Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of ceramic material which are applied to the surface of teeth in order to cover up uneven tooth alignment, worn enamel, or even spacing and chips. Read on to know more.
Porcelain veneers are specialty-made sheilds of ceramic material which are applied to the front surfaces of teeth in order to cover up misalignment,
worn enamel, or even chips and gaps. This form of treatment typically falls into the cosmetic dentistry category due to the fact that it creates a brighter smile with shapely, aligned teeth. The best part is, that with recent advances, today veneers are able to provide patients with a much more natural look than what’s been available in decades prior.
Though there are many reasons people seek out this type of procedure, the most common issues dealt with include:
Uneven Alignment: The result of tooth grinding or every day wear and tear.
Genetics: Many individuals are born with abnormal spacing, which only grows with age.
Worn enamel: As years go by, the enamel has been known to become dulled, worn, and discolored. This can often be the result of family genetics, though more often than not, it is due to daily habits such as smoking, food and drink consumption, etc.
Wear Over Time: Teeth also naturally break down as we get older. As it gets older, the more likely it is to find chips, gaps, or. cracks
Two of the most popular materials in use for treating these conditions are porcelain and composite resin. Both are made by dental technicians. Veneers made from composite materials can sometimes even be fabricated at the dentist’s office, inside your mouth! Those that require the aid of an outside technician to make are adhered to the teeth with various types of resin-based cement. While both options can make for a wonderful choice, the porcelain types tend to last a bit longer and are thus, more expensive.
In some cases, whitening can prove a suitable alternative to veneer treatments. This is typically the case where only minimal work is required in order to correct the problem at hand. The adhering process of the shells calls for the shaping of all dentures receiving the treatment. As the process will permanently alter the teeth being treated, it is not generally recommended if the natural ones are esthetically and functionally adequate.
While providing patients with an aesthetically pleasing solution to their problems, veneers may also serve an additional function through the protection of the damaged tooth. It may even serve as an alterative to procedures such as crown placement.
If you are considering this type of procedure, it’s important to do the research prior to scheduling an appointment. Have a list of questions ready, and be sure to engage your dentist in a discussion that outlines your available options. Based on what your dentist recommends, you just may be able to find the perfect solution for your cosmetic dentistry needs.
