Brockley Dental Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Veneers Can Make Your Smile Shine

Cosmetic Veneers in Pittsburgh, PA | Brockley Dental Center

Have you ever watched a red carpet ceremony or awards show, seen all those dazzling celebrity smiles, and thought, “I wish my teeth could look that good?” With cosmetic veneers, that dream can now be a reality! A beautiful smile has many benefits, and studies show that people with straight white teeth are seen as more attractive, successful, and confident. At Brockley Dental Center, we offer several cosmetic dental procedures that go beyond aesthetics; cosmetic dentistry is about self-care, confidence, and living your best life without holding back.

What Are Cosmetic Veneers?

Cosmetic Veneers in Pittsburgh, PA | Brockley Dental CenterDental veneers are a valuable tool in cosmetic dentistry, offering a simple but effective solution for those looking to enhance their smile. These thin, custom-made coverings, made from porcelain or composite material, are a shell attached to the front of the teeth. They address a variety of dental imperfections, providing a path to a flawless smile and newfound confidence.

For veneers to sit flush with the rest of your teeth, we must remove a small layer of enamel. While this process is painless, it is also irreversible since enamel doesn’t grow back. However, your cosmetic veneers can last 15 years or more with proper care!

Types of Cosmetic Veneers

There are two main types of cosmetic veneers: porcelain and composite.

  • Porcelain veneers are renowned for their durability and ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. Porcelain is even more stain-resistant than natural tooth enamel. This makes them a favorite for those seeking incredibly natural, long-lasting results.
  • Composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored resin, the same material used in dental bonding. They offer a more accessible price point but may not boast the same longevity or stain resistance as their porcelain counterparts.

The Benefits of Choosing Veneers

Opting for veneers comes with several benefits. Primarily, they offer a cosmetic solution that can drastically improve the appearance of your teeth, addressing issues like severe discoloration, chips, and gaps that might be beyond the reach of other treatments.

Veneers are also known for their strength and resilience. They are capable of withstanding the demands of everyday use while requiring minimal removal of the tooth’s original structure. This balance between functionality and aesthetics makes veneers a compelling choice for many patients.

The Procedure Explained

The journey to getting veneers is a straightforward process that will leave you with a dazzling new smile. The process begins with a detailed consultation. During this initial meeting, one of our experienced dentists will evaluate your dental health and discuss your desired outcomes. The next steps depend on whether you choose porcelain or composite veneers.

  • Porcelain veneers: We’ll start by slightly shaving down some of your tooth enamel and taking impressions. Your personalized veneers are then crafted in a dental laboratory, which takes two to three weeks. While you wait, we will provide temporary veneers to protect your teeth and help you get used to an improved smile. Once your custom veneers are ready, we will remove your temporary veneers and bond your custom ones to your teeth, completing the process.
  • Composite veneers: We will carefully etch your teeth, creating a slightly rougher surface for the composite material to attach to. While porcelain veneers are crafted in a lab, composite veneers are meticulously sculpted onto your teeth by one of our expert cosmetic dentists. Once the material is shaped and perfected, we’ll finish the process by shining a special curing light to harden the veneers.

After the procedure, you can use your new teeth right away, but be sure to follow any instructions given to you by our office. Due to the enamel removal process, some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after the application. Contact Brockley Dental Center if this does not subside within a few days.

Caring for Your Veneers

Maintaining a good oral hygiene regimen is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your veneers. This involves brushing twice daily and flossing regularly to maintain the health of the gums and the integrity of the veneers. Avoiding extremely hard foods and objects that can chip or damage the veneers is also important. Don’t forget your regular dental check-ups, too, so our team can monitor the condition of the veneers and address any issues promptly.

Enhance Your Smile Today

Cosmetic veneers represent a significant advancement in dental care, allowing you to quickly achieve your dream smile. Whether addressing aesthetic concerns or improving dental health, veneers offer a versatile and effective solution. You can take the first step towards a brighter, more confident smile by scheduling a consultation at Brockley Dental Center.

