What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of porcelain with a minimum thickness of about half a millimeter (the thickness of a fingernail). They are bonded onto the fronts of teeth to create a new smile. Porcelain mimics tooth structure better than any other restorative material. It is stronger than enamel, so it resists wear and can last for many years. And it resists stain better than tooth enamel. It will rarely discolor, unless the surface has been damaged.
While some ultra-thin porcelains can be placed with no tooth preparation, in most cases the teeth are shaved a little bit. The reduction is minimal and doesn’t hurt the teeth. The picture on the right shows how thin they are and how a prepared tooth looks natural.
What can be accomplished with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a great solution to worn or chipped teeth, as well as to alter spacing between teeth.
They can also be used to cover stained teeth. Although some stains can be removed with teeth whitening treatment, others require covering. However, even with stains that are bleachable, porcelain veneers allow your dentist the ability to control the exact shade and alter the shapes of the teeth.
The veneers can also be used as an alternative to braces. Sometimes called “instant orthodontics,” they can allow your teeth to appear straighter more quickly, rather than waiting two or three years for regular orthodontic treatment.
If you are wondering if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, we can see you for a complimentary consultation to find out. You’ll get ten or fifteen minutes with Dr. Jayashree Srinivasan to ask her any questions you would like about the procedure. If you are ready to make an appointment, you may call the office or visit our request an appointment page.