Porcelain veneers are thin, semi-translucent laminates that bond permanently to your teeth to create a new, ideal smile. Although not suitable for every patient, porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions, including gaps or spaces between the front teeth, broken teeth, permanently stained or discolored teeth or cracked teeth.
There are many benefits to choosing porcelain veneers as a cosmetic enhancement to your smile. The procedure requires only two visits to a qualified and trained cosmetic dentist. A healthy, natural looking smile is achieved easily. In fact, porcelain veneers are the most aesthetic restoration in dentistry. And, porcelain veneers are the most bio-compatible material you can use next to the part of the gum tissue that immediately surrounds the teeth.
Porcelain veneers different from bonding or crowns in many ways. Years ago, a resin filling material (bonding) was used to cover the front surface of teeth to cosmetically enhance smiles. Today, bonding is used generally only to fill in small surfaces of cavities and repair chips in teeth. A full crown is used when a tooth has had root canal treatment, or when a substantial amount of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost.
On a first appointment for porcelain veneers, the patient’s teeth are prepared for the porcelain veneers and a bite impression is taken. Between visits, this impression is sent to a dental lab where each porcelain veneer is custom made to the dentist’s specifications. Meanwhile, the dentist uses these impressions to fabricate beautiful temporary veneers that simulate your new smile. Patients can expect to leave the first appointment with a cosmetically enhanced smile. On the second appointment, the porcelain veneers from the dental lab are adhered permanently to the natural teeth, completing the cosmetic dentistry process.