Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting, durable, and beautiful cosmetic procedure that our dental office utilizes every day to make smiles more attractive. These wafer-thin sheaths of porcelain and other materials fix minor imperfections of your teeth and produce a stunning smile sure to light up a room. Porcelain veneers will often be the top choice to correct these dental flaws: 

  • Discolored teeth 
  • Stained teeth 
  • Chipped teeth 
  • Broken teeth 
  • Crooked teeth 
  • Gapped teeth 
  • Worn teeth 
  • Short or poorly shaped teeth 

Check out this video for a brief explanation of the porcelain veneer process at Smile Columbia Dentistry. Afterwards, we’ll look at some of the most frequently asked questions.

Once Dr. Hahn explains why you’d be a great candidate for porcelain veneers, he will begin the process by removing a small amount of enamel from your natural teeth to prepare for the porcelain/composite resin veneers. Removing a bit of enamel is done to alter the tooth’s surface to receive the veneer. At your first appointment, temporary veneers will be placed while permanent ones are made in a laboratory.

During your second visit, the permanent porcelain veneers will be bonded to the teeth receiving them. Our amazing dentist, Dr. Hahn, and his team will then make the final touches to provide the stunning smile you’ve always wanted.

Some patients require what is referred to as “gum recontouring” during the process; gum recontouring enhances your smile even further. Not everyone will need gum recontouring, but if necessary, we will explain it to you so you know exactly what it is and why it’s recommended.

While every patient has a different tolerance for any dental discomfort, it is safe to say that having porcelain veneers placed does not hurt at all.

Some people worry that this type of veneer is fragile because the word “porcelain” indicates a very delicate material, but dental veneers are made of high-grade, high-quality advanced ceramics.

Studies have shown that when properly placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist like Dr. Adam Hahn of Smile Columbia Dentistry, 90-95% of porcelain veneers are still in place ten years later; amazingly enough, approximately 85% of veneers are expected to be in place after 20 years.

With proper dental care, composite veneers give you a smile that doesn’t stain or dull over time and will last for decades. After the veneers are placed, you simply brush and floss your teeth like you usually would at least twice a day.

This is a common question that is better answered after thoroughly evaluating your current dental situation. Dr. Hahn won’t know how many porcelain veneers are necessary until he examines your teeth and gums and ascertains you’re in good oral health.

Our dedicated front desk team will review costs with you at your appointment and answer any questions you have about our recommended treatment plan. We will bill dental insurance for any services that may be fully or partially covered, and we will be able to provide you with an exact amount of your out-of-pocket costs.

The team at Smile Columbia Dentistry will do everything in our power to ensure we fix your teeth efficiently and affordably. The way we can improve your smile is priceless.

Porcelain veneers are very common when performing a smile makeover; however, a smile makeover is a term used to describe any combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures to transform a dull smile into a dazzling one. A smile makeover may include custom dental laminates, dental crowns, professional teeth whitening, and orthodontics. Every patient’s smile makeover plan is unique to address their flaws and goals.

The short answer is, “Yes!” However, Dr. Hahn must have a thorough medical and dental history before discussing any sedation techniques. If you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry, we will explain how that works. We will offer you nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas,” or a pill (before your appointment) to help relax you. You will be monitored the whole time and will have to have a family member or friend drive you home after your porcelain veneers are placed.

Learn More About Porcelain Veneers

Please call Dr. Adam Hahn at (803) 781-9090 to schedule a consultation to discuss porcelain veneers, or you may fill out our online contact form. One of our team members will reach out to schedule you at Smile Columbia Dentistry, serving Columbia, SC and surrounding areas.