Porcelain veneers are the latest trend in cosmetic dentistry. They allow an even smile of perfect teeth, as they allow making slight alterations to a tooth´s position; they make it possible change the shape, color, and size of the teeth for a perfect smile.
Porcelain veneers consist of thin laminates of porcelain that recreate the natural appearance of the teeth while providing them strength. They are highly stained resistant custom-made shells that cover the front surface of the teeth.
Although many people ask for porcelain veneers just for cosmetic purposes, they can actually fix some dental issues, including:
- worn teeth
- broken or chipped teeth
- misaligned teeth
- uneven teeth
- irregularly shaped teeth (teeth with bulges or craters on them
- separated teeth (teeth with gaps between them)
The usual procedure for getting porcelain veneers is as follows:
- Diagnosis and planning
On your first visit to the dentist, explain clearly to your dentist what you expect from the veneers. He/she will perform a thorough examination of your teeth to make sure you are a proper candidate for the veneers. Most likely, you dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth.
- Preparing your teeth for the porcelain veneers
After having verified that no other issues need to be addressed (such as cavities or infections), your dentist will start preparing your teeth for the veneers.
The preparation consists of removing about half a millimeter of enamel from the surface of your teeth. To trim off the enamel of your teeth, you will probably be given a local anesthetic.
- Going for the veneers
After having removed the enamel from your teeth, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and make a model of them to send it to the dental lab which will make your porcelain veneers. In many cases, temporary veneers are placed when the trimmed teeth look very ugly.
After the model is sent to the dental laboratory, it typically takes from two weeks to a month to get the definitive veneers back
- Placing and cementing the veneers
Before definitively cementing the porcelain veneers to your teeth, the dentist will place them on the, remove them, and do some further trimming to achieve a perfect fit. This procedure will be done more than once per tooth. The dentist will select the shade of cement he/she will use carefully, as it affects the final color of the veneers. Then, teeth are cleaned and polished. After that, they are etched to make a surface that will allow stronger bonding. The cement will be applied, and the porcelain veneers placed.
- Final steps
Once positioned, a light beam will be applied. This light activates the chemicals in the cement that make it harden very quickly. Once excess of cement is removed, and the dentist will evaluate if any final adjustments are needed.
Celebrities with their perfect smiles have made porcelain veneers so demanded, consult with your dentist and find out if you are a suitable candidate for a bright, even, and perfect smile too!
