Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can give patients a personalized, natural-looking smile. They repair smile imperfections easily with delicate porcelain sheets that resemble real teeth. Patients looking for a more perfect smile or a solution to cracked, chipped, or broken teeth will love their smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers: Where Elegance Meets Innovation

Our minimally invasive veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth. They are used to perfect a tooth’s appearance and restore dental health without compromising the tooth’s structure. Porcelain can be manipulated to have toothlike characteristics including color, translucency, and gloss.

Patients who receive porcelain veneers will have lifelike smiles that have no imperfections. With our digital planning tools, we can bring the patient into the treatment planning to guarantee our patients will love their new smiles.

The Role of Porcelain Veneers in Smile Perfection

Some patients choose veneers to make a few final adjustments to their teeth, giving them a completely uniform smile. Other patients get veneers to correct a variety of imperfections in their teeth, including:

Chips
Cracks
Discoloration
Gaps
Misalignment
Unfavorable tooth shape

My Smile Artist places porcelain veneers for patients who wish to improve the appearance of their smile for any reason.

Pristine Smile Design

At My Smile Artist in San Antonio, Dr. Imam uses Digital Smile Design to plan out any veneers or dental bonding you need. With Dr. Imam’s artistic eye and the DSD software, all porcelain veneer or bonding treatments combine quality with beauty. With this program, we can guarantee that each patient will love their smile.

Participate in the Smile Creation Process

This revolutionary software transcends traditional dental methods, allowing for an unparalleled level of customization in smile design. With this software, Dr. Imam transforms the concept of a perfect smile into a visual and interactive experience. Patients are no longer passive recipients of dental procedures; they become active participants in the creation of their new smiles.

Completely Customizable Smiles

Through sophisticated imaging techniques, the Digital Smile Design process captures the essence of facial symmetry and dynamics, ensuring that every veneer is not just a dental restoration but a creation tailored to the unique facial features of each patient.

This approach allows us to preview and adjust every aspect of your smile, from the shape and color of each tooth to the overall harmony of your smile with your facial characteristics.

Our veneer process is a fusion of science and aesthetics, where precision meets personalization, that meets the highest standards of cosmetic dentistry.

What Makes Porcelain Veneers Unique?

Many dental treatments could provide the same solutions as porcelain veneers, but none of them fix tooth imperfections quite as completely as porcelain veneers do. Our veneers are unmatched in:

Beauty: Made from enduring porcelain, veneers can appear delicate and gorgeous, but they are quite strong. They look exactly like natural teeth and they complete a smile so it looks picturesque.

Simplicity: For a procedure that is so transformative, veneers don’t require extensive treatment. The process is as simple as scanning, designing, and applying the new smile. No other treatment is as comprehensive and straightforward as veneers.

Capacity: While other dental treatments like dental bonding or tooth whitening can only be applied to certain dental issues, veneers can repair multiple cosmetic and structural issues all at once.

Our porcelain veneers stand out for their minimally invasive approach, requiring little to no alteration to the tooth’s natural structure, ensuring the integrity and health of your teeth are maintained.

Why Select a Dental Artist

Creating a truly beautiful smile requires the artistic inclination of a cosmetic dentist. Science is the easy part; art requires a passion.

A true cosmetic dentist has extensive post-graduate training in the art and participates in ongoing training to stay current with advanced methods of smile design. Dr. Imam is a dental artist with advanced training. He understands the techniques, tools, and materials required to give patients the smile they’ve always wanted and to ensure it is natural-looking and long-lasting.

The before-and-after photos below of a patient’s smile show how teeth that were dark and worn were transformed with porcelain veneers. The patient’s smile now looks brighter, healthier, and younger.

The Art and Science Behind Porcelain Veneers

Without the custom-fitting capabilities of Digital Smile Design, we wouldn’t be able to create veneers that work for each individual. We have a carefully curated smile makeover process to ensure that each patient gets the smile they are looking for.

Initial Consultation—A Complimentary Introduction

Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation, focused solely on understanding your vision for your smile.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Imam: This session is an opportunity for a personal meeting with Dr. Imam. During this time, he will discuss your smile aspirations, paying close attention to your desires and ultimate smile goals.
Plan Your Smile: To aid in visualizing potential outcomes, we’ll share before-and-after photos of previous patients or introduce you to our smile design technology.
Dive into the Details: Together, you’ll discuss options for brightness, length, shade, and shape that align with your smile goals.

