Dental Veneers Service in Bryn Mawr, PA
At Bryn Mawr Dental Care, patients can use porcelain veneers as an effective solution for tooth flaws (stains, chips, gaps, and curves, etc.). Dr. Dillon uses custom-made porcelain veneers that blend in with a patient’s natural teeth, create an aesthetically pleasing smile, do not stain easily, and have an expected lifespan of 10-20 years, provided the patient practices good oral hygiene. We’ve provided full-service cosmetic dental services to patients located in Bryn Mawr, Villanova, and Ardmore, in the Main Line area, for more than 50 years.
Your smile is important! No matter if you’re at a Bryn Mawr Film Institute movie, out with friends at The Grog on Lancaster Avenue, or giving an important presentation, you want a smile that makes you feel confident, not self-conscious about stains, chips, or gaps that won’t go away.
My name is Dr. David Dillon, and I have worked in dentistry for over 50 years. Dillon Family Dentistry has been providing porcelain veneers to transform people’s smiles here on the Main Line. I have placed veneers on many people, including teachers, business owners, and parents coaching their kids’ sports teams at Harriton Park. Each of them wanted a solution that looked natural, felt good, and lasted.
If you are hiding your smile due to cosmetic issues like stains that whitening cannot correct or gaps that bonding cannot fill, porcelain veneers may be what you need. We will discuss what veneers are, how they work, and if they are right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers made from porcelain are extremely thin (about the thickness of a fingernail) pieces of medical-grade ceramic that are permanently connected to the front of your teeth. They can be thought of as custom-made covers for your teeth that allow you to have control over your smile (e.g., color, shapes, alignment, etc.). Each veneer is made individually and will match your enamel’s natural translucency and shine, which is why high-quality porcelain veneers do not appear fake; they look like your own teeth, just prettier.
Unlike composite bonding, where you will have it done in 1 visit, porcelain veneers will be fabricated in a professional dental lab by trained ceramists. The level of craftsmanship that goes into making veneers results in veneers that provide excellent aesthetics, mainstream stain resistance, and a longer lifespan than composite bonding. The lifespan of porcelain veneers is approximately 10 to 20 years (or possibly longer with appropriate care).
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers Over Other Cosmetic Options?
I get this question all the time. “Dr. Dillon, why veneers instead of whitening or bonding?” Here’s the honest answer:
Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers
Whitening teeth through a professional means can assist with superficial stains such as orange juice, red wine, or age spots; however, there are many stains caused by medication (such as Tetracycline) or have been there since birth through enamel-fluorosis and on root canals that you had done 20 years ago. If you have been attempting to use at-home products and cannot get rid of the stains, using porcelain veneers can give you an everlasting colour change. Your selected colour will be matched perfectly by an experienced dental technician who matches the selected colour perfectly, and the colour will remain perfect for years to come.
Dental Bonding vs. Veneers
For minor gaps or small chip issues, bonding can be a good choice if you’re trying to save money and need the work done on the same day; however, bonding material is made of composite resin, which can stain and may last 5-7 years before needing to be replaced. On the contrary, porcelain veneers are more durable than bonding and do not stain as easily, plus they are shiny and can last between 15-20 years. If you have more than one tooth that needs treatment or you want an overall change to your smile, porcelain veneers would be a better long-term solution than bonding.
Invisalign vs. Veneers
Invisalign and standard braces are excellent alternatives when you have many crooked teeth or bite problems. If your teeth are just slightly out of line or rotated, covering them with Veneers can provide the appearance of straightening without spending months with a tray to straighten them. The options we can offer include first straightening your teeth to align them, then putting on your new Veneers so they look the best they can.
What Dental Issues Can Veneers Fix?
Veneers are incredibly versatile. Here are the most common cosmetic concerns I treat with porcelain veneers at our Bryn Mawr practice:
1. Stubborn Tooth Stains and Discoloratio
Deep-set stains that won’t respond to whitening treatments. Tetracycline staining, fluorosis spots, and dark patches from old dental work veneers cover it all permanently.
2. Chipped or Broken Teeth
Maybe you took an elbow during a pickup basketball game at Merion Green, or you bit down wrong on something hard. Chips and cracks can be structurally sound but cosmetically frustrating. Veneers restore the shape and protect the remaining tooth structure.
3. Gaps Between Teeth (Diastema)
Small to moderate gaps can be closed instantly with veneers. No braces, no aligners just a beautifully unified smile.
4. Worn or Shortened Teeth
Years of grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion can wear teeth down. Veneers rebuild the length and restore a youthful appearance to your smile.
5. Minor Misalignment or Rotation
If a tooth is slightly twisted or tilted, veneers can visually correct the alignment without orthodontics.