What are porcelain
veneers?
Porcelain veneers
are thin shells that attach to the
front of teeth to mask defects. Veneers
are designed for patients who suffer
from aesthetic defects (as opposed
to functional defects). For those
seeking a beautiful smile, porcelain
veneers are less expensive, time-consuming,
and painful than most other options.
Who
is a candidate for porcelain veneers?
Candidates
for porcelain veneers include individuals
with tooth imperfections who are seeking
a conservative method of improving
their look. Common tooth imperfections
that can be covered up with veneers
include:
- Stains from coffee, tea, cigarettes,
tetracycline, root canal surgery,
or injury
- Gaps
- Chips
- Worn spots
- Misalignments
- Irregular shape
Good candidates
should have teeth that are strong
and healthy overall. A qualified cosmetic
dentist can further advise patients
considering porcelain veneers.
How
is the procedure performed?
The process begins
with a consultation between dentist
and patient to discuss the benefits
and limitations of the procedure.
If the patient decides to go forward,
they design the patient’s new
smile, right down to the shade of
the porcelain veneers.
Next, the patient
goes in to have a mold taken for the
porcelain veneers. The dentist buffs
down the front of the teeth to make
room for the veneers. The patient
may require a local anesthetic for
this. The dentist then takes a mold
of the teeth, which is sent to a laboratory
to have the custom veneers made. This
takes approximately one to two weeks,
so the patient may request a temporary
set of veneers to protect the teeth
in the meantime.
Finally, the patient
goes in to have the porcelain veneers
put on. Creating a natural look depends
upon matching the color of the teeth
with the veneers and the bonding material
that holds them on. To start, the
dentist places the veneers onto the
teeth with a non-adhesive substance
such as water to get a sense of the
color in relationship to the teeth.
Then the dentist chooses an appropriate
bonding cement. Next, the dentist
cleans the teeth with a chemical solution
designed to improve the bond, and
the veneers are placed onto the teeth
using the cement. A light beam catalyzes
the adhesion once the veneers are
positioned correctly.
If you are interested
in porcelain veneers, you may want
to contact a cosmetic dentist for
more information.
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