A picture may worth a thousand words. A beautiful smile is priceless….
Whether we admit or not, most people can’t resist checking out photos of celebrities in their natural state (I know I can’t). Cheesy as it sounds, it’s comforting to know that without an armada of stylists and makeup artists, all those glamour girls and guys look just as ordinary as the rest of us. But typically one of the biggest transformations the glossy magazine crowd has gone through is to turn their ho-hum smiles into the megawatt grins known to the whole world.
Are you looking to get that perfect Hollywood smile “? 60 – 70% people have probably experienced decay, excessive wear, discoloration and shifting of the teeth. So what makes porcelain veneers so popular and are they right for you? We are here to break down the facts and uncover the common misconceptions.
Some of the common misconceptions are:
– The application of veneers is painful
– The entire tooth must be filed down before veneers can be placed
– Veneers are unnaturally white and noticeable
What exactly are Porcelain Veneers?
The term “veneer” usually means a very thin covering that’s designed to improve the way a surface looks. The porcelain veneers we use in cosmetic dentistry are just like that. They cover up flaws in the natural teeth while preserving their strength and vitality. Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin layers of super-strong material, which are bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. Once placed on your teeth, they offer a permanent way to improve a smile.
What kinds of smile defects can porcelain veneers fix?
The level of Veneers can help with a whole range of issues, including:
Color: Teeth that are deeply stained or yellowed – even those which can’t be lightened with professional bleaching – can be restored to a brilliant white (or a natural luster) with porcelain veneers.
Shape and size: If your teeth have become worn down with age, or have clips or roughened edges, veneers can restore them to a more pleasing shape. They can also lengthen teeth that appear too short, for a dramatic enhancement of your smile.
Alignment and spacing: For closing a small gap between teeth or making other minor adjustments in tooth spacing or position, veneers may be just what you need; more serious issues can be handled with orthodontics.
What happens during the porcelain veneers procedure?
Impacted wisdom Once you have decided that you want porcelain veneers your dentist will make study models of your teeth. The reason for this is that your dentist will be able to give you a mock-up of what your teeth can look like when the porcelain veneers are in place. At this time you and your dentist can discuss the size, shape and color of your new porcelain veneers. Once these models are approved, an appointment can be set up for the actual procedure. Local anesthesia is generally recommended if there will be tooth preparation to avoid any discomfort. Once the preparation of your teeth is completed your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This impression will be used by the dental laboratory to create your custom porcelain veneers. Once fabricated, you will return to have the porcelain veneers placed onto your teeth. Initially, your dentist will place the veneers to check that the color, shape and size is as desired. If they meet all your expectations, the dentist will bond them to your teeth creating your new smile.
How do I care for my porcelain veneers?
Dental visits should continue as usual. Brushing and flossing will help prevent decay around your veneers. Porcelain veneers are quite strong but it is possible to break/fracture them. The following activities should be avoided like breaking nuts with teeth, tearing open packages, biting and tearing hard items and ice chewing.
How long porcelain veneers last?
The longevity of porcelain veneers will vary from individual to individual. The general rule is they last about 10 – 15 years although some can expect a longer lifespan for them. If porcelain veneers chip, crack or show any wear they can be replaced refreshing your smile.
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