What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. It is often the material of choice for those looking to make slight position alterations, or to change tooth shape, size, and/or color.
Veneers are thin, semi-translucent laminates that are permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the front teeth, including:
- Diastemas (spaces between teeth)
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth that can’t be bleached
- Crooked teeth
Benefits and Advantages:
Procedure takes only two appointments
A conservative amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure
Veneers are the most biocompatible material you can use next to the gingiva (part of the gum tissue that immediately surrounds the teeth and alveolar bone)
A healthy, “natural” look is achieved; in fact, porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic restoration in dentistry
The Procedure
Step 1: At the first appointment, the teeth are prepared for the veneers and an impression is taken. This impression is then sent to a lab where each porcelain veneer is custom made to the dentist’s specifications. Beautiful temporaries are then fabricated to simulate your new smile. You can expect to leave your first appointment looking much better than when you came in!
Step 2: At the second appointment, the veneers are permanently adhered to look like your natural teeth.
Maintenance
Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are taken care of by the patient. Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are also more resistant to stains and chipping. You must maintain regular oral hygiene at home, and visit us for routine cleanings and exams. This is to ensure that your new veneers will look as good as new all of the time.
Oral habits that damage natural teeth such as nail biting, opening bobby pins, and chewing on hard objects can also damage your new veneers. Once veneers are applied, they should be treated like natural teeth. They look amazing and are extremely durable.