Using Porcelain Veneers to Create Beautiful Smiles

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, glass-like covers that are used to protect damaged teeth or improve the aesthetics of the teeth. Apart from being extremely strong and stain resistant, porcelain veneers have long been used in cosmetic dentistry because they are a great match for natural tooth enamel. In fact, dentists open weekends, who fabricate veneers, consider this curative material to be the best in the industry.

Problems dental veneers can fix for you:

1.       Discolored teeth due to root canal treatment, extreme fluoride use, large resin fillings.

2.      Worn out teeth.

3.      Chipped or broken teeth.

4.      Misaligned projections that are irregularly shaped and misaligned (for instance, have bulges or craters in them).

5.      Teeth that have gaps in them.

People who grind and clench their teeth are not good candidates for porcelain veneers. The habit of clenching can cause the veneers to chip or crack.

Dental Veneers: Steps

Getting veneers usually requires 3 trips– one for consultation and the other two to create and fix the veneers. You can get a single tooth or several teeth transformed simultaneously. Here is how:

1. Diagnosis -This first step involves treatment planning, wherein the dentist will examine your teeth to make sure this treatment is suitable for you and discuss what the process will involve and all of its limitations. You may also be asked to take X-rays.
   
   
2. Preparation- To get your tooth ready for a veneer, the dentist will remove about a millimeter of enamel from the surface, which is equal to the thickness of the veneer to be applied to the tooth. Next, dentists will make an impression of your tooth, which will help in construction of the veneer.
   
   
3. Bonding – Once the veneer is made, the dentist will prepare your tooth for bonding. Your tooth will have to undergo cleaning, polishing and etching -- which will roughen it for stronger bonding. A special kind of cement will then be applied to the veneer to fix it on your tooth.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, make sure you choose the right clinic that offers skilled dental care for those from all walks of life. One of the best ways to find out about good dental clinics is to search online or to find out from family and friends. Another option is to ask your general physician for help and some recommendations.