Porcelain Veneers

Often an alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain that are bonded over the front of your teeth with little or no anesthesia needed. They are the cure for teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, have small holes or pits, misshapen or crooked, or for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns, veneers won’t require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself. Veneers are created from an impression taken in your cosmetic dentist’s office. Your custom veneer is then bonded directly onto your tooth. Veneers won’t stain, making them a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. They are strong and very durable. Veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Porcelain Tooth Veneers

Advantages: Porcelain veneers are common in creating new smiles and smile makeovers. With porcelain veneers, you can have the smile of your dreams in a very short period of time. Typically veneers are difficult to stain, making veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. They are strong and very durable and can last from ten to fifteen years. They come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color. Veneers are typically done in only two one and a half hour long appointments, and can actually strengthen your tooth.

There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up visit to your cosmetic dentist and proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis.

Finally, a whiter smile gives people to whom you are speaking a place to focus and gives you a friendlier appearance.

Disadvantages: It takes a week or two of a period of adjustment to get used to your teeth that have been changed in color, size, spacing and shape. While very little tooth is removed in most cases, there are situations where more tooth must be removed which increases the risk of trauma to the tooth. The amount of tooth to be removed for the veneers should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist beforehand.

It is common to have minor sensitivity after your teeth have been prepared for your veneers while wearing the temporary veneers. Veneers are very reasonable replicates of natural teeth, but not perfect replacements for natural teeth. It’s common to see slight variations in the color of veneers upon very close inspection, as with natural teeth. It can take up to a month or two before your new smile feels a part of you.

If you suffer from bruxism, clenching or grinding of your teeth, veneers can be damaged, chipped, or cracked. If you suffer from bruxism, speak with your cosmetic dentist about wearing a mouth guard at night to protect your new smile.