What are Veneers?
A. Few of us have perfect smiles. The front teeth may be somewhat crooked or stained. There may be gaps or chips or the teeth may be uneven. In the past, the only way to correct these or other imperfections was to install crowns, an expensive and time-consuming procedure. Today, your dentist can correct cosmetic imperfections with veneers, ultra-thin shells of ceramic material that are bonded to the fronts of the teeth, much in the same way that artificial fingernails are attached to the fingers. The only requirement is that the teeth be structurally sound.
Veneers are one method of perfecting ones smile. A veneer is made of porcelain, and typically covers the front, sides and biting surface of a tooth. A veneer can be utilitzed to change a tooths size, shape, and color, yet still look and feel like your natural teeth. Sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontia” veneers can be used to straighten your teeth in only two appointments that last only a few hours each, not months or years like braces.
Porcelain veneers are often used for the same reasons as bonding (to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth). They are considerably more durable and stain resistant than bonding. The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain similar in size to a fingernail. Once it is “bonded” onto the tooth it becomes extremely strong. It also blends in with the remaining tooth structure so that it is unnoticeable to the naked-eye. Once in place, it looks, feels, and functions just like a regular tooth. Porcelain veneers can be utilized to change the shape and color of a single tooth or if necessary, revamp an entire smile. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct teeth that have been worn from clenching and grinding.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells, like false fingernails, that are permanently adhered to the outsides of your teeth. They are carefully shaped, both to fit your real teeth perfectly, and to give you a perfect smile. Veneers can make your teeth longer and more even. They will certainly make your smile whiter. When you choose veneers, you are making an investment for the highest quality materials used in cosmetic dentistry. See for yourself To learn more about veneers and see how they can reshape your smile, click here.
