Veneers are made by creating very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain. In some situations, Dr. Norton is able to do no preparation (sometimes called no-prep) and minimal preparation veneers (Lumineers® and Emprethins™ are 2 of the many manufacturer names.) During your consultation with Dr. Norton, he can determine if you are a candidate for these special types of veneers that are custom made for shape and color.
As with all dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Reasons for Porcelain Veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile
- Crooked and overlapped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Severely discolored or stained teeth
- Teeth that are too small or large
- Unwanted or uneven spaces
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Teeth with large unattractive fillings
What Does Getting Porcelain Veneers Involve?
Getting veneers may require one or possibly two visits to complete the process if multiple veneers are required. These cases can be done in one of two ways. Molds may be made with no, or very minimal removal of tooth structure. The CEREC digital camera may also be used to take digital impressions. A very thin (1-3 mm) piece of porcelain material is fabricated and will be bonded to the surface of your tooth/teeth. This is done either by a laboratory technician or by using our CEREC technology. It/they are bonded onto the fronts of the teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile. This procedure usually doesn’t require any shots or numbing of the teeth.
When repositioning teeth that already have large fillings or when the teeth are crooked or overlapped, some numbing may be required. The shade (color) and shape for the final restoration/s will then be chosen by you and Dr. Norton or one of his team members.
On the second visit (if one is required) the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden (cure) the bond.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and orthodontics (braces) and can be the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
You will receive care instructions for your veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will aid in the life expectancy for your new veneers.


