Porcelain Veneers – General Cosmetic Dentistry Information
As the cornerstone of most smile makeover plans, porcelain veneers are among the most effective and eminent of all cosmetic dentistry treatments. Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are custom-crafted to fit over the front surfaces of teeth to conceal chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, and other aesthetic flaws. Porcelain veneers are meticulously crafted to match the color, shape, size, and texture of surrounding natural teeth. They can be used to treat a single damaged tooth, multiple teeth, or even all of the visible teeth in the mouth.
Depending on the technology available in a dentist’s office, porcelain veneers can require one, two, or multiple appointments. Many dental offices now feature CEREC® technology, which allows dentists to mill dental restorations such as porcelain veneers while their patients wait. Otherwise, patients will have to wait for their veneers to return from a dental laboratory, where they are crafted according to the exact specifications submitted by the dentist. They are then bonded to the teeth using a special dental cement.
In order to accommodate the width of the veneer, as well as to create a better bonding surface, a small amount of natural tooth enamel usually has to be removed. There are ultra-thin veneers, however, that require no removal of a tooth’s natural structure. Porcelain veneers that require the removal of enamel are considered an irreversible treatment.
Many people use porcelain veneers as a sort of “instant orthodontics.” This is because porcelain veneers can take the place of traditional braces in addressing minor crookedness and bite irregularities. They can also make teeth appear more uniform in color, length, and width while closing conspicuous gaps between teeth.
To find out whether you are a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers, speak with a qualified, experienced cosmetic dentist. Be sure to express your aesthetic goals and ask about your full range of options for achieving those goals.
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