Porcelain Veneers are custom made, wafer-thin artificial exteriors made from tooth-colored enamel which cover the front of a patient’s teeth. Veneers are bonded to teeth to create a permanent cosmetic enhancement. Porcelain veneers resist stains and accurately simulate the natural reflective quality, color, and texture of your real teeth. They are a long lasting and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Common Problems Porcelain Veneers can Fix
Over the years, your teeth undergo a great deal of wear and tear leading to hard to fix problems which can erode your confidence and quality of life. Here are some common problems that Porcelain Veneers can fix.
Discolored teeth
- Eroded tooth enamel
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Uneven or misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
The Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers offer many advantages over other cosmetic dental interventions, such as:
Provide a natural and realistic tooth appearance
- Porcelain is well tolerated by gum tissue
- Porcelain is highly resistant to stains
- Variations in color are available to make darkened teeth appear whiter
- Veneers are a conservative intervention compared to tooth replacement or removal
How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Veneers will last on average between 7 to 15 years and generally need to be replaced after this amount of time. Your dentist will advise you about the proper care of your veneers. Following this advice will allow you to get the maximum use and life out of your veneers.
he good news is that, for the most part, the special care your veneers will need is really just good oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth clean and non-acidic will prolong the life of your veneers so that you will get the most out of your investment. You will be advised to receive special cleaning and treatment in order to make your veneers last as long as possible.
The Process for Getting Porcelain Veneers
First, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth to determine whether porcelain veneers would be a good choice for you. If you opt for the procedure, then the preparation phase can begin.
To prepare your tooth, or teeth, for veneers, your dentist will remove a small layer of natural enamel- only about half a millimeter. A mild local anesthetic may be administered if you wish. Then your dentist will create a model of your tooth in order to create the replacement veneer. This will take between 2 and 4 weeks.
During the bonding procedure, the veneer is permanently affixed to your real teeth. Your dentist will trim the veneer to make a perfect fit. Then your real tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to assure optimal adhesion. A special cement is then applied to the veneer and the veneer will be put into place on your original tooth. A special light will be used to accelerate the bonding process. The adhesion will be complete after just a few minutes.
At this point, your dentist will remove any excess adhesive and trim your veneers further if needed. Your bite will be evaluated and final adjustments are made.
Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a week or two to see how well your veneers are functioning after installment.
After your veneers are installed, they will provide you with a boost in confidence by creating the bright and beautiful smile you deserve.