Porcelain Veneers – General Cosmetic Dentistry Information

The use of porcelain veneers in cosmetic dentistry is fast becoming the solution of choice for stained, misshaped, misaligned, or chipped teeth. The procedure is one of the easiest, least invasive and lasting methods to enhance any smile.

Used on one tooth or many teeth, the wafer thin porcelain shells are created and shaped by a dentist to specifically match the front side of the affected tooth and then applied to create a more natural and healthy-looking smile--whether it be shape, color, or both. 

Because the veneer (defined as a thin layer of a material bonded to the surface of a less attractive or inferior material) is made of porcelain, it is extremely durable against chipping and lasts from 10 to 15 years with no additional maintenance or associated costs.

Additionally, because of its composition, it is difficult to stain and has become the procedure of choice by those whose teeth do not respond to traditional whitening methods (due to deeply embedded stains, fillings, or crowns).

Porcelain veneers come in a wide array of colors that allow for a near-perfect color match to surrounding teeth, and because they can be formed to any shape, they are frequently used to fill in gaps, chips, or other irregularities that would otherwise detract from a perfect smile.

The procedure to place porcelain veneers is simple and relatively non-invasive; and in most cases, little (if any) anesthesia is needed. In the first visit, the dentist takes an impression of the tooth which is to receive the veneer, and a color match is agreed upon between dentist and patient. The custom veneer is then lab created to the specified shape and color.

To prepare the receiving tooth for the new veneer, a portion of the existing tooth is filed to accept the new form. Once the desired shape is attained, the dentist will glue the custom veneer to the receptacle tooth. This process is repeated for each tooth to receive a custom veneer.

So between the durability and practicality of this highly popular cosmetic procedure, it makes sound sense to consider veneers as the solution to enhance your perfect smile.