Dental veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the overall look and shape of teeth. Porcelain veneers are a popular choice, and these veneers are wafer thin and made of porcelain. These veneers are tooth-colored and are applied to the surface of teeth to provide you with a more beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers are used as a cosmetic procedure, since they provide patients with white, shapely, aligned smiles. However, they may also be used to help protect the surface of severely damaged teeth, eliminating the need for more expensive, extensive treatments.
Your cosmetic dentist may use porcelain veneers to:
Some of the benefits of porcelain veneers include:
During the first appointment for porcelain veneers, the natural teeth will be contoured, and then a precise impression of the teeth is taken. That impression will be used to help create veneers that will fit your teeth. Usually, it will take 1-2 weeks for the veneers to be sent back from a laboratory. Before placing the veneer permanently on your tooth, the veneer is placed on the tooth to examine the color and fit of the veneer. The veneer may need to be trimmed to ensure the proper fit. When the veneer is ready, the tooth is cleaned, polished, and etched, roughing up the tooth to ensure a strong bonding process. A bonding agent is applied to the porcelain veneer, which is then applied to the tooth. After the veneer is positioned properly, a light beam is used to activate the bonding agent, making it harden quickly. Any excess cement is removed and final adjustments are made to ensure your porcelain veneers look beautiful.