Every smile tells a story, and you deserve to feel in control of your narrative. If chips, stains, or uneven teeth are holding back your expression, porcelain veneers could be the answer. Designed to address many cosmetic issues with your smile, this treatment helps you present your best self with confidence.
Porcelain veneers attach to the front surfaces of the teeth to improve their shape, color, and symmetry. By understanding your vision, Dr. Stingley can explain the advantages of veneers and tailor a treatment plan to achieve your ideal results.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells that secure to the front surfaces of your teeth. They cosmetically enhance your smile, seamlessly concealing cracks, chips, wear, and cosmetic misalignments. They are made from a durable material that produces a translucent, natural-looking glow.
To place porcelain veneers, Dr. Stingley first takes impressions of the teeth and develops the porcelain shells.
Then, she removes a small amount of tooth enamel on the front surface, an irreversible step. She places a temporary veneer while you wait for your custom smile to be produced in a lab.
Finally, once your permanent veneers are ready, she bonds the shell directly to the front of the teeth.
Upgrading your smile with veneers really is that simple. Once they’re in place, veneers can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
Many people know about porcelain veneers, but they often don’t realize there are other alternatives.
For instance, Dr. Stingley also provides composite veneers. These are made out of the same tooth-colored material used to fill cavities. Composite veneers are more affordable and are crafted directly on the teeth for a quicker enhancement.
However, composite veneers come with certain trade-offs. They are more prone to staining and have a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers. The composite material also lacks a natural translucent glow, resulting in a less radiant smile.
Porcelain veneers address many of these limitations. Aside from their natural bright sheen, they tend to stand the test of time, and they resist staining.
While porcelain veneers require a higher upfront investment, their longevity and superior aesthetics often make them the more cost-effective choice over time.
For patients seeking a dramatic, Hollywood-style smile transformation, Dr. Stingley often recommends porcelain veneers.
Are Veneers Right for You?
What are some things to consider when determining if veneers are right for you?
Veneers work best when you’re looking for cosmetic improvements in your smile, and other options won’t work.
For instance, teeth whitening is a more affordable, convenient way to whiten smiles. If your issue with your teeth is mainly color, it makes sense to try whitening first.
Sometimes, your teeth respond very little to whitening.
For instance, if your mother took certain medicines while she was pregnant, you might have been born with discolored dentin, an inner layer of the tooth. This type of staining is a type of congenital tooth defect.
Stains might also form inside the tooth if you took certain antibiotics during your childhood while your teeth were developing.
Intrinsic stains on the dentin tend not to respond as well to bleaching.
In these cases, Dr. Stingley recommends porcelain veneers to whiten your smile.
Restorative Alternatives to Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great option for patients with otherwise healthy teeth.
If your teeth have more serious structural issues, Dr. Stingley might push for other, more restorative alternatives.
For instance, to repair a severely damaged tooth, she might recommend a crown to restore function and improve appearance.
If your teeth are too severely damaged, she might recommend extracting them altogether and replacing them with dental implant-supported restorations.
In her 30 years of experience, Dr. Stingley has helped countless patients find the path to a brighter smile. When she sees you for a free screening, she will help you understand if porcelain veneers are best for you.
Book a Free Screening
Porcelain veneers provide an opportunity to restore confidence and reflect the joy behind your smile. With their natural appearance, durability, and transformative results, veneers are among the most trusted ways to enhance your expression. These thin yet sturdy shells pack a powerful punch, repairing cosmetic imperfections and achieving a more balanced, radiant look.
Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry has been enabling more confident smiles across Norcross since its inception in 1995. For every patient who has walked through her doors, Dr. Stingley has taken a personalized approach to each case. She aligns her treatment with your goals and helps you express a more confident look. Learn more about whether porcelain veneers could unlock a beautiful smile by booking a free screening today.