Comprehensive Dental Examination—The Foundation of Your Dental Health

After your initial discussion with Dr. Imam, we’ll start your treatment with a full exam so we can get a better understanding of your dental health and plan your veneer treatment to complement your overall health and dental goals. This 90-minute session includes:

A warm welcome and personal greeting from Dr. Imam
A guided tour of our office to familiarize you with our state-of-the-art facility
A detailed one-on-one consultation with Dr. Imam to discuss your health history, dental needs, and desires
Full-mouth digital x-rays and a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health thoroughly
Scans and photos to accurately plan and visualize your treatment

Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we tailor our veneer recommendations to your specific needs.

Our process at My Smile Artist is designed to ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and excited about your journey to the perfect smile.

Planning the Treatment and Placing the Veneers

Dr. Imam will use your input, personal needs, and facial features as guides as he moves into the design process.

Final Smile Design: He will use our digital design technologies like Digital Smile Design and SmileFy to create various digital models of your face with potential smile designs. The models will be tweaked until you see a design that matches your smile goals.
Veneer Placement: Dr. Imam carefully bonds the custom-designed minimally invasive veneers to your teeth with precision, giving you a perfect fit and aesthetic improvement without the need for tooth alterations or enamel removal. We are confident that you will love your results.

Veneer Aftercare

To ensure the longevity and beauty of your porcelain veneers, follow these aftercare guidelines:

Practice regular oral hygiene with non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent plaque buildup.
Although veneers resist stains, minimize exposure to tannins in coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain their pristine appearance.
Use a mouth guard if prone to grinding teeth at night.
Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packaging, and be cautious with hard foods that can chip the veneers.
Regular dental checkups are vital for professional cleaning and to monitor the health of your veneers.

How Veneers Benefit San Antonio Patients

Porcelain veneers offer a wealth of benefits, blending aesthetic enhancement with significant functional advantages, making them an ideal choice for those seeking to improve both the appearance and utility of their smile. Here’s how porcelain veneers can functionally benefit patients at My Smile Artist:

Durability: Crafted from high-quality porcelain, veneers are extremely durable and resistant to chips and cracks. They are designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, effectively protecting the underlying tooth from further damage.
Improved Bite: Veneers can be used to reshape and realign the teeth, leading to a more evenly distributed bite. This can alleviate issues caused by misaligned teeth, such as uneven wear and tear, potentially preventing more serious dental problems down the line.
Protection of Tooth Surface: By covering the front surface of the teeth, veneers provide a protective barrier against abrasion and erosion. This is particularly beneficial for teeth that have become weakened by decay or enamel erosion.
Stain Resistance: Unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain veneers are non-porous, making them resistant to stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. This keeps your smile brighter and healthier-looking for longer.

Porcelain veneers not only transform your smile aesthetically but also enhance its functional capabilities, ensuring that your investment in your dental health is both beautiful and beneficial.

Veneers Can Elevate Your Smile

Dr. Imam’s clientele at My Smile Artist, comprising discerning and affluent members of the San Antonio community, often seek porcelain veneers for both aesthetic and practical reasons. These sophisticated individuals appreciate the ability of veneers to not only enhance their smile but also to fortify the function and longevity of their teeth.

Here’s why porcelain veneers are particularly appealing:

Aesthetic Transformation: Veneers offer an immediate improvement in the appearance of teeth, correcting imperfections such as discoloration, minor misalignments, chips, and gaps. For an audience that values impeccable presentation, veneers provide a quick and effective way to achieve a flawless, camera-ready smile.
Minimal Intrusiveness: Unlike other dental restorations that require extensive tooth structure removal, veneers need only a thin layer of enamel to be filed down. This conservative approach is attractive to those who prefer to maintain as much of their natural tooth structure as possible.
Longevity and Durability: Made from high-quality ceramic, veneers are durable and resistant to stains and chips. They can last for decades with proper care, making them a wise investment for those looking for long-term solutions.
Customization: Each set of veneers is tailor-made to fit the individual’s teeth and complement their overall facial aesthetics. This level of customization ensures that results are not only effective but also extremely natural-looking.

Veneers serve as not just a means to perfect one’s appearance but also as a testament to one’s status and dedication to maintaining an impeccable image. Dr. Imam’s expertise in applying veneers ensures that his patients achieve the best possible results, reinforcing their confidence and social standing.

Digital Smile Design Technology

Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a revolutionary technology that plays a pivotal role in the planning and execution of veneer treatments at My Smile Artist. By harnessing this technology, Dr. Imam offers a highly personalized approach to creating the perfect smile with porcelain veneers.

