Alternatively known as dental veneers and porcelain laminates, porcelain veneers are very thin shields of porcelain that are attached to the front of teeth.
They are cosmetic in purpose as they provide a permanent solution to stained, chipped, broken, or otherwise unattractive teeth. In rare occasions, this type of veneers may also be used to improve your bite, but generally are considered part of cosmetic dentistry. They can make your teeth appear whiter and healthier regardless of the level of damage or stain. As a cosmetic procedure, porcelain veneers are relatively inexpensive, and treatment usually takes around two dental appointments for the procedure.Why Porcelain Veneers?Porcelain veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues. As mentioned, the main reason to get porcelain veneers is cosmetic as these dental treatments can correct:?Uneven teeth?Crooked teeth?Misshapen teeth?Stained teeth?Receding gum lines?Worn down teethAs porcelain veneers are much more resistant to staining from coffee, tea, smoking and other activities that affect the colour of your teeth, they are a great treatment if you are looking for a more permanent solution. In fact, they can last anywhere from 10 to 50 years depending on the work of your dentist as well as your dental hygiene habits. More importantly, your dental hygiene routine need not change as they can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.The ProcedureThe first step of treatment with porcelain veneers, as is the case with many restorative dental procedures, impressions are taken of your teeth at every stage of the process. Your first impressions are used to make a cast of your teeth that helps your dentist create veneers that fit your teeth perfectly. Your dentist may also make a temporary set of veneers that you can wear while your permanent veneers are being constructed.Before your veneers are made, you have the opportunity to choose the shade of your veneers. This may seem like an unnecessary step in the procedure, but many patients are excited by the opportunity to have fresh, clean looking teeth. It is important to remember that your dentist can match the natural colour of your teeth or go even whiter if you desire. The goal is to create a smile that is as natural looking as possible while providing you with flawless teeth. Your dentist and his technicians will generally match the shade of your porcelain veneers to your skin tone as well as the shade of surrounding teeth. Your veneers should fit seamlessly with the rest of your teeth in order to create a natural, consistent smile.In our next segment about porcelain veneers, we will take some time to discuss how teeth are prepared for treatment with veneers as well as some tips for caring for your new veneers.
