Porcelain veneers are used commonly in cosmetic dentistry to correct a wide range of issues. They are a versatile treatment, and require very little alteration of the teeth. In addition, they are durable and natural looking.
Uses for Veneers
Porcelain veneers have become a mainstay in cosmetic dentistry because of their natural appearance and their versatility. Where in the past many surface issues were addressed with more invasive treatments like dental crowns, now veneers are the preferred approach. They can be used for a variety of issues including:
- Surface pitting
- Cracks or chips
- Severe discoloration
- Slight misalignment
- Small gaps between teeth
Veneers are custom made and made of porcelain that is color matched to your teeth. Porcelain is semi-translucent just like your tooth enamel, so light penetrates it and then reflects back. This gives your treated teeth the same luster as natural teeth. Most people won’t even know you’ve had anything done to your smile.
How Veneers are Placed
Porcelain veneers are usually placed in a two-step process. First, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front tooth surfaces. This provides enough room for the veneers. Veneers don’t require much room—in fact, some veneers are so thin that can be affixed directly to the tooth without any alteration at all. Most are about the thickness of a fingernail. Depending upon how much enamel needs to be removed, you may or may not require a local anesthetic for this procedure.
Next, your dentist takes a mold of your teeth. This mold is used to create your custom porcelain veneers, which are usually constructed in an off-site lab. It might be two or three days before the custom veneers are finished, so your dentist will put temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them in the mean time. When the permanent veneers arrive, you’ll return to the dentist to have them permanently affixed to your teeth. If you take good care of them, they will keep your smile looking great many years.
Contact the office of Dr. Sewitch today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.