Veneers in San Tan Valley, AZ

Porcelain Veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length. We recommend this treatment to anyone experiencing discoloration that cannot be fixed with whitening or if your teeth are damaged. Porcelain veneers are also an option if you're unhappy with the shape or look of your natural teeth.

• Custom made to the shape and shade you want
• Corrects discoloration that whitening cannot lift
• Addresses chips, uneven edges and small gaps
• Porcelain resists staining well over time
• Designed around your face, not a single generic shape

Veneers solve several problems at once. Deep internal discoloration — from old trauma, certain medications, or simply the natural darkening of dentine with age — does not respond to whitening, because whitening works on surface and enamel staining. A veneer covers it entirely. They also change shape and proportion. Teeth that are worn short, slightly uneven, chipped at the edges or separated by small gaps can be brought into line without orthodontics. For patients whose concern is the shape rather than the position of their teeth, that is often the more direct route. Porcelain holds its appearance well. It resists staining from coffee, tea and wine better than natural enamel does, so the result stays consistent rather than needing regular touch-ups.

It starts with a conversation about what specifically bothers you and what you want changed. That matters more than it sounds — "I want a better smile" and "I want to close this gap" lead to very different plans. Dr. Gifford will also tell you honestly if a simpler treatment such as whitening or bonding would achieve what you are after. If veneers are the right route, a small amount of enamel is usually removed from the front of each tooth to make room for the shell, so it sits flush rather than looking bulky. Impressions or scans are taken and sent to the lab, along with the agreed shade. Temporary veneers protect the teeth in the meantime. At the fitting appointment the veneers are tried in before anything is permanent, so the fit, shape and shade can be checked. Once approved, they are bonded and the bite is adjusted. Care for them like natural teeth — and if you grind, a night guard is strongly recommended to protect them.