Porcelain Veneers

Good tooth color, shape, and alignment are a few things that create a beautiful smile. If you feel like your teeth could be improved in any of these areas, porcelain veneers could be the solution.

Porcelain veneers are a wafer-thin layer of extremely strong porcelain that convincingly substitutes for natural tooth enamel. When bonded to the teeth, porcelain veneers look natural. This is because dental porcelain is translucent and tough, like natural tooth enamel. However unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain veneers won’t stain. Porcelain veneers today can be made so thin that they attach directly onto the existing tooth surface. In some instances a tiny layer of tooth enamel must be removed to fit the new porcelain surface onto the tooth while looking as natural as possible. Both methods are equally as stunning.

Versatility of Porcelain Veneers

  • Porcelain veneers can improve the following:
  • Color – Foods, drinks and smoke can stain and discolor our natural teeth. Veneers resist this and are available from the most natural color to a brilliant white.
  • Size & Shape – Grinding and clenching habits can wear down teeth. Sometimes teeth aren’t the shape you would prefer to start with. Veneers can be customized to any shape or size you would like.
  • Alignment & Spacing – Porcelain veneers can close small gaps and make slight corrections in tooth alignment, while also improving the color and shape.

Limitations of Porcelain Veneers
While porcelain veneers can do a lot for your smile, it can’t do everything. For example, if your teeth are significantly misaligned or have large gaps, orthodontics may be more appropriate. If you have lost tooth structure from decay, trauma or grinding, porcelain crowns might be best to restore your teeth.

Creating a New Smile with Porcelain Veneers
When creating your new smile, it’s important to communicate what you do and don’t like about your current smile. Bring in pictures as a starting point for discussion. It’s possible to preview how porcelain veneers would look before committing to a certain style. Wax veneers can be placed on a model of your teeth, or tooth colored filling material can be put directly on your teeth to demonstrate the effect porcelain veneers could have.

Once a plan is created, your teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel, if necessary. Mold of your teeth are created and used to create your porcelain veneers. While your custom made porcelain veneers are being created, you will receive a temporary set to wear during the next few weeks. When your porcelain veneers come back they will be cemented to your teeth.

Taking Care of your Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers require brushing and flossing daily, just like your natural teeth. This removes plaque, and ensures good gum tissue health around the porcelain veneers. Routine check ups and cleaning at the dentist are also important. And remember that while porcelain veneers are tough, they may not be able to withstand forces from using your teeth as tools (such as opening bags), or biting very hard foods – which isn’t healthy for your natural teeth either! A nightguard is a good way to protect from grinding and clenching. Protect your porcelain veneers and protect your smile!