It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable.
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anesthesia required during the procedure. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mold or impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and the dentist.
On the second visit the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
Because a very small part of the tooth is etched away, porcelain veneers are considered a permanent treatment. Only 0.1 to 0.5 mm. around the front and sides of the tooth is removed. Without this step, the thin sheets of porcelain that are cemented to the teeth would look oversized and unnatural. Veneers can be removed if it becomes necessary, but the teeth will not be aesthetically pleasing unless they are replaced with new veneers.
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and do not need to be replaced unless they are damaged. If they do crack or break for any reason, they can and will need to be replaced; they cannot be repaired with dental bonding.
Veneers function just like natural teeth, so the general standards for oral hygiene apply. As long as patients brush their teeth, floss, and visit their dentist for regular teeth cleanings, their risk of developing cavities or tooth decay is significantly decreased.
The color of your veneers is completely customized to match the rest of your teeth. Some patients choose to whiten the rest of their teeth with laser teeth whitening before they receive veneers to achieve an overall whiter smile.
One of the major advantages of porcelain veneers is that, unlike natural teeth that can become discolored over time, porcelain veneers are incredibly stain resistant.