If you have a healthy mouth and smile but suffer from discolored or easily damaged teeth porcelain veneers might be the ideal solution. The most common reason is stained teeth that cannot be improved by. Veneers are also great if you have damaged, misaligned, or irregular sized teeth. For some people, porcelain veneers are the most effective solution for gaps or spaces between their teeth, as they will close up the gaps and give you a uniform smile.
Each veneer is a thin, custom-made piece of curved porcelain. Your dentist will make a mold of the teeth to be covered and design the veneer to be a perfect fit for your mouth. Porcelain veneers are more popular compared to composite veneers because they tend to look a little more natural and last longer. They also have a translucent appearance and do not stain easily. Porcelain is not susceptible to decay and closely mimics the look and feel of your enamel. Like porcelain crowns, veneers can last for years if they are cared for properly.
The first step is talking with your dentist. He or she will walk you through the process and help you determine how much will be covered by your dental insurance. Once you are ready to begin, your dentist will prepare the teeth that are being covered. After the initial fitting your dentist will grind and reshape the surfaces of your to-be-covered teeth. This is usually done with a local anesthetic for your comfort. A mold will then be made and the veneers created to fit exactly.
It typically takes one to three weeks for the veneers to be designed. During that time your dentist may put in temporary veneers or give you care instructions to follow while your teeth are in such a sensitive state. When the veneers are ready, the dentist will fit them on your teeth to check it they are the right shade and size. The teeth have to be cleaned thoroughly and the front surfaces need to be roughened before the porcelain veneers are cemented on the teeth using dental cement.
The roughening procedure is not bad. Because porcelain veneers are so thin, minimal tooth grinding is required when they are bonded to the teeth. Once your veneers are bonded into place, they become very strong and durable. With proper care, porcelain veneers will keep your smile beautiful for up to 15 years. It is a fairly simple procedure that will have a great affect on your looks and confidence.