Donald B. Brockley, DMD

Dr. Brockley earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine in 1972. He is a second generation dentist and a legacy of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine where his father, Dr. Charles R. Brockley earned his doctorate in general dentistry in the year 1927. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, he held the office of Class Secretary for his graduating class. Following dental school, he chose to do his residency training at Wilmington Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, with a focus on research. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Brockley enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era as a Naval Officer. Dr. Brockley opened his own private practice 1975 in Butler, PA a historic town just 34 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brockley held the office of President of the Butler County Dental Society. After many years of practice, Dr. Brockley realized that fear is the #1 reason why people do not visit their dentist regularly. Therefore, he made it his mission to find an alternative way to practice (and to help his patients overcome this fear). This alternative was through Sedation Dentistry. In 1996 he became trained in Conscious Oral Sedation. This technique allowed him to treat fearful patients by gently putting them to sleep with the aid of a pill, not needle IV sedation which was the popular treatment at that time. Dr. Brockley received his dental training at the following institutions: University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Raleigh, NC Mini Dental Implant Training Centre, Buffalo, NY. Due to the high number of patients who are diabetic in his practice, his next goal was to understand the impact of Diabetes in Dentistry. Due to the subset of Diabetic patients in his practice who had similar recurring oral and systemic health problems, special attention became warranted. This led to a different standard of care and treatment for patients whose health was compromised by diabetes. Early detection, observation, evaluation and treatment to eradicate infection plays a major role in maintaining oral health for diabetic patients. Poorly managed treatment for diabetic patients has been shown to lead to a higher risk of uncontrolled gum disease and vice versa, making prevention of gum disease the #1 priority for this subset of patients. Dr. Brockley’s research on dentistry for diabetics led him to his next specialization: the treatment and eradication of gum disease. His aim has been to change the the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. For this reason, he designed a radically different protocol to the Soft Tissue Management (STM) program. STM treats the symptoms of gum disease, and more importantly, the underlying cause of gum disease, bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease affects 80% of American adults. However, Dr. Brockley has observed that more than 90% of his baby boomer patients have gum disease. His unique STM protocol has shown significant success within his patient population. With patient knowledge, understanding, and cooperation, Dr. Brockley is able to arrest and manage gum disease in his practice. After perfecting his procedures for crowns, bridges, partials and dentures to replace missing teeth, the introduction of Small Diameter Implants (also known as SDI or Mini Dental Implants) into his practice has revolutionized the way Dr. Brockley practices cosmetic dentistry. Small Diameter Implants provide the possibility of full mouth restoration, multiple teeth restoration, or single tooth restoration. Small Diameter Implants can be implemented in all types of tooth and bone conditions, in all ages, and in all types of health conditions. Dr. Brockley uses Small Diameter Implants to restore chewing ability and create beautiful smiles, which ultimately changes peoples’ lives. Dr. Brockley is the proud owner and operator of the first Mini Dental Implant Center of America in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Brockley has achieved Diplomate status in the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. He is the President Emeritus of the Butler County Dental Society. Dr. Brockley was also a Lieutenant in the US Navel Dental Core. He is a a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, and he was the Class Secretary for the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. Dr. Brockley likes to spend time with his family at home or while traveling, has been an avid scuba diver since 1980, and describes himself as a “just okay” golfer.

One thought on “Cosmetic Veneers Can Make Your Smile Shine”

  1. Diane Morelli says:

    Miracle workers! After years of suffering from a broken jaw which led to removal of my jaw joints I searched for literally, years for a dentist that could help me. My search was over!
    My treatment plan at first, I could not do. Because Dr. Brockley and Dr. Gildersleeve are so dedicated too my special needs and health, they worked with me and not only found a dental plan I could live with, but a financial plan as well! I can’t say enough about them! No pain during or after. No fears because somehow I went to sleep through the entire process AND best of all, I love my smile now!! I’m no longer afraid of dental work and I’m really not afraid to see my two angels, who just happen to have dental miracles waiting for everyone! Go see them if you’ve been searching for answers. They have a solution!

    Reply

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