Q: What exactly are porcelain veneers?
A: 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 that's less than perfect.
Q: What kinds of smile defects can porcelain veneers fix?
A: Veneers can help with a whole range of issues, including:
- Color: Teeth that are deeply stained or yellowed รข€“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 chips 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.
Q: What's involved in getting porcelain veneers?
A: First, we will talk with you about what aspects of your smile you'd like to improve, and develop a plan to accomplish that. When we're all agreed, the next step will probably be to remove a small amount of tooth material in preparation for placing the veneers. (Some types of veneers, however, don't require this step.) Next, we will make a mold of your teeth and send it to the dental lab; you'll leave our office with a set of temporary veneers. In a few weeks, you'll return to our office to have the final veneers permanently bonded to your teeth.
Q: Is it possible to preview the results?
A: Yes! The options for a preview range from computer-generated images of your new smile to an accurate, life-sized model of your teeth with veneers applied. It may even be possible to make acrylic "trial veneers" that we can actually place on your teeth to try on! So if your smile could use a little help, ask us about porcelain veneers.
If you would like more information on porcelain veneers, please see our website at www.myParkDental.com or call us at (239) 263-1151 to schedule an appointment for a consultation us, or schedule an appointment online.
