Smiling woman with beautiful smile

Porcelain Veneers

Natural-Looking, Beautiful Smile Results

If you have extra space between your teeth, discoloration or chipped teeth, porcelain veneers may be right for you! These thin, tooth-colored shells cover the front surface of the teeth to make tooth shape, size and/or color appear more uniform. Shells are customized to fit your specific needs, resulting in a beautiful, functional and natural-looking smile. Stewart Dental Group is proud to offer this cosmetic treatment option, and will work with you to craft veneers that meet your smile goals.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

This cosmetic treatment option is made of thin, tooth-colored porcelain that is bonded to the front of the teeth. Shells are designed to enhance and correct a number of cosmetic dental issues, including:

  • Discolored or stained teeth, either from eating certain foods or from a root canal treatment

  • Chipped or broken teeth

  • Slightly crooked teeth

  • Gaps between teeth

Based on your specific smile goals, shells can be shaped and colored to fit the tooth color, shape, size and/or length that you desire. They can also be color-matched to your existing teeth for natural-looking results.

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

The first step to starting treatment is to have a consultation with our team. We will conduct a thorough evaluation of your smile and discuss your goals, needs and budget. If your dentist detects any oral health issues, we will make a plan to correct them prior to starting veneer treatment. During the consultation, you and your dentist can discuss your desired shell color, shape, length and whether one or multiple shells will be required.

In order for shells to be bonded to the front of the teeth, your dentist must first remove a small amount of tooth enamel. This process is completely safe, and will not damage your teeth or gums. Once enamel is removed, our team will take dental impressions of your smile to determine the best veneer placement. Specifications will then be sent to a dental lab, which will then create the shells.

Once the shells have arrived at our office in Charlotte, NC, our team will first clean and polish your teeth before carefully adhering them to the front of the tooth’s surface. We will make any and all necessary adjustments to ensure veneers fit comfortably and that you are satisfied with your smile results. This procedure should not be painful—your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the affected area.

Benefits Of Porcelain Veneers

There are many benefits to choosing this treatment option to enhance the appearance and function of your smile. Benefits include:

The porcelain material used in these shells reflects light and mimics the appearance of natural teeth.

Unlike resin veneers, porcelain shells are more likely to maintain their color.

In addition to looking like natural teeth, these shells also function like natural teeth, allowing patients to eat, chew and talk normally.

Things to Consider

It is important to know that veneers are considered a permanent restoration and cannot be easily removed. While porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, they can still chip, crack and sustain damage like your natural tooth. Lastly, because tooth structure is removed to place the veneers, you may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages. However, patients should not experience significant pain.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain Veneers FAQs

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can address various cosmetic dental issues, including stained or discolored teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, gaps between teeth and minor misalignments.

The process typically involves several steps. First, Dr. Stewart will perform a thorough examination and may take X-rays to ensure your teeth are healthy and suitable for the procedure. Then, a small amount of enamel is usually removed from the front of the teeth to make room for the veneers. Impressions are taken, and custom veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory. Finally, they are bonded to your teeth during a subsequent appointment, resulting in a transformed smile.

They are considered a permanent cosmetic solution because they require the removal of a small amount of enamel from your teeth. While they can last for many years with proper care, they may eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear. If you decide to have them removed, your dentist will need to replace them with new veneers or explore alternative options to maintain your smile’s appearance.

Caring for porcelain veneers is relatively simple. You should continue to practice good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or hard-bristle toothbrushes that may scratch the surfaces. While porcelain is stain-resistant, it’s still a good idea to minimize the consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages, such as coffee, red wine and tobacco products, to maintain their appearance.

They are a popular choice for many, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Dr. Stewart will evaluate your oral health and discuss your cosmetic goals to determine if veneers are the right option for you. Some alternatives include teeth whitening, tooth bonding, or dental crowns for more extensive tooth damage. Your dentist will help you choose the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs and preferences.