Porcelain veneers are one method of making over a smile.
Veneers are made up of tiny porcelain shells that are made to replicate the look of a human tooth.
They are bonded onto the natural tooth to strengthen and enhance the appearance of the tooth.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, and skillfully blended in with the rest of the teeth for a natural, more youthful appearance.
If you are considering veneers, it is best to book a consultation with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry.
During your initial visit, the dentist will usually go over a variety of factors such as your budget, your dental history, and the severity of the oral health issue before recommending veneers.
Cosmetic dentistry treatments are sometimes covered by extended insurance plans; in other cases, dental practices may have payment plans to assist you in covering the cost of the treatment.
Many people consider porcelain veneers to be an investment in their overall health and appearance.
Your dentist may suggest a single veneer to rejuvenate a damaged or malposition of teeth, or multiple veneers in the case that more than one tooth is in need of renewal.
Once you and your dentist have decided that porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment option for you, two to three visits will be necessary to complete the procedure.
During the second visit, the top layer of enamel will be removed from the tooth (or teeth) to make space for the fitting of the veneer.
At this time, an impression of the tooth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory.
At the lab, technicians will create your custom-made veneer, which will be formulated to replicate the look of your natural teeth for a flawless appearance.
Once the impression is taken and the creation of the veneer complete, it will be time for another visit to have the veneer fixed onto the tooth.
During this visit, the dentist will apply a cleaning agent to prepare the surface of the tooth for bonding, and the veneers will be adhered onto the tooth.
A bonding solution will be used to permanently cement the veneer to the tooth.
Porcelain veneers can last for decades given the proper care.
Your dentist will likely give you a tutorial on how to properly maintaining your veneers; the dentist may suggest that you refrain from consuming stain-causing foods such as red wine and coffee to ensure the longevity of your veneers.