We mind the details to create veneers that look like natural enamel, and that last
No stone is left unturned at Harmony Smile Dental. This notion applies both to the design and amenities of our office and the technical aspects and competency that Dr. Zhao brings to each procedure and service available at our practice in Sunnyvale, California. Our patients from throughout the Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View area benefit from our exacting detail and attention to both the patient experience as well as the materials, products, techniques, and technologies that go into every patient encounter.
Dental veneers
demand a considerable level of artistry and strict attention to detail. So, Dr. Zhao is just the right experienced and skilled dentist to support the most natural outcomes that align with your personal preferences, one-of-a-kind facial and oral features, and the lens with which you view aesthetics and attractive features. After all, when one considers exactly what veneers are, one can quickly see why the results from this process depend so much on the skill of the person preparing, designing, fabricating, and placing them.
The “basics”
Veneers are thin layers of dental ceramics, such as porcelain or a prepared composite resin material. These dental materials are designed to look, feel, and function like natural tooth material. They are placed on top of the front surfaces of teeth with cosmetic imperfections. These imperfections include:
- Chips
- Minor cracks
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor misalignment issues
- Worn teeth
- Poorly-sized teeth
- Stubbornly staining and discoloration
- Poorly-shaped teeth
Once adeptly placed and secured to the teeth, veneers cover-up or otherwise disguise the imperfections noted above.
The process
What one can expect from veneers at our office depends on the “type” of veneer that is best suited to your needs, personal characteristics, preferences, goals, and other factors. Yes, you have options at Harmony Smile Dental! Patients may opt for “direct” veneers, generally made from dental composite. This tooth-colored material is applied like putty to the teeth. Dr. Zhao’s artistry shines during this process because he perfectly shapes and manipulates the material to address the concern at hand – be it a gap between the front teeth or a tooth that requires some additional “length” or resin added to it to give the illusion of height. The latter condition can arise due to wear and tear on the tooth over time or, perhaps, the tooth always looked out of place and overly short compared to its neighbors. The idea behind the process is to achieve beautiful harmony, symmetry, balance, proportionality. The last steps of the process primarily involve bonding or fixing the material to the natural tooth and polishing and making any subtle refinements or adjustments as needed.
Alternatively, patients may also opt for indirect veneers. These veneers are made in a lab, generally from dental porcelain. This material is coveted for its outstanding ability to capture the smallest properties of natural enamel; for instance, it mimics enamel’s translucence and strength. Porcelain is also good at resisting stains. Once the veneers are ready, Dr. Zhao bonds them to teeth that have been “prepared” for the placement of each veneer. That preparation involves removing a tiny amount of enamel. This step is necessary. So, the veneer looks and feels natural and for optimal, long-lasting strength and healthy function. Otherwise, the veneer might jut out too much, look unnatural, or “too big” for the person’s face. Plus, veneers that don’t fit well are vulnerable to damage. Well-fitting veneers are a “must” for our patients’ long-term satisfaction, experience, and oral health.
We encourage you to contact us today at (408) 738-1000 to schedule your appointment at Harmony Smile Dental in Sunnyvale. We’ll evaluate your smile during your consultation and discuss options to unlock its natural beauty and brilliance.
Veneers
Veneers are thin handcrafted porcelain shields worn on the front of the tooth which improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained or worn. Veneers are thin as contact lenses, and are an aesthetically pleasing option of closing gaps, lengthening teeth, and providing symmetry to make your smile more natural. Veneers are intended to last for many years without changing color. They are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in dentistry. Ask your dentist if veneers may be right for you.
