What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are ideal for those who are looking to transform their smile. With veneers, you can completely hide all the irregularities by covering the front of the teeth. At Riggs Family Dental, we offer both porcelain and composite dental veneers to help enhance the appearance of your smile.
Our cosmetic dentist in Gilbert, AZ, prepares veneers considering the color and shape of your teeth. Veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth, improving their color, shape, and overall appearance. Porcelain veneers are highly durable and provide a natural-looking, long-lasting solution for various cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth.
With a single visit, our team of dental professionals can work with you to determine which type of veneer is the best fit for your specific needs and goals. We use the latest dental technology and techniques to ensure a comfortable and efficient veneer placement process, leaving you with a brighter, more confident smile.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are expertly designed to replicate the natural translucence and subtle color variations of real teeth. When crafted by a skilled cosmetic dentist, they blend so seamlessly that it’s nearly impossible to distinguish a veneer from a natural tooth. Since cosmetic dentistry isn’t typically part of standard dental school training, professionals like Dr. Lopez have pursued advanced post-graduate education to specialize in this field. A well-trained cosmetic dentist will collaborate with you to design a smile that reflects your vision—paying close attention to details like shape, symmetry, and shade to ensure your results look both beautiful and natural.
How Porcelain Veneers Are Designed and Placed?
During your smile design consultation at our Dallas office, Dr. Lopez will take the time to understand your goals—whether it’s the color, shape, or overall look you want for your new smile. If you have a photo of a smile you admire, feel free to bring it with you for inspiration.
To achieve the most natural-looking results, a small amount of enamel is often gently removed from the surface of the teeth to make room for the veneers. However, in some cases, depending on your current tooth shape and the desired outcome, veneers can be placed with little to no preparation.
Next, we’ll take precise impressions of your teeth using a state-of-the-art optical scanner—no messy molds required. These digital impressions are sent to our trusted dental lab, where your custom veneers are crafted for a perfect fit. While your permanent veneers are being made, you’ll be fitted with temporary ones so you can enjoy a preview of your new smile.
In about 1–3 weeks, your final veneers—crafted by our master ceramist—will be ready. At your placement appointment, we’ll try them in so you can see how they look and feel. If everything looks perfect and you’re happy with the result, Dr. Lopez will securely bond them in place.
We also offer ultra-thin veneers, like Lumineers, which are often marketed as “no-prep” options. These are even thinner than traditional veneers (about 0.3 mm) and can often be applied directly over your natural teeth with minimal or no reshaping. For more information on ultra-thin veneers, please see our Dallas Lumineers page.