frequently asked questions
Absolutely! One of the most notable aspects of Dr. Dave Chiu's porcelain veneers is their incredibly lifelike appearance. Each veneer is custom-designed and crafted with precision to enhance your teeth's aesthetics seamlessly. Dr. Dave takes great care in planning the shape, size, color, and luster of each veneer, ensuring it harmonizes flawlessly with your existing teeth for a stunning smile. Additionally, he guarantees that each veneer fits perfectly and adheres securely, rendering the edges of the restoration nearly invisible.
Patients have the option to choose a single veneer, multiple veneers, or a complete smile makeover based on their individual needs, goals, and budget. During your consultation, Dr. Dave Chiu will assess your smile and create a tailored plan for your veneer treatment. Those opting for a single veneer typically aim to address a single tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or damaged (such as chipped or cracked). Dr. Dave will color-match the veneer to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth for a natural appearance. In some cases, achieving the best result might involve placing veneers on adjacent teeth to ensure a uniform and aesthetically pleasing outcome. Since every patient’s needs are unique, so is each veneer treatment. To discover the most effective approach for enhancing your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dave.
The lifespan of your porcelain veneers primarily hinges on the type of veneers you choose for your smile enhancement. For ultra-thin, minimal-prep, or no-prep veneers, only a small amount, if any, of the tooth enamel is removed to fit the veneer, which often allows for a "reversible" procedure. This means the veneers could be removed in the future if you so choose. On the other hand, traditional veneers necessitate more significant removal of healthy tooth material. If you decide to take these veneers off later, you'll need to replace them with new ones or another restoration to preserve the integrity and protection of the tooth. It’s essential to discuss the aspects of permanence or reversibility regarding your veneer treatment with Dr. Dave Chiu during your consultation. Generally, Dr. Dave considers porcelain veneers a long-lasting investment that provides enduring results.
Typically, porcelain veneers are not covered by dental insurance since they are considered a cosmetic treatment. Nevertheless, there are instances where veneers may be utilized for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, which could lead to partial insurance coverage. To find out if your insurance plan offers any benefits for veneer procedures, our experienced office team is available to assess your coverage. If your plan does provide any financial assistance, we will offer an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.
When correctly fitted, porcelain veneers usually do not affect your speech. Although it may take a couple of weeks to adjust to the new veneers, they typically do not change how you speak. Most patients report that after two to three weeks, the veneers feel entirely natural, and they become unaware of them while talking or eating.
Porcelain veneers are designed to resist staining. Unlike natural teeth, the non-porous porcelain used in veneers is significantly less susceptible to discoloration. With proper care and good oral hygiene, most patients can enjoy a bright, white smile for many years. To keep your veneers looking their best, it's also recommended to avoid tobacco products and minimize the intake of staining substances like coffee and red wine.
Neither over-the-counter nor professional whitening treatments can effectively lighten the color of porcelain veneers. During the design process, your veneers will be color-matched to your natural teeth or customized to your desired shade. If you aim to have your veneers whiter than your natural teeth, it's advisable to undergo a whitening treatment before the veneers are placed. This approach helps ensure that the porcelain blends harmoniously with the surrounding teeth. If you later decide to whiten your veneers, you will probably need to replace them with a new set to achieve the desired brightness.
Porcelain veneers can be a great option for individuals seeking to enhance their smiles by covering mild to moderate misalignment, gaps, and crowding. Unlike braces, the procedure for applying veneers is much simpler and does not require extensive orthodontic treatment. However, patients with severe misalignment or bite concerns may find that orthodontic solutions like Invisalign® are more appropriate for their needs.
Premium porcelain veneers crafted from advanced ceramic materials are recognized for their outstanding strength and longevity. With appropriate care, protection from excessive biting forces (like using a nightguard), and placement on robust, healthy teeth, these veneers can remain intact and securely adhered for many years. While the durability of veneers may differ based on factors such as the materials used, fabrication methods, thickness, and tooth positioning, patients can trust Dr. Dave Chiu to develop a tailored treatment plan that not only enhances the aesthetic charm of their smile but also ensures its long-lasting durability.
The process of obtaining porcelain veneers typically requires three appointments with Dr. Dave Chiu. In the first visit, your oral health and aesthetic needs are evaluated, and a customized smile design and treatment strategy is created. The second appointment centers on preparing your teeth and placing temporary veneers, which will remain in place while the permanent veneers are crafted in the dental lab. During the final visit, the temporary veneers are taken off, and the permanent porcelain veneers are securely attached to your teeth, finalizing your smile transformation. If any additional treatments are necessary to improve oral health prior to veneer placement, adjustments to this plan may be suggested.
Patients frequently consult Dr. Dave Chiu to replace their current veneers for several reasons. Some of the most common motivations for pursuing an upgrade include:
- Veneers that are chipped, cracked, damaged, discolored, or loosened.
- Outdated or low-quality veneers that no longer satisfy aesthetic desires.
- An interest in creating a new smile design using advanced techniques and superior materials.
- Discontent with previous veneer work performed by less skilled practitioners.
- Upgrading from a few veneers to a full smile makeover.
- New dental or cosmetic concerns that present a chance for a fresh veneer application.
- Financial preparedness to invest in a dream smile.
If you're considering updating your existing veneers, Dr. Dave Chiu is highly qualified to provide you with a beautiful and fulfilling new smile.
Dr. Dave Chiu prioritizes your preferences, goals, and concerns at every step of the smile design and porcelain veneers journey. Before finalizing the treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to view digital previews of your new smile and give your feedback. After the custom temporary veneers are placed, you can “test drive” your new appearance. If you desire any adjustments, Dr. Dave can modify the design of your permanent veneers before they are fabricated.
While gum contouring, commonly known as a "gum lift," is not a prerequisite for getting veneers, it can enhance the overall appearance of your smile. This procedure, conducted by a qualified dentist, can reduce excess gum tissue, creating a more harmonious balance between your gums and visible teeth. If you're considering incorporating gum contouring into your treatment plan, it's important to talk about it with Dr. Dave Chiu during your consultation.
Veneers do not increase the risk of cavities or decay. In fact, practicing good oral hygiene is vital for the durability of your veneers and helps prevent cavities. It's important to maintain a routine of brushing, flossing, and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings to keep both your veneers and natural teeth in optimal condition.
Although there isn’t a dedicated diet for those with porcelain veneers, it’s advisable to be mindful of certain foods and beverages that may stain or harm them. Foods like nuts, ice, red wine, coffee, and berries are known to potentially impact the appearance or strength of veneers. If you choose to enjoy these items, consider consuming them in moderation and refrain from biting down hard on any particularly tough or dense foods.
