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Veneers are ultra-thin
sculpted pieces of tooth-shaped porcelain that fit over the front of your
teeth. They are wonderful for fixing teeth that are significantly
discolored, chipped, pitted, malformed, or crooked, or if you have
unwanted spaces. In certain situations, a change in upper lip fullness and
balance can be obtained by placing porcelain laminate veneers on your four
front teeth.
Unlike crowns or caps,
porcelain laminate veneers don't require the removal of much tooth
structure. Veneers are usually created in a dental laboratory from an
impression taken in the dental office. During the first visit, the color
is matched using a shade guide then the teeth are filed down a bit. Then
the teeth are fitted with temporaries while the veneers are being created
at the lab. Then the veneers are cemented directly onto your teeth and
polished to a natural, aesthetic smile. Veneers are stronger and have a
longer life than bonding, but the process requires more time. Veneers
typically cost less than crowns and won't stain, making them a popular
means of improving your smile. Treatment may take two or more office
visits to complete and should last more than 10 years.
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What are
Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are a thin, semi-translucent laminate permanently bonded to your
teeth. While they're not suitable for every patient, veneers are the most
aesthetic alternative for a variety of dental conditions involving the
front teeth, including:
•Diastemas (spaces between teeth)
•Broken or chipped teeth
•Unsightly, stained, or washed-out fillings
•Permanently stained or discolored teeth that can't be bleached
•Crooked teeth
Advantages and
Benefits of Veneers
There are many benefits and advantages to having porcelain veneers placed
on your front teeth:
•The procedure takes only two appointments
•A conservative amount of tooth structure is removed during the procedure
•Veneers are the most biocompatible material you can use next to the
gingiva
•A healthy "natural" look is achieved; in fact, porcelain veneers are the
most aesthetic restoration in dentistry.
How are
Veneers different from Bonding or Crowns?
Bonding is a resin filling material that was used for several years to
cover the front surface of teeth. Today, we generally use bonding only to
fill in small surfaces or cavities and repair chips in teeth. A full crown
is when a tooth has had root canal treatment, or when a substantial amount
of the entire tooth structure (enamel) has been lost.
How are
Porcelain Veneers done?
At the first appointment the teeth are prepared for the veneers and an
impression is taken. This impression is then sent to a lab where each
porcelain veneer is custom made to the dentist's specifications and
beautiful temporaries are fabricated to simulate your new smile so you can
expect to leave the first appointment looking better than when you came
in. At the second appointment the veneers are permanently adhered to the
natural teeth.
What to Expect
Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are taken care of
by the patient. Because veneers are stronger than simple bonding, they are
also more resistant to stains and chipping. You must maintain regular oral
hygiene at home, and visit us for routine cleanings and exams. This is to
ensure that your new veneers will look as good as new. Another important
point is that oral habits that damage natural teeth such as nail biting,
opening bobby pins, and chewing on hard objects can also damage your new
veneers. Once veneers are applied, just treat them like natural teeth.
They look great and are extremely durable.
120
Chadwick Square Court, Suite B, Hendersonville, NC |
