Porcelain veneers and crowns are not all made the same, and not all dentists have the same level of skill in cosmetic dentistry. We create a truly beautiful smile through a combination of procedures and design.
Plano cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Sowell has developed a system for personalized smile design. This includes dentin color control, bonding, preparation design, porcelain selection with varying optical properties, and cementation to give consistent, predictable results in diverse situations.
Dr. Sowell is a family-friendly cosmetic dentist in Plano who is highly skilled in providing affordable porcelain veneers. Improve the aesthetics of your smile by correcting chips and stains, color, shape, and spacing of your teeth with dental veneers.
Dr. Sowell can use dental veneers to close spaces between your teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth, or whiten teeth with deep dark stains. If you have chipped teeth or are showing signs of wear, our affordable dental veneers can protect them from damage and restore their appearance.
Porcelain Veneers in Plano, TX
A porcelain veneer is a very thin shell that covers the front and sides of a tooth to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry. We permanently bond this shell into place to cover up any cosmetic imperfection, such as stained teeth. Porcelain is very similar in appearance to natural teeth, so they will blend in seamlessly.
When shaped and placed correctly, they should feel completely natural in your mouth. You won’t even notice them when you are talking or eating.
A dental veneer is a permanent, irreversible dental restoration that is highly stain-resistant. They eliminate the worry of your teeth turning yellow over time. Porcelain veneers are very strong and durable, but just like your strongest natural tooth, they can break or crack with the right amount of force. Although this is not a common issue, crooked teeth may contribute to this problem.
Your veneer procedure will depend on the state of your personal oral health, cosmetic flaws, and cosmetic goals. We use state-of-the-art pressed ceramics like Empress, lithium disilicate like Emax, and feldspathic porcelain.
Types of Porcelain Veneers by Dr. Mark Sowell
At your consultation, Dr. Sowell will examine your smile and teeth to determine which veneer will help you achieve your goals.
Dr. Sowell uses Durathin® and Lumineers®, among other brands of dental porcelain veneers, to give you a natural-looking, radiant new smile. He also has an in-office ceramic lab and a master ceramicist on staff. Advantages of our affordable porcelain veneers treatment plan include:
- Treatment in as little as two visits
- Transforms your whole smile
- No need for temporary veneers
- Eliminates badly stained & dark teeth
- Gives you a “designer” smile
Dr. Sowell also offers porcelain bonded crowns, which are like a thin veneer that extends 360 degrees around the tooth for damaged teeth.
What Do Porcelain Veneers Treat?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic restorations. They can take care of a wide variety of dental concerns. Discolored teeth are a common complaint that patients come in with. Traditionally, professional teeth whitening is the treatment option for this condition. But not all discoloration responds to this treatment. Staining from medication and discoloration from trauma need a different solution. Porcelain veneers cover the front and sides of the teeth, matching the shade of white that you desire.
As we age, our teeth take on wear and tear from years of use. They get worn down, and often develop little chips and cracks. Porcelain veneers can take years off of your smile. They eliminate the signs of wear and tear that have accumulated over the years. Porcelain is a durable material that holds up through the rigors of everyday life. Unless you’re biting into something with excessive force on the veneer, it’s rare that you’ll encounter any chips or cracks.
It’s natural to want an even, bright smile. Misshapen teeth and gaps between them are prominent cosmetic concerns. Since porcelain veneers cover the front and sides of the teeth, they can treat misshapen teeth and make them uniform with the rest of the smile. We custom-make each veneer, so that they can bridge gaps naturally. We shape the veneers and ensure the size looks natural in your smile, while covering these gaps.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Custom porcelain veneers give you a new smile that’s tailored to your specific needs and wants. They come with a wide variety of benefits, including the following:
- Treating multiple cosmetic concerns at once
- Results that look natural and blend perfectly
- Durable and stain-resistant
- Easy color-matching
- Don’t require excessive maintenance
- Long-lasting cosmetic dentistry restoration
Porcelain Veneers Before & After
Dr. Sowell used empress porcelain veneers on the front teeth and bondable ceramic crowns on the back teeth to restore proper bite alignment and dazzling beauty. We will match your new tooth-colored restoration with your existing teeth for a seamless result.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Are porcelain veneers bad for your teeth?
No. Porcelain veneers are not only beautiful, but they also protect your teeth from tooth decay and stains. Veneers made of porcelain material are highly stain-resistant and will not damage your teeth. They actually provide a small barrier of protection.
Are porcelain veneers painful?
No. You should not feel any pain during the treatment process and after treatment. We will numb your mouth so there will be little discomfort during the procedure.
Can porcelain veneers be whitened?
No. Porcelain material does not respond to teeth whitening like natural tooth enamel. If you’ve had your veneers for a long time and they have started to discolor, consider replacing them. Dr. Sowell will make sure the fit and color of your new veneer are to your standards.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
They can last a lifetime with routine dental care and bi-yearly visits to our dentist office. Most dentists will tell you that traditional porcelain veneers last for about 10 to 15 years.
Can my porcelain veneers get cavities?
No, you can’t get a cavity in your porcelain veneer. However, your natural tooth is still under the veneer, and it’s susceptible to tooth decay. Make sure that you’re still following your oral health routine and brushing and flossing like you normally would. The tooth decaying under the veneer can cause the veneer to become loose and fall off.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Many patients are eligible for porcelain veneers. You have to be in good oral health to get this restoration. It’s important for patients to realize that this is a permanent restoration. Once the tooth structure is removed, it’ll need a restoration to protect it for the rest of your life. Temporary solutions like dental bonding are available too.
Dr. Sowell serves as a general dentist, cosmetic and family dentist, and sedation dentist to the people of Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and surrounding Southlake County communities. Give us a call today at (972) 382-6855 or request an appointment online today.