What Everyone Should Know About Porcelain Veneers

A lot of people want to improve their smile these days, and many of them think that porcelain veneers would be the way to go. But what actually are porcelain veneers, and what’s involved in the procedure?

Well, porcelain veneers are thin laminates, or shells, of porcelain that are cemented onto the front of your existing teeth. They’re used to improve the appearance of your teeth and can be used to fix a whole range of problems from teeth that are heavily stained to those that are crooked, uneven, or badly damaged. They’re preferred over composite veneers as they last longer and give a more natural look, and although the often cost more the results are bound to be worth it.

The process involves an initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist to discuss your needs and what you expect from the treatment. He’ll explain everything to you and will give you a cost estimate, and then the procedure itself can begin.

First of all, the front surfaces of your teeth are reshaped to enable them to accommodate the veneers. A tiny sliver of your teeth will be shaved off, the same amount as the thickness of the veneer itself, and then a mould will be taken of your teeth so your new veneers can be made to your exact specifications. This could take up to three weeks (unless you’re at a particularly high-tech clinic), so a temporary set of veneers will often be provided to protect your teeth.

On the final consultation, after checking that the veneers will fit properly, they’re cemented in place. The procedure ensures that they’re fully bonded to the front of your teeth and any excess is trimmed to give a perfect, beautiful and natural smile.

What a lot of people aren’t aware of is that porcelain veneers won’t last forever. While they can give great results they’ll need to be replaced eventually, with them usually only lasting between 5 and 10 years. They can be expensive as well, so it’s worth considering if you can afford to have them re-done 10 years from now. If you can then it’s definitely worth doing.

So, that’s a basic overview of what porcelain veneers are and what’s involved in this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Although it can seem like a lot of work, the results are going to be worth it, and will improve your smile more than you ever thought possible.

For more information about porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and dental implants, we encourage you to visit our cosmetic dentistry office serving Hudson Valley and Westchester County.