Are you one of the many people who purposely hide their happiness because of unwanted flaws in their smile? Tired of forcing yourself to grin and show your gaps, chips, or misshapen teeth?
We’ve helped hundreds of patients just like you for nearly three decades by providing affordable porcelain veneers in the Midlands. Dr. Trinkner can place custom porcelain veneers to create healthy and natural-looking smiles. An Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Trinkner maintains an ongoing commitment to continuing education. He practices the latest techniques, science, and materials to improve his results.
A porcelain veneer is a thin ceramic shell that our dentist in Columbia, SC bonds to the front of the affected teeth. Although dental veneers can consist of various materials, our dentists primarily provide porcelain restorations.
Porcelain has unmatched durability and a realistic appearance that looks just like tooth enamel. Our porcelain veneers will give you straighter, brighter, and more even-looking teeth. That’s something to smile about.
Patient Review
Porcelain Veneers in Columbia, SC
Porcelain veneers are a popular treatment for improving the look of your smile. They are thin, translucent shells of tooth-like material. They are ideal for patients who want natural teeth and a long-lasting result.
This cosmetic dentistry treatment is a more economical solution to treatments like teeth whitening or Invisalign. However, it’s best for mild to moderate issues.
Dr. Trinkner and his team offer minimal-prep and no-prep porcelain veneer treatments too. This means that we will remove little tooth structure to prepare the tooth for the porcelain or composite resin veneers.
This approach preserves more of the natural tooth structure, and supports better long-term dental health. Minimal-prep restorations are also natural-looking and last.
Porcelain Veneers Process
The process takes a few steps and two dental visits. The first visit will be an initial consultation and evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you. Dr. Trinkner will create a treatment plan after the consultation. The plan will outline the process, costs, and other procedures you may need.
On your second visit, our dental care team will strategically shave a little bit of the front of the affected tooth. This will give the veneer a rough surface to be able to bond securely to the tooth. Next, Dr. Trinkner will take digital impressions of your teeth to craft the veneer. The dental veneer will be custom-made in a dental laboratory.
He will send you home with temporary veneers while you wait for your new ones. After placement, Dr. Trinkner may adjust them to match your smile perfectly. Schedule an appointment to improve your smile with affordable dental veneers today.
Alternatives to porcelain veneers can include tooth bonding. Dr. Trinkner applies a composite resin to the tooth. Then he sculpts it into place and creates a virtually hidden restoration.
Veneers Patient Case Study
This patient came into our Columbia, SC dental office after his orthodontic treatment had concluded. He was concerned about the spaces between his teeth and wanted to close the gaps between his teeth. One of the main goals was that the smile be natural-looking and the color not to be too white. Dr. Trinkner designed a smile makeover that included six porcelain veneers.
The Uses of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ideal because they can treat many cosmetic dental problems. Since they cover both the front and sides of your teeth, they can completely hide many cosmetic flaws. A porcelain veneer can complete your smile again if you have a chipped, worn down, or misshapen tooth. Our teeth wear as they age, but porcelain veneers can make your smile look younger.
Professional teeth whitening is the typical solution to treat discolored teeth. But there are some cases where the stain doesn’t respond to traditional techniques.
If you have deeply-stained teeth because of medication or trauma, teeth bleaching won’t fix the stains. Porcelain veneers offer a good alternative to this. You get to pick the shade of white you desire and they cover the visible surface of your discolored tooth.
We custom-make each veneer to match your smile perfectly. If you have gaps between your teeth, veneers can fill these gaps while still looking natural. You will look like you have a nice and even smile.
We will match the size and shape of the veneers to the rest of your teeth. This way, the new veneers will blend in well with the rest of your smile.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
Are veneers permanent?
While porcelain veneers are not completely permanent, they are a long-lasting restoration. With proper care and good oral hygiene, your veneers should last for a long time. For more permanent options, it’s always best to consult with your dentist.
Do veneers feel like regular, normal teeth?
Like after many procedures, your new veneers may feel a bit foreign and strange at first. After a few weeks of healing, this should subside. After which point your veneers should feel as natural as the rest of your teeth! Brushing and flossing them will not feel weird or different.
Can a dentist whiten dental veneers?
Dentists can not whiten dental veneers after permanently placing them on your teeth. So choosing a color and tone that matches your smile is important. Likewise, you could first whiten your teeth with a teeth whitening service before getting veneers. Our dentist can whiten your smile right before placing your new veneers.
Will veneers make my teeth look too big or fake?
Not at all! Dr. Trinkner custom-designs each veneer to match your facial features and natural tooth shape. We focus on creating a balanced and proportionate look that won”t look like “chiclet teeth.” You’ll even help choose the shade so your smile looks naturally bright, not artificially white.
Can veneers fix crooked teeth without braces?
Veneers can visibly straighten mildly crooked teeth by covering imperfections, but they don’t actually move teeth like braces. If you have severe crowding or bite issues, Dr. Trinkner might recommend orthodontics first. During your consultation, we’ll explain whether veneers alone can give you the straighter look you want.
Do veneers stain like real teeth?
One major perk of porcelain veneers is their resistance to stains. However, they’re not completely stain-proof. Avoiding tobacco and rinsing after dark beverages keep them bright. We’ll share care tips to maintain your veneers’ color long-term.
What happens if a veneer chips or falls off?
While rare, veneers can chip or detach if you bite hard objects or grind your teeth. Don’t panic if they do fall off. Save the veneer if possible and call us immediately. We can often reattach it or quickly replace it. If you grind your teeth at night, we may suggest a protective night guard.
How do I clean my veneers?
Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and floss, just like real teeth. We recommend avoiding stiff-bristled brushes or gritty whitening toothpastes, which can dull the porcelain’s shine over time. Regular dental cleanings will also keep your veneers and teeth healthy.
Can I get veneers if I have gum disease?
Gum health comes first. Active gum disease could compromise your veneers, so we’d treat that first. Once your gums are healthy, veneers are a great option. Dr. Trinkner will examine your gums during your consultation and recommend any needed treatments beforehand.
Are there foods I shouldn’t eat with veneers?
Veneers are strong, but aren’t impervious and can fall off. Sticky foods aren’t dangerous but might temporarily loosen veneers. Most patients eat normally, but avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or fingernails. Just use common sense, like cutting apples into slices instead of biting directly.
How long does the veneer process take from start to finish?
Typically 2–3 weeks over two visits:
- Visit 1 includes the consultation, planning, and tooth preparation. It can take about 1–2 hours.
- Then there’s a waiting period of about two weeks while a dental lab crafts your custom veneers.
- Visit 2 is the bonding appointment where the dentist bonds the veneers to your prepared teeth.
We’ll give you a precise timeline based on your needs.
Will people notice I have veneers?
Only if you tell them. Our veneers mimic natural tooth texture, translucency, and even slight color variations. Friends might compliment your suddenly perfect smile but won’t guess it’s veneers unless you share your secret.
Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers Today!
Our experienced team of dental professionals will give you the confidence to smile again. Call us at 803-400-8729 to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online.