Porcelain Veneers
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are made out of a very thin layer of porcelain that is constructed in a dental laboratory. The purpose of a veneer is to bring back the natural beauty of your teeth and rejuvenate and restore your smile. Veneers are an alternative to porcelain crowns and in many cases it is a conservative approach to restorative dentistry. Imagine contact lenses that go over your eyes to help you restore your vision. They are very thin. Veneers are the same way. They are a very thin layer of porcelain that goes over your tooth. Teeth that are worn out, stained permanently (tetracycline), chipped or misaligned can benefit from veneers. (See before and after pictures in our “Smile Gallery” section)
The benefits of Veneers
Unlike natural teeth that are not resistant to coffee and tea stains, porcelain veneers are completely resistant to discoloration because they are made out of dense porcelain. Veneers are a very conservative option for restoring your smile. Your teeth are minimally reshaped to allow placement. For many individuals that have a gap between their teeth, reshaping is not required in most cases.
Maintenance of Veneers
Just like how you keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing, veneers require the same care. However, the major difference between veneers and natural teeth is the color durability. Veneers do not change shade so maintaining them is very simple and easy. Professional cleanings based on your dentist’s advice is recommended for the longevity of your teeth and veneers.