Here’s how Digital Smile Design enhances the veneer treatment process:

Visualization and Planning: It allows patients to see a preview of their enhanced smile before the treatment begins. Using high-resolution digital photos and videos that capture the dynamics of each smile, Dr. Imam can manipulate the images to show how veneers can transform the patient’s appearance. This visualization helps in making informed decisions and setting realistic expectations.
Precision and Customization: With DSD, every aspect of the veneer—from the shape and size to the color and texture—is designed to complement the patient’s facial features and dental anatomy. This customization ensures that the veneers not only look natural but also function harmoniously with the patient’s bite and oral structures.
Enhanced Patient Involvement: It fosters a collaborative environment where patients actively participate in their smile design process. This involvement increases satisfaction with the outcome, as patients feel their personal preferences and concerns have been addressed.

By integrating Digital Smile Design into veneer treatments, My Smile Artist ensures that each set of veneers is not just a dental solution but a true work of art, meticulously crafted to meet the unique needs and desires of each patient.

Common Questions About Porcelain Veneers

Do porcelain veneers stain?

Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. However, if the surface of the veneers gets scratched or damaged, veneers can stain gradually. To prevent this, continue to get regular dental cleanings and exams. Dr. Imam will help you maintain your veneers as you keep returning to our office.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers last an average of 15 years. But if you take good care of them and allow a cosmetic dentist to maintain them, veneers can last up to 20 years. Daily tooth brushing and flossing are a great start to caring for your veneers. We also recommend avoiding opening packages with your teeth, as this can damage the veneers.

How should you clean porcelain veneers?

Clean your porcelain veneers with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using abrasive or whitening toothpaste on your veneers. Abrasives can scratch the surface of the veneers. Also, schedule dental cleanings with a cosmetic dentist and hygienist who understand which tools and polishing pastes to use on veneers.

What are the aesthetic benefits of choosing porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers offer a transformative cosmetic solution, perfectly mimicking the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth for a radiant smile. They can correct a multitude of aesthetic concerns, including chips, gaps, and severe discoloration, providing a uniform, bright, and aligned appearance.

Can porcelain veneers be customized to fit my smile?

Each set of porcelain veneers is custom-crafted to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your existing smile. Dr. Imam takes meticulous impressions and collaborates closely with elite dental labs to ensure that your veneers meet your precise aesthetic desires and functional needs.

Are porcelain veneers reversible?

Porcelain veneers are considered a semi-permanent dental procedure. Because a small amount of enamel must be removed to accommodate the veneer, the process is not reversible. However, with their durability and ability to enhance the smile, many patients find porcelain veneers an excellent investment in their appearance and dental health.

What is the process for getting porcelain veneers at My Smile Artist?

The process begins with a personalized consultation where Dr. Imam assesses your dental health and discusses your aesthetic goals. Next, a precise amount of enamel is gently removed, and temporary veneers are placed. Once your custom veneers are crafted, they are permanently bonded, instantly enhancing your smile’s beauty.

How do I know if I am a candidate for porcelain veneers?

Ideal candidates for porcelain veneers are individuals looking to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smile while having overall healthy teeth and gums. Issues like minor misalignment, chips, cracks, or discoloration can be effectively corrected with veneers. Dr. Imam conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if veneers are suitable for you, considering factors such as oral health and enamel condition.

What should I do if a veneer chips or becomes damaged?

If you notice a chip or damage to your veneer, contact My Smile Artist immediately. Avoid using the damaged veneer to bite down on hard foods until Dr. Imam can assess the extent of the damage. In many cases, small repairs can be made without replacing the entire veneer, but prompt action is crucial to prevent further damage.

How do veneers compare to dental crowns and bonding?

Veneers are primarily cosmetic and cover the front surface of the teeth, whereas crowns encase the entire tooth, providing both restorative and cosmetic solutions. Bonding is a less invasive and more temporary solution compared to veneers but doesn’t offer the same durability or stain-resistant qualities. Dr. Imam can help determine which treatment best suits your needs based on your dental structure and cosmetic goals.

What precautions should I take with my diet after getting veneers?

While veneers are incredibly durable, they are not invincible. It is advisable to avoid overly hard foods like ice or hard candies and be cautious with foods that can stain, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. Dr. Imam will provide a comprehensive list of dietary suggestions to ensure your veneers stay bright and intact for years to come.

How can veneers improve my oral health?

By covering areas of damage and decay, veneers not only improve the appearance of your teeth but can also protect them from further harm. They help maintain the structural integrity of your teeth and can prevent the accumulation of bacteria and plaque in cracked or damaged areas.

Request a Complimentary Consultation for Your Smile Makeover

If you’re interested in transforming your smile with porcelain veneers, send in a Smile Virtual submission, call us, or complete our “Request an Appointment” form for a complimentary consultation and digital smile makeover.