Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz Discusses Porcelain Veneers

If you are looking to improve your smile, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist Dr. Szutz of Country Club Dentistry can correct a range of dental problems with porcelain veneers.  Porcelain dental veneers can be an excellent way of addressing common dental conditions such as gaps between teeth, and teeth that are worn down, discolored, crooked or misshaped.

What exactly are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth to change the shape, size or general appearance of teeth.  

Veneers are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. Dr. Szutz  individually crafts veneers for each patient using a unique combination of science and artistry and advanced technology.  The result is so natural looking, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. 

Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee and tea, and even cigarette smoke.  Veneers are quite durable as well. Generally, veneers last between 5 to 10 years.  With proper care and maintenance, veneers can have you smiling an improved smile for well over a decade.

The procedure of getting veneers at Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, CA can be done quickly over a period of three appointments:

Diagnosis and treatment planning

At this stage, Dr. Szutz will conduct a personal consultation with you at his office on Frank Sinatra Drive in Rancho Mirage, CA to discuss your dental concerns and help you design your new smile.  Dr. Szutz values and encourages doctor-patient communication.  In his opinion, an informed and involved patient is most likely to achieve the highest level of healthcare.

Preparation

To prepare teeth for the veneer, Dr. Szutz will remove approximately 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface with buffing.  This is essential to allow for the added thickness of the veneer, and can be done with a local anesthetic.  Next, a dental impression is made and sent to a laboratory to make the veneers. The custom veneers should be ready in approximately three weeks.

Bonding

In this visit (generally lasting between one to two hours) Dr. Szutz will temporarily place the veneer on your teeth to check their fit and color. The exact color shade can be adjusted for the best match to your natural teeth.  Next, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a light is used to harden the cement, in order for it to bond.

Veneers can be a great solution for gaps, stains, crooked teeth or fractured teeth.  However, it is important to be informed of the disadvantages of veneers.

Getting veneers is an irreversible process.  After 5-10 years, the veneers will need to be replaced.  Also, since some enamel is removed in order to bond the veneers, some patients may experience more sensitive teeth.  Dr. Szutz is available to further discuss the pro's and con's of porcelain veneers and help you decide if veneers are the best option for you and your smile. 

Country Club Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

Randall W. Szutz, DDS specializes in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry and offers a variety of different services to enhance your smile such as bonding, bridges, crowns and more. For a complimentary consultation, call 760-341-2599 or send Dr. Szutz an email.