Resistance to staining. A significant advantage is in the nature of their material. Since porcelain is ceramic and therefore glass-like, the porcelain surface will be extremely stain resistant.

Can be used to repair minor tooth imperfections and defects. Teeth that have small chips or whose surface is worn or misshapen are often good candidates.

Can be used to cover over and conceal fillings that have become stained or discolored. Old fillings and previous attempts at cosmetic bonding that have become discolored can be easily corrected.

Can be used to make color changes for teeth that have permanent stains. Some teeth are naturally discolored. This includes teeth that have tetracycline, fluorosis staining, and those that have darkened as a result of physical trauma or root canal treatment.

In some cases they can be used as alternatives to orthodontic treatment. They can be used to close the space (called a “diastema”) between a person’s teeth. In cases where teeth are slightly crooked to extremely crooked, they can be used to create an instant orthodontics effect.

Porcelain Veneers

Traditional porcelain veneers, alternatively termed “dental veneers” or “dental porcelain laminates,” are wafer-thin shells of porcelain permanently bonded to teeth that are discolored, worn, chipped, or misaligned. Porcelain veneers are non-porous (they will not stain), incredibly resilient, and “kind” (non-abrasive) to opposing teeth. When it is firmly bonded to a sturdy substructure (like a tooth) it becomes very strong and durable.

A traditional veneer is essentially a conservative crown. Rather than encompassing the entire tooth a cosmetic veneer covers the visible part of a tooth, preserving a large amount of the natural tooth structure. They can straighten, lengthen, and whiten teeth to provide a beautiful smile and even create a more comfortable bite position. For optimal results, each veneered tooth must be shaped. This means that a thin layer (approximately .5 mm) of the natural tooth structure is removed to allow space for placement. If this is something that may be a possibility, Dr. Priya Uppal and Dr. Lori Kemmet can advise on how to best get started.

Dental Lumineers

Dental LUMINEERS® are different than a traditional veneer in the way they are manufactured and placed. LUMINEERS® is a brand of porcelain veneers. (DuraThins™ is another brand with similar properties and applications). A LUMINEERS restoration is as thin as a contact lens and placed over existing teeth without having to remove tooth structure. Like traditional porcelain veneers, LUMINEERS restorations are an excellent cosmetic solution for stained, chipped, discolored, or misaligned teeth.

An ideal candidate for LUMINEERS must have enough remaining tooth surface on which to bond the LUMINEERS to ensure long-term results. Since LUMINEERS do not require the removal of tooth structure, they can be removed if circumstances require it.

Boulder cosmetic dentists, Dr. Priya Uppal and Dr. Lori Kemmet provide visual consultations with anyone considering dental veneers, porcelain laminates, and LUMINEERS. Their team offers these consultations at no charge.