Porcelain Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers, as described by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry , are thin pieces of porcelain shaped to fit over the front side of your teeth. Veneers are strong, look natural and are made to match the shape and color of your own teeth.
To prepare your teeth for veneers, the dentist will remove about one millimeter of enamel from each tooth’s surface, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. Next, your dentist will take an impression of the inside of your mouth, form a mold, and send it to a dental laboratory where your veneers are custom made by a dental technician.
When finally ready, your dentist will bond the product to your teeth with a special cement.
Are Veneers a Good Option for Me?
Teeth that are discolored, chipped, decayed or poorly shaped are good candidates for veneers. They’re also beneficial in situations involving a slight gap between two teeth, as well as for minor crowding and bite-related problems.
Discuss porcelain veneers with your dentist. If they can work for you, be part of the design process. Let your dentist know what you want corrected and what you’re looking for in your new smile. With cosmetic imaging, you may even be able to see a preview of the new you.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Aside from having the best teeth in the house, one of the greatest values in porcelain veneers is that very little tooth structure is lost, and you may need little to no anesthesia for some treatments. The materials used to make them also provide resistance to stains from coffee, tea and other foods that natural teeth don’t protect against as easily.
Because some enamel is removed, however, the procedure is irreversible. Also keep in mind that once cemented, the color cannot be corrected. You may have some temperature sensitivity for a few days, as well.