Porcelain Veneers are very thin and are bonded on the front of your anterior teeth. Dentists use some of the same techniques to bond plastic resins for minor smile corrections. These porcelain veneers are about 0.3mm to 0.5mm in thickness but are very strong once bonded to your teeth. They have a "life like" appearance with the strength, beauty, and durability only porcelain restorations can afford. Veneers have several advantages over crowns (caps). There is no "dark line" that is sometimes seen with older front caps. They transmit light better and, therefore, have a more translucent appearance giving a natural, esthetic look. Veneers do not require the massive grinding of tooth structure that caps do, yet, they accomplish a lifelike esthetic result.
How's it done? After a through discussion with your dentist to establish just what you wish to accomplish AND establish what can or can not be done, your first appointment usually involves some minor contouring of the front teeth and taking an impression (mould) of the teeth. 2 to 3 weeks later the veneers are tried in, and, if satisfactory, they are bonded in place. A follow up visit is made in a week. The results are instant and spectacular! Many times, we combine bleaching with porcelain veneers to make that perfect smile. If some front teeth are already badly broken down, we can place new all porcelain crowns combined with veneering and other cosmetic techniques. As always, talk to your dentist or one specializing in cosmetic dentistry and discuss your specific desires. Usually, we can give you that smile you have always wanted.
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