Preparing the Teeth for the Placement of Porcelain Veneers By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on February 18, 2015

Dental mirror near a patient’s smileDespite a patient’s best efforts, the teeth can become yellowed or stained, or they may be misshaped, crooked, chipped, or cracked. Because most people have cosmetic blemishes that affect the appearance of the smile, cosmetic dentistry procedures are increasingly popular. For those looking to improve the overall appearance of the smile, porcelain veneers are an excellent option. Porcelain veneers conceal imperfections and create the appearance of a straight, white, even smile. Cosmetic dentist Danny O’Keefe is highly skilled in porcelain veneers treatment and has helped numerous patients achieve their dream smile. Prior to treatment, Dr. O’Keefe helps his Jackson patients understand the process of preparing teeth for veneers so that they know what to expect during treatment.

Veneers Preparation

Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic restorations that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Although veneers are roughly the thickness of an eggshell, the smile would look and feel unnatural if these fabrications were affixed to the teeth in their current condition. It is important to first prepare the teeth to ensure that patients will benefit from a comfortable fit, an attractive appearance, and a strong and durable bond between the teeth and veneers.

The preparation process for porcelain veneers is both simple and painless. In order to ensure that there is room for the porcelain veneers to sit closely against the teeth without looking artificial, a small amount of tooth enamel will be removed from the surface of the teeth. Using a buffer, Dr. O’Keefe will shave away a very thin layer of enamel. Although the enamel that is removed is only about as thick as the veneer itself, patients should be aware that this will permanently alter the teeth. Once a patient has had porcelain veneers applied, they will need to continue to use porcelain veneers for their lifetime, in order to protect the teeth.

When porcelain veneers have been fabricated, the teeth will be prepared a final time to ensure that the veneers bond properly to the teeth. This final preparation involves cleaning and polishing the teeth (just as would be done at a routine dental cleaning) and then etching the surface of the teeth. This etching creates a rougher surface and is beneficial in creating a strong and durable bond that will hold the veneers securely to the teeth.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

The porcelain veneers procedure can be completed in as little as a single day with the use of our CEREC® technology. Once treatment is complete, patients will benefit from a greatly improved smile. Porcelain veneers have the ability to improve tooth color, conceal gaps between the teeth, improve the appearance of crooked or misaligned teeth, and hide chips and cracks. Thanks to the strength and durability of porcelain veneers, patients can expect to continue to enjoy these aesthetic benefits for many years.

Contact Us

Dr. Danny O’Keefe has helped a great number of patients improve the appearance of their smile through the application of porcelain veneers. If you are tired of having a smile that is affected by blemishes and imperfections, contact us at your earliest convenience to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Dr. Danny O'Keefe

Family Dental Care

At Family Dental Care in Flowood, MS, Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his experienced team provide patients from throughout the greater Jackson area with superior general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Our office is equipped with modern dental technology and we offer complete sedation services to enhance patient comfort. Dr. O'Keefe is affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Mississippi Dental Association
  • The Academy of General Dentistry
  • The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

To schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call (601) 936-2526.

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"This office has the most professional dentists and dental staff. They treat you like family every time you're there. I've been a patient for over 15 years and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon." Rita O., Current Patient

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