In the last two decades, veneers have become a go-to cosmetic treatment. These individually crafted porcelain shells will adhere to the front of your teeth, and they can conceal many types of cosmetic flaws. Veneers at our San Diego practice are crafted with advanced porcelain. Dr. Georgaklis and our partner lab will carefully match the material to the natural color of your teeth. Plus, the porcelain has a slight translucence and a natural interplay with light, giving it a sparkle that is almost identical to dental enamel. If you are considering veneers from your La Jolla cosmetic dentist, it is important to know as much about the treatment as possible. Take our quiz to learn more about veneers and make a more informed decision about your cosmetic care.
Test Your Knowledge of Veneers at Our La Jolla Practice
- Which type of veneers is considered to be the most conservative option?
A. Traditional veneers
B. LUMINEERS® - Which of the following factors will affect your candidacy for veneers?
- Dental erosion
B. Existing fillings
C. Bruxism
D. All of the above - Which treatment is the most common alternative to veneers in San Diego?
- Dental crowns
B. Tooth-colored fillings
C. Dental bonding
D. None of the above - True or False: Porcelain veneers placement is virtually discomfort-free.
- Which of the following concerns cannot be addressed by porcelain veneers?
- Dental stains
B. Chipped teeth
C. Large cracks
D. Gaps between teeth
The Answers
- B. LUMINEERS®
To place traditional veneers, Dr. Georgaklis will need to trim your tooth, removing a thin layer of enamel. This will allow the porcelain to lie flat, so that your smile looks completely natural. LUMINEERS® are much thinner, so your dentist will remove a much smaller amount of enamel, if any at all. It is important to note, however, that LUMINEERS® are not suitable for all patients. Fortunately, if you opt for traditional veneers, the preparatory process will not damage your teeth. - D. All of the above. To qualify for veneers at our San Diego practice, you should have structurally sound teeth. If you currently have fillings, you may not have enough tooth material to receive veneers. Similarly, dental erosion can affect your candidacy for veneers. If you have worn enamel, Dr. Georgaklis may not be able to prep your teeth for treatment. Although bruxism will not automatically disqualify you from receiving veneers, it is important to discuss this condition with your dentist prior to treatment. Grinding and clinching can damage the porcelain. Luckily, however, a custom-made mouth guard can protect your veneers and your overall dental health.
- C. Dental bonding. Bonding can enhance your smile in many of the same ways as porcelain veneers. However, the treatment does not require any preparatory work, so it may be a good alternative if you have suffered enamel erosion. To perform bonding, Dr. Georgaklis will use dental composite to reshape your teeth and conceal small esthetic flaws.
- True. When Dr. Georgaklis reshapes your teeth, he will only address the top layer of enamel. He will take a conservative approach, and he will numb your teeth before treatment. Therefore, you should feel little more than a slight pressure during the preparatory process.
- C. Large cracks. Porcelain veneers can correct a wide range of cosmetic blemishes. However, they are not a good option if you want to strengthen your teeth or improve dental functionality. Typically, if you have a cracked or severely weakened tooth, a dental crown will be a more appropriate solution.
Learn More about Veneers in San Diego
Do you have further questions about porcelain veneers? Contact our office today. George Georgaklis, DDS will address your concerns and help you determine whether veneers are the right solution for your smile.
