The porcelain veneer procedure is typically painless. We will use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the teeth so you will not feel any pain. However, after the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort. This discomfort should subside within a few days.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
Caring for veneers is almost as easy as caring for your natural teeth. Brush and floss daily, and maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Avoid using your veneers for activities like opening packages or chewing on ice, as this could damage them. Other than that, they really do not require any special care.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have porcelain veneers?
We do not suggest that you use any whitening treatments with porcelain veneers. Even professional teeth whitening cannot change the color of your dental veneers. If you’re considering whitening your teeth, it’s best to do so before getting veneers to ensure a perfect match.
Are there any alternatives to porcelain veneers?
We offer several alternatives to porcelain veneers. Dental bonding is a cheap and simple way to whiten teeth, make minor changes to their shape, and fix minor damage. We also offer professional teeth whitening, which works better than any whitening product found on a store shelf. However, both whitening and dental bonding will provide you with results that will not last as long. If you want to straighten your teeth, you can undergo Invisalign treatment to fix minor misalignment.
How long does the porcelain veneer process take?
The entire process usually takes two to three appointments. The first is for a consultation to see if you are a good candidate that qualifies for this treatment. We will take dental impressions that we’ll send to a lab where the dental veneers are fabricated. The second appointment is for preparation and fitting, and the third is for final adjustments. Your treatment may look differently, however. Your new smile should be ready in a few weeks.
Receive Dental Veneers Today
If you are considering veneers, schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Cha on our website. You can also call our office for treatment today at 918-347-1114.