What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are shaped to fit over the front side of your teeth. Porcelain veneers, also called dental veneers, are strong, they look natural and are made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth.
Early porcelain veneers were popularized by the film industry. Dr. Charles Pincus, a famous Hollywood dentist, devised dental veneers for actors and actresses to improve their smiles on the screen. The veneers were originally temporary, but they were improved with time and in the 1960s adhesive dentistry, spearheaded by Dr. Michael Buonocore, allowed for the bonding we have today.
Today’s dental veneers reflect light and are stronger than before. Dentists are able to combine these veneers with teeth whitening, dental crowns, and other dental treatments for beautiful smiles and a comprehensive cosmetic result.
Different types of ceramics are used to make dental veneers. These can be stacked ceramics which can be more precisely customized, pressed ceramics which are very strong, but which are thicker than other materials, and lithium disilicate which is a new type of veneer material that is intensely strong, making it ideal for those with bruxism.
How Are Dental Veneers Applied?
A mock-up is usually done before the final decision is made. This helps you see how the veneers will look once they are in place. Today’s technology enables this through the use of three-dimensional computer images, but wax-ups are also common.
The Academy of General Dentistry traditionally recommended the removal of about one millimeter of enamel from the surface of each tooth before the application of dental veneers. However, today’s veneers require very little preparation and little to no enamel has to be removed.
An impression of the inside of your mouth is then taken and a mould is formed. This mould is sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom made by dental technicians. Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to your teeth using special cement.
What Are The Benefits Of Porcelain Veneers?
These medical-grade ceramic shells give an immediate transformation to your smile. Given that the veneers are made specifically for each patient, you are guaranteed a perfect fit. The veneers look exactly like your natural teeth and nobody will ever know you have them on.
Dentists use dental veneers for different cosmetic corrections, from teeth whitening to orthodontic adjustments. Their multitude of uses makes them among the most reputable and popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
How To Take Care Of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers will go for about 10 years. However, just like your normal teeth, they can experience damage. Should your porcelain veneers get damaged, you should see your dentist promptly for repair or reattachment. Caring for the veneers includes avoiding excessive force that could lead to cracking, chipping, or dental erosion and brushing, flossing, and rinsing at least twice per day – good care can extend the life of your veneers up to 20 years.
You should visit a dentist regularly because cavities still occur in the underlying structure and the damaged teeth can fail to support veneers and because gum disease and receding gums can change the veneer appearance or lead to complete replacement of the restoration. Avoid smoking because although dental veneers resist stain, this is not usually the case with the cement that is used with them.
Who Are Ideal Candidates For Porcelain Veneers?
You should get a thorough health check-up before the installation of dental porcelain veneers because your body’s immunity must be appropriate to ensure you heal fast. Candidates for porcelain veneers include:
- Patients whose teeth are chipped, irregularly shaped (such as those with bulges and craters in them), or decayed
- Patients who have a slight gap between two teeth
- Patients who have minor bite-related and crowding problems
- Patients whose teeth are discolored due to root canal treatment, excessive fluoride, stains from drugs like tetracycline, and large resin fillings, among others
If you feel you are an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers, the team at Smiles on Queen Dentistry is ready to assist you. We offer cosmetic dentistry services to clients in Bolton, Caledon and beyond. From implants to lip augmentation and from orthodontics to tension headaches, we endeavour to create a smile for every member of your family. We are available for same-day emergency appointments and are open evenings and Saturdays by appointment. Book your appointment today by filling our online form or calling 905-533-2030.
