In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has allowed millions of people to improve their smiles, increase their confidence, and change their lives. Improvements in dental materials and techniques make it possible to have a naturally-appearing, durable, and highly functional smile. If you are a good candidate, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular procedures that can help you enhance your smile.
One of the cosmetic dentistry options that requires less tooth structure removal than full porcelain crowns is dental veneers. While your dentist must remove enamel and dentin around the entire circumference of a tooth to fabricate a porcelain crown, veneers can be made after only a thin layer of enamel removal. This enamel removal is only on the front surface of a tooth, preserving a considerable amount of natural tooth structure.
After enamel removal, a custom-made ceramic or porcelain shell, or veneer, is made that will adhere to a tooth’s front surface. Your veneers are made on models of your teeth in a dental lab by a ceramic specialist. Each veneer is crafted to precisely fit each tooth and match the color of your natural teeth to maximally enhance your smile.
Porcelain veneers may be an option if you have one or more cosmetic dental problems such as:
There are two main types of dental veneers: composite veneers and porcelain veneers.
Composite veneers are made of resin and can usually be completed in one visit. Additionally, they can often be placed with minimal or no tooth structure removal. However, they are not as durable and stain-resistant as porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are made indirectly on models of your teeth, requiring at least a couple of dental visits. Porcelain veneers are more durable and longer-lasting than composite veneers and typically appear more natural. Some studies have shown that long-term patient satisfaction is higher with porcelain than with composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers offer several benefits, including:
Although porcelain veneers are an excellent option if you want to improve the appearance of your smile, you will need to be evaluated by your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate. The following is a list of characteristics that make someone a good candidate for porcelain veneers.
Good oral health habits help ensure that you get the best results from your veneers and minimize the risk of future problems that could jeopardize their longevity. Some of these habits include:
One of the early signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, which can interfere with obtaining accurate models of your teeth. Additionally, if your gums bleed during the placement of the veneers, the seal could be compromised. This can lead to cavities forming or the veneers falling off.
While porcelain veneers are permanent restorations, the severe pressure placed on teeth with bruxism can cause them to chip, crack, or fall off. Therefore, it is preferred to treat bruxism before considering porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers cannot be placed on teeth that have tooth decay. All decay must be treated to ensure that you have enough sound tooth structure to support veneers. A cavity that appears small on the surface can destroy a substantial amount of tooth structure, making a porcelain crown a better option than a veneer.
After a comprehensive examination, we can suggest the best cosmetic dentistry option to give you the smile you want. Among the services offered at Palmetto Dental Arts are professional teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, dental implants, and porcelain veneers. For more information, call us or contact us online.