Get Rid of those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-colored custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth, improving their appearance. These materials are bonded in front of the teeth to change their shape, size, length, or color. Veneers are also available in resin composite material, but porcelain better resists stains and better mimics the look of natural teeth.
Veneers are used to fix many types of teeth problems. These include teeth that are discolored, worn down, broken or chipped, uneven, misaligned, and irregularly shaped. They can also be used to close the space on teeth with gaps between them. Your dentist can help you decide if porcelain veneers are the best option for you.
How to Get Porcelain Veneers
Getting porcelain veneers usually requires a few trips to the dentist’s office. You need to get there for a consultation, to get the veneers fitted, and the actual application. This will depend on the number of teeth that require veneer application. The three main steps are outlined below.
- Treatment Planning. In this stage, you will discuss with your dentist the result that you want your teeth and smile to have. Your dentist will then examine your teeth and see if dental veneers are the best option for you. X-rays and mouth impressions might be necessary. He will also discuss the procedure and its risks and limitations, and answer any questions you might have about the procedure.
- Preparation. To prepare a tooth to receive the porcelain veneer, the dentist will reshape the surface of the tooth by trimming the enamel. The dentist will then make an impression of the tooth and send it over to the laboratory to construct the veneer. It can take a few weeks for the veneer to go back from the laboratory.
- Bonding. The dental veneer is fitted on the tooth to examine its fit and color. Some trimming will have to be done to achieve its proper fit. Next, the tooth is cleaned and etched to receive the veneer. A cement is applied to bond the veneer with the tooth, and a special light quickly hardens and cures it. After this, any excess cement is removed, your bite will be evaluated and adjustments are done as necessary. You will have to go back to your dentist for a follow-up visit; just to make sure that your porcelain veneers are working as well as they should.
Advantages of Porcelain Veneers
Veneers offer many advantages. First, it gives a natural tooth appearance and is stain-resistant. The porcelain’s color can be selected so that it makes dark teeth look whiter. The gum tissue also tolerates porcelain really well. Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing the shape and color of a tooth; they do not require extensive shaping and give a strong and more aesthetic alternative.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Veneers generally last anywhere between 7 to 15 years, depending on the care they are provided with. After this, they will have to be replaced. They really do not require any special care, but it is important that you continue to follow good oral hygiene habits, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a good antiseptic mouthwash. Porcelain veneers might resist stains, but it is still best to avoid stain-causing food items like coffee, tea, and wine.
There are some alternatives to veneers, like crowns and bondings, but veneers offer a great intermediate option. These are best suited for people who are looking to change the look and shape of their teeth just a little more than bonding, but not so much that will require a dental crown. It is important that you talk to your dentist about your available options.
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