Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers

In addition to their natural-looking appearance and many applications, the benefits of dental veneers at our Kansas City practice include:

• Short treatment timeline
• Immediate effects
• Natural appearance and function
• Durability
• Long-term results
• Stain resistance 

In addition to cosmetic issues affecting the appearance of the smile, good candidates for this procedure should meet the following requirements:

Good Oral Health

In order to receive porcelain veneers or undergo any cosmetic dentistry treatment, you must be in good oral health. Patients who don't brush or floss regularly are more likely to have dental health problems that can undermine the results of any cosmetic treatment. Our dentist offers a wide range of dentistry procedures to ensure your smile is healthy as well as aesthetically pleasing. 

Sufficient Enamel

In addition, patients seeking traditional porcelain veneers need to have a sufficient amount of healthy enamel, as Dr. Goodman typically needs to remove a thin layer before placing veneers. This ensures that the porcelain prosthetic is not too bulky and sits flush with surrounding teeth.

No Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition in which patients grind their teeth or clench their jaw regularly, often while they sleep. Although we use a strong dental porcelain to fabricate veneers, they are not unbreakable. Unfortunately, the consistent forces of grinding or clenching can cause veneers to break or come loose. For some patients, Dr. Goodman is able to treat the underlying cause of bruxism so that you can receive veneers that will last. 

This cosmetic dentistry treatment process is typically completed in two to three visits.

Step 1: Planning

The planning phase takes place during your consultation. Here, you will share your cosmetic goals with Dr. Goodman, at which time he can make recommendations for your treatment. You can work together to pinpoint the size and shape of veneers that will create your new smile. We can use photos and a lab-fabricated diagnostic wax-up to show how the porcelain can reshape, resize, and reline the smile.

Step 2: Preparation

If he cannot prepare your teeth at the same appointment as your consultation, the dentist will schedule a separate visit for you to return. During this appointment, he will prepare your teeth for the veneers. Once he gently removes a layer of enamel from the targeted teeth, he will take an impression. This mold will then be used to craft your customized porcelain veneers at our laboratory facilities. This takes about a week or two, so it may be necessary to provide you with temporary veneers to protect your teeth in the meantime.

Step 3: Placement

Soon, your customized veneers will be ready and it will be time to return to have them placed. Dr. Goodman will carefully apply the veneer to the tooth with a special bonding material. Before curing the adhesive with a light, he will make sure the veneers fit comfortably and harmoniously with your smile.

Recovery

There is no significant recovery time associated with porcelain veneers. Most patients return to their normal activities immediately after treatment. However, you may experience some dental sensitivity for a short period of time. We recommend avoiding very hot or cold foods, as well as chewy, hard, or crunchy foods, for about a week or until the sensitivity wears off.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

With proper care, your veneers can last up to 10 years.

How Can I Prolong the Lifespan of My Veneers?

Attending regular dental appointments at least twice a year and maintaining good oral hygiene and a generally healthy lifestyle can help extend the longevity of your porcelain veneers. While the porcelain itself is not subject to decay or disease, the underlying teeth and gum structure are, so it is important to brush the teeth and porcelain prosthetic at least twice a day and floss daily.

Additionally, you can protect your veneers by avoiding habits such as nail biting, chewing ice, and opening packages with your teeth. Minimizing the consumption of stain-producing substances, including coffee, tea, wine, berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce, can help maintain the overall color of your smile, as well.

At our practice, patients can expect to pay $1,650 per tooth treated with veneers. With Dr. Goodman's skill and our dental lab's exemplary work, patients can achieve attractive, natural-looking results.