Improve your Smile with Porcelain Veneers!

You can improve your smile with porcelain veneers, thin custom shells that cover chips, stains, small gaps and uneven edges. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, veneers are one of the most requested cosmetic treatments. This guide explains what veneers are, who they suit, how the process works, and what to know before you decide.

Is your smile looking a little dull?

Maybe your smile has lost some of its brightness over the years. Maybe you have a chipped tooth, or a couple. Maybe one tooth has always been a little crooked, or there is a small gap you wish you could close. You do not have to live with these flaws if you would rather not.

Porcelain veneers can cover many of these imperfections at once and give you a smile that looks bright, even and natural. They are one of the most popular options in modern cosmetic dentistry for good reason.

What are porcelain veneers?

Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They are custom made to fit your teeth and are shaped and shaded to look like natural enamel.

Porcelain and composite veneers

Veneers can be made from dental ceramic (porcelain) or from composite resin. Porcelain is strong, resists stains well and reflects light much like natural enamel. Composite resin is shaped directly on the tooth and is often used for smaller changes. We will help you weigh the differences for your situation.

What veneers can fix

• Stained or discolored teeth that do not respond well to whitening
• Chipped, cracked or worn edges
• Slightly crooked or uneven teeth
• Small gaps between teeth
• Teeth that are too short, too small or oddly shaped

Some patients with mildly crooked teeth choose veneers as a form of "instant orthodontics," changing how the teeth look without moving them. For others, straightening with Invisalign first gives a better long-term result. Our article Veneers or Invisalign? walks through that choice.

The porcelain veneer process, step by step

1. Consultation and smile design

We start by listening. What do you like about your smile, and what would you change? We examine your teeth, gums and bite to make sure veneers are a healthy choice. With cosmetic imaging, we can show you a preview of your possible new smile before any work begins.

2. Preparing the teeth

For traditional porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth being covered. This makes room for the veneer so it does not look bulky, and it helps the veneer bond well. Because enamel does not grow back, this step is permanent, which is why careful planning matters.

3. Digital impressions

Instead of messy impression trays in most cases, we use the iTero Element 3D scanner to capture a detailed digital model of your teeth. That model guides the making of your veneers.

4. Temporaries

While your veneers are being made, you may wear temporary veneers. They protect your teeth and give you a preview of the new shape.

5. Bonding your veneers

When your veneers are ready, we check the fit, shape and shade with you. Then each veneer is bonded firmly in place and your bite is checked and adjusted.

A more conservative option: prepless veneers

In some cases, prepless veneers can be bonded with little or no removal of enamel. They are very thin and work best when teeth are small, worn or slightly behind their neighbors. Not every smile is a good match, but if you would like to keep as much of your natural tooth as possible, ask us whether prepless veneers could work for you.

How long does the process take?

For most patients, porcelain veneers take a few visits spread over several weeks: a consultation, a preparation visit and a bonding visit, plus a quick follow-up to check your bite. If your plan includes whitening, gum reshaping or treatment for gum disease, those steps usually come first. We will give you a clear timeline before you begin.

Are porcelain veneers right for you?

Veneers may be a good fit if you:

• Have healthy teeth and gums, or are willing to treat any problems first
• Want to change the color, shape or size of several front teeth
• Have stains that whitening has not improved
• Are ready to commit to a long-term treatment

When another option may be better

• Very crooked or crowded teeth may be better treated with Invisalign clear aligners.
• Heavily damaged or broken teeth may need crowns rather than veneers.
• Mild staining may respond well to whitening alone.
• Heavy grinding can chip veneers, so we may suggest a night guard to protect them.

For an honest look at the pros and limits, read Porcelain Veneers in York, PA: what they can and can't do.

Caring for your veneers

Porcelain veneers are strong, and with good care they can serve you well for many years. To keep them looking their best:

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth every day.
• Keep up with regular dental cleanings, which at our office are a full 60 minutes.
• Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pens or fingernails.
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and a night guard if you grind your teeth.

Porcelain resists stains better than natural enamel, but the teeth around your veneers can still darken over time. If you plan to whiten, it is best to do it before your veneers are made so they can be matched to your brighter shade.

Why choose Southern York Smile Care for veneers?

Veneers are as much an art as a science. Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum and has more than 35 years in practice. Dr. Haywood's cosmetic work has been seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. The goal is always a smile that looks like you, only better. You can see real results in our smile gallery and learn more on our porcelain veneers page.

Cosmetic treatment is usually not covered by insurance. We are out of network with every insurer: you pay at the visit and our office files any claim for reimbursement. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans can help spread the cost. Kelley Fisher, our Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, will walk you through your options. See our financing page.

Book your veneer consultation

If you are ready to improve your smile with porcelain veneers, we would love to show you what is possible. Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. We welcome patients from York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD.

About the authorDr. Steven Haywood, DDS

DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.

Meet Dr. Haywood →