Dental veneers are very thin shells of man-made, tooth-colored porcelain that is placed over the natural tooth to correct discoloration, cracks, and chips, or hide gaps and misshapen teeth. The application of porcelain veneers is a cosmetic dentistry option that has grown in popularity over the years as more people have sought improved smiles and a boost in self-confidence.
Some people aren't so lucky when it comes to the genetics of their teeth and choose porcelain veneers to give them what they weren't blessed with. Others enjoy beautiful teeth in their youth, but wear and tear over many years can have an effect on a once perfect smile.
Porcelain veneers are an option for men and women, both young and old, and can correct a myriad of problems from broken teeth to a less than pleasing color. If you've heard about porcelain veneers and been curious if they might be an option for you, read on to discover why so many patients choose porcelain veneers each year.
Resistant To Stains
Though there are other veneer options besides porcelain, they're your best bet if you're looking for teeth that are resistant to stains. Porcelain is a popular choice because of its smooth surface that is non-porous in nature. This stain-resistant ability comes from the process the porcelain undergoes during lab manufacturing. This process that enables the veneers to stay whiter, longer. Even with porcelain veneers, however, it's always a good idea to steer clear of food and drinks which tend to stain teeth. Lots of coffee and red wine, for instance, will slowly take away from the clean, bright, white effect that you love about your teeth, no matter what.
Porcelain Veneers Are Very Durable
Patients who are undergoing a dental procedure do so with the hopes that their results will last a long time. This is especially true when getting veneers; you'll want your teeth to last and look good for many years to come.
The good news with porcelain veneers is that they have an extra long shelf life when compared to other veneer materials.
Porcelain veneers have a lifespan of around 15 years compared to 5-7 years for composite veneers.
If you're serious about getting veneers and investing in a beautiful smile, the route for longevity points toward porcelain.
Porcelain veneers will cost more when you replace them, but when you consider how much longer you'll enjoy them without multiple trips to the dentist, you'll discover it's worth the cost for greater durability.
Can Cover Discolored Teeth
Now you know that porcelain veneers are very resistant to stains. But what about your natural teeth that have already become discolored over the years?
Your natural teeth can become discolored to a point where they no longer respond to professional whitening efforts. This might happen due to your genetics, as a result of certain medications you've been taking, or because of habits with food and drink that are known to stain.
Whatever the reasons, veneers are a great option for instantly whitening those stubborn teeth. Your dentist can apply veneers over the teeth that have become discolored and stained to give you a new, refreshed smile.
Serve As An Alternative To Adult Braces
Veneers aren't only an option for brightening your smile. Some dentists might even suggest porcelain veneers as an option for closing gaps between your teeth.
Though veneers can't correct an overbite or severely crooked teeth, a full set of porcelain veneers can cover your natural smile with a smile you're more comfortable showcasing. It's also a quicker, less painful alternative to adult braces which can take a lot of time and patience.
Veneers can also cover teeth that are oddly mishap. If you have a tooth or teeth that stand out from the rest because of their shape, a dental veneer can be made to match the appearance of your other teeth. Doing so will give you a more blended, appealing smiled.
Can Strengthen A Chipped Tooth
Even a small crack or chip in one of your teeth can really distract from the overall appeal of your smile. And however minor the crack or chip, the damage can get worse over time and endanger the longtime health of your tooth or teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be the perfect option for quickly repairing a cracked or chipped tooth. A single porcelain veneer placed over the damaged tooth will immediately improve it's appearance while strengthening it and protecting it from any future damage.
Are Matched To Look Like Natural Teeth
Porcelain veneers are a favorite among dentists and patients for many reasons, but one of the biggest is the ability to match their color, shade, and shape for a completely natural appearance.
Those who wear porcelain veneers often feel very comfortable with their choice and rarely worry that other people notice that they have anything other than their own teeth. Porcelain veneers are an all-around great choice for achieving an adjustment to your smile with natural results.
Can Completely Transform Your Smile
There are very few things you can do to completely alter your appearance for the better as quickly and easily as can be done with porcelain veneers. Your smile plays such a huge role in how you look and how you feel.
You can decide to cover a couple teeth to better match your natural teeth, or have a full new set of veneers installed and take your teeth several shades whiter and expertly shaped in the process.
And with porcelain veneers, your smile can be completely transformed in no time. For most patients, the veneers can be applied in a few appointments, max.
Learn More
To learn more about porcelain veneers and if they're a good option for you, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists. We'll go over all your questions in detail and talk about what kind of results you can expect if you do decide to move forward with porcelain veneers.
Feel free to contact us during with any questions you might have in the meantime. We look forward to helping you create the smile you've always hoped for!