Porcelain veneers are a wonderful way to transform teeth that are mostly healthy but affected by cosmetic imperfections, like chips, stains, or slight gaps.
These thin restorations can be permanently affixed to the front surface of the teeth that show when you smile -- and because veneers are highly customizable, the end result is always naturally beautiful and completely you.
How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?
Porcelain veneers work by simply covering up cosmetic imperfections with an attractive tooth-shaped restoration. Each veneer can be affixed directly onto the front surface of the tooth to remake its size, shape, color, and overall appearance. Veneers made out of dental porcelain are highly customizable to ensure that the end result is completely natural. They are made for the teeth that show when you speak and smile, or the ones we also call the “social six.” With proper care and maintenance, veneers can stay sturdy and beautiful for many years.
What Can Veneers Fix?
Dental veneers can cover up just about any imperfection affecting otherwise healthy teeth. During a consultation, our cosmetic dentist, Dr.Shanthimathi will evaluate your teeth and discuss your smile goals with you to determine whether or not this solution is viable for you.
Veneers are a good option for the following issues:
- Chipped or uneven teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth (like too pointy or short)
- Slight gaps between teeth
- Minor tooth crowding
- Off-center teeth
- And other cosmetic problems
How Are Veneers Applied?
Completing the procedure for veneers usually takes 2-3 appointments to our office. First, each tooth that will receive a veneer will be reshaped, meaning a small layer of enamel will be removed from the surface. Then, an impression (or mold) will be made of the prepared teeth, a treatment plan will be put together, and the veneers will be created in a separate lab. Temporary veneers will be applied to protect the prepared teeth. When the veneers have been created, you return to our office for their final placement.
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?
Many adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their healthy but imperfect front teeth can benefit from dental veneers. We recommend this treatment for patients over the age of 18 to make sure that the teeth are finished developing. Remember that veneers work for healthy teeth suffering cosmetic imperfections -- for more significant issues, orthodontic treatment, Invisalign, all-ceramic metal-free dental crowns may be the better solution.