When it comes to dental materials used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, nothing can beat porcelain for a realistic-looking smile. While composite resin is very difficult to distinguish from natural tooth enamel, porcelain has one advantage. Like tooth enamel, porcelain is translucent, it reflects light the same way that natural teeth do.
Porcelain veneers can transform your smile by concealing minor imperfections. Veneers are thin, shell-like wafers that cover the front surface of the front teeth; generally, they are applied to the teeth that show when you smile. Porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to the surface of the teeth. Once placed, they can last for years with proper care.
The first step in getting porcelain veneers is the preparation of the teeth that they will be applied to. The surface of the teeth is prepared by removing some of the enamel to make the veneers bond to the teeth more securely. The second step is the actual placement and bonding of the veneers to the teeth.
Veneers can cover minor imperfections in teeth like lines or stains; they can be used for a color change to brighten or whiten your smile; they can cover gaps between teeth or change the shape of teeth to make your smile look completely full and properly aligned.
Because your natural teeth must be prepared for the placement of porcelain veneers, once the veneers are placed, they cannot be removed. If a veneer should be damaged, it would have to be replaced. But porcelain veneers are very durable. When you have veneers you can eat and drink normally, but you should avoid using your teeth as tools for tearing or cutting.
Porcelain is also quite resistant to staining. If you are interested in getting veneers but also want a whiter smile, you might want to consider teeth whitening first for your other teeth, and then choosing your veneers in a shade that matches your other, newly whitened teeth. Once in place, veneers cannot be whitened.
An economical alternative to porcelain veneers is available by the use of composite materials. Sometimes these are called composite veneers, but also may be called bonding. Veneers should not be confused with crowns. A crown restores a damaged tooth and makes it completely healthy and functional. A veneer or bonding is a cosmetic procedure that improves the appearance of the smile.
If you would like to learn more about veneers and how they can improve your smile, call Dr. Jessica Hill in Alexandra, Virginia now to set up a consultation appointment.