Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a common treatment option for unaesthetic anterior teeth. They are unsurprisingly the most frequently requested procedures in dental offices.

Introduced in 1983, they are the go-to option for front teeth imperfections because they’re aesthetically pleasing, look natural and subtle, and are more robust than actual tooth enamel.

If you have any structural, aesthetic, or biological requirements, contact a world-class porcelain veneer dentist to help you choose the most appropriate treatment solution for you.

Meanwhile, read on to learn more about veneers and why you should consider them today!

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are paper-thin tooth-colored shells that are applied to the front teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers permanently correct many dental problems and give you the smile of your dreams.

What Are the Different Types of Veneers?

It’s important to highlight that there are different types of veneers:

• Porcelain Veneers – Most common veneers. They are versatile, completely customizable, tooth-colored, and can last 10 to 15 years. Unlike dental crowns, porcelain veneers are less invasive and require minimal preparation for a successful shell replacement.
• Lumineers – Similar to porcelain veneers, they look natural and are customizable. Lumineers are ultra-thin, translucent, and can last for 20 years unless they chip. They chip easier than porcelain veneers.
• Composite Resin Veneers – These are cheaper and easy to install. The material is sculpted directly to your teeth. However, they don’t last as long as porcelain veneers, discolor quickly, and are generally less life-like.
• Palatal Veneers – Also known as palatal Onlays, these veneers are only directly applied to the compromised area of your tooth.
• Removable veneers – Snap-on veneers are cheaper, removable, less invasive, and molded to fit the upper and lower teeth. However, they can be uncomfortable as they don’t blend perfectly with your natural teeth and need replacement often.

Are You a Candidate for Dental Veneers?

You qualify for porcelain veneers if you suffer from severe teeth aesthetic flaws that affect the appearance of your smile.

However, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure, so you should be in good dental health otherwise.

If you have severe dental issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, your dentist will first perform restorative dentistry solutions.

What’s the Process of Getting Dental Veneers?

Once your dentist confirms your eligibility for porcelain veneers, he can begin to plan your procedure.

Initial planning steps include:

• Diagnostic x-rays
• Dental impressions
• Photos

Quite often, high-tech dentists digitally manipulate images of your teeth to achieve perfect proportions. This shows how your teeth will look after attaching the porcelain teeth veneers.

Teeth Preparation

Your dentist will reshape your teeth by removing approximately 0.5 mm of enamel from the front surfaces. This is roughly the same thickness as a porcelain veneer and will ensure your new enhancements look natural and don’t feel too cumbersome in the mouth.

Once your dentist prepares your teeth, they will take a dental impression, which helps to customize your veneers.

Veneer Installation

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist bonds them onto your teeth, and you can show off your new smile to everyone.

How to Take Care of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are sturdy, but just like your natural teeth, you must treat them nicely. So, brush twice a day and floss your teeth.

Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and remember, DON’T use your teeth as tools.

About The Author:

Ann Lewis enjoys the art of writing and has experience in various spheres of the craft. By blending information, with advice and impromptu jokes, she writes articles that not only have something to teach but are also light, easy to read.