Porcelain Veneers Overview

If you are unhappy about the way your teeth look and you feel that teeth whitening will only give you partial results, you may want to consider porcelain dental veneers. A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is permanently adhered to the front of the tooth. Veneers give the appearance of a bright, white, and completely healthy smile.

Treatment Information

Porcelain veneers are custom-designed to fit easily over a tooth, or teeth, to cover worn enamel, spaces, chips, cracks, or even minor misalignments. Porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic dentistry treatment because they can easily conceal a number of aesthetic concerns. They are an increasingly popular treatment option thanks to their versatility and their reputation for natural-looking results.

Candidacy for Veneers

Before you have the porcelain veneers applied to your teeth, your dentist will need to make sure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. If too many of your teeth have cavities or are in an advanced state of decay, you may not qualify. Your teeth will need to be healthy, but stained or discolored to the point where teeth whitening will not be effective. After your initial consultation, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth so that the porcelain veneers can be made specifically to fit your mouth.

Procedure Details

On the day you get your porcelain veneers, your dentist will give you a cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth. A small layer of enamel will be removed from the front surfaces of your teeth to make room for the veneers, which will then be permanently bonded in place. You may notice a bit of an adjustment period as you get used to the feeling of having veneers on your teeth, and you will likely be asked to forego food and water for a few hours following your procedure, but by the end of the day, you can resume normal activities.