About Porcelain Veneers: Dental Procedures
The offices of Dr. Aldo Leopardi welcome patients who are seeking an experienced specialist in cosmetic dentistry. From dental implants to bridges and porcelain veneers, patients will receive the best solution for their concerns.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are applied permanently to teeth to give people a more uniform, attractive smile. With porcelain veneers, patients can resolve a variety of issues, including:
- Gapped or discolored teeth.
- Teeth that have been chipped, worn, or decayed.
- Teeth that are crooked or too small.
Handmade/custom veneers are matched to the color of adjacent teeth and shaped to fit comfortably within the patient’s mouth.
In the first part of the procedure, Dr. Leopardi prepares the teeth to accommodate the veneers. Then he makes an impression of the teeth, which is sent to a laboratory that will manufacture the porcelain veneers. The patient leaves the office with custom fabricated prototype veneers (provisionals) while the definitive porcelain veneers are being fabricated. In a subsequent procedure, Dr. Leopardi bonds the veneers to the patient’s teeth, evaluates their fit, and makes final adjustments.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers
When patients visit with Dr. Leopardi, he advises them as to the suitability of porcelain veneers. Typically, they offer several benefits:
- Veneers look and feel like natural teeth. Patients can eat with them and clean them in the same way.
- Porcelain resists staining better than resin veneers. Also, they reflect light like natural teeth do.
- An expert in cosmetic dentist can position veneers to give the patient’s smile an aesthetically-pleasing symmetry.
However, there are some drawbacks to porcelain veneers that patients should be aware of:
- They require permanently reshaping the surface of the tooth. A portion of the enamel must be removed in order to place the veneer.
- Patients may require a local anesthetic to make the process more comfortable.
- Veneers may need replacing every five to ten years. Also, they are not meant to address the underlying decay that can affect teeth.
Before moving forward with a veneer procedure, Dr. Leopardi will conduct a complete examination to determine whether alternatives, such as bonding or crowns, are a better fit for the patient.
About Dr. Leopardi
Dr. Leopardi’s expertise, experience, and approach recommend him for work with porcelain veneers and other cosmetic needs patients may have.
Dr. Leopardi received advanced training in prosthodontics, the one cosmetic dental specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. His years of study in aesthetic techniques at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and in teaching these procedures at UNC and University of Detroit Mercy speak to his focus and skill.
In addition to his work with porcelain veneers, Dr. Leopardi assists patients with services such as removable dentures, full coverage crowns, and dental implants. Patients are encouraged to call (720) 488-7677 to discuss options for improving their smile.
