This is a very common concern among clients. A lot of people detract from having porcelain veneers due to concern of extensive reduction of the teeth. The truth is, most porcelain veneers are less than 0.5 mm thick yet still have strength and durability for a long lasting effect in the mouth. A smile makeover is “construction without destruction” and in some cases we can provide clients with “no prep” veneers, in which case there is no tooth reduction at all.

Temporary crowns or veneers are placed over the teeth so clients can “test drive” their smile before the personal design consultation where the shape, design, effects and colors are chosen. Within a two weeks, the custom hand crafted, porcelain crowns or veneers are ready for you to see and try in. Once you are happy with your new smile, they are permanently bonded on top of the natural teeth using lasers and other lights.

Porcelain veneers and crowns are custom designed and hand fabricated by our in house porcelain artist. They are created to complement each client’s personality, lifestyle and physical characteristics. You will come in for a personal design consultation to choose the shape, design, effects, and colours for your new porcelain veneers or crowns.

This is seen on people who have the metal based crown technology commonly known as Porcelain Fused to Metal. Over time, the gum line around the crowns can recede slightly making the dark metal at the gum line visible. With our custom porcelain techniques, we can create strong durable porcelain veneers and crowns with no metal lining for front or back teeth, allowing for a clean metal free natural look with no dark gum line.

Most people will see their porcelain veneers and crowns last an average of 15-20 years. Porcelain is a permanent restoration; however its life span depends on a few factors. The first is how you maintain them. Proper hygiene and oral care at home and a professional dental cleaning every 3-6 months is essential. You take care of your porcelain veneers the same way you take care of your teeth. A second factor is the bite you were born with. Everyone has a certain way their jaw and teeth align with each other, if you have broken, worn down or fractured your own teeth, you could fracture veneers. The best prevention is a night guard; a small, simple and slim guard worn when sleeping which helps prevent excessive pressure on the veneers and your natural teeth.

Crowns and Porcelain Veneers are very similar and made of the same porcelain material. The difference is that amount of porcelain that covers the tooth. Crowns cover the front, sides and back of a tooth. Porcelain Veneers cover the front and a small amount on the back of the tooth. Crowns are used when more functional support is needed. For example, if a patient has a broken tooth, a very large build up of old silver or white filling or if you are replacing an older existing crown. Crowns and Veneers provide all patients with an amazing smile, some patients even have a combination of the two.

After you have a Root Canal Treatment on a tooth, the tooth is no longer vital. This tooth can still last you a lifetime, however without the proper support, it can fracture, crumble and breakdown. It’s a good idea to place a porcelain restoration on the tooth before fracturing or breakdown occurs. This will create longevity for that tooth so you can continue to use it for its function and purpose in the mouth.

Porcelain Veneers and Crowns can correct the following conditions

• Straighten crooked & crowded teeth
• Replace older crowns (and eliminate dark gumlines)
• Close gaps & spaces
• Create a white & natural look – no discoloured teeth
• No future staining
• Smooth, even gumline
• Restore broken, chipped or cracked teeth
• Replace length in your smile
• Cover Dark Stained Teeth & Tetracycline Discolourations
• Instant Orthodontics

Porcelain Veneers and Crowns can not only create a beautiful and healthy smile, but restore your teeth for strength and longevity.

Another very common concern for clients is the desire for that “natural smile”. The “chicklet” or “Hollywood” look is very common, but only provided here by design and special request of the client. Most people prefer to have a fresh white smile with porcelain veneers, but have them look like natural teeth. Natural does not mean “yellow”, natural means there is texture, roundness, shape and translucency in the veneer. All of these artistic features are hand crafted by our exclusive porcelain artist, and are what create the “real tooth” look, while still providing that fresh, white and youthful appearance.

When clients are treated with porcelain veneers or crowns, we let them know to live their lives normally! Eat apples from the core and chew nuts, grains and meat. Once the porcelain is bonded to the tooth, they essentially become one cohesive unit creating strength and durability. There are a few foods and habits we recommend clients don’t eat with their veneers OR their natural teeth such as: chewing on ice cubes, popcorn kernels, hard corn nuts, habits of pen chewing, nail biting and using your teeth to open plastic bags or bottles. Anything that can damage natural teeth can also damage veneers.