The answer to the question, when to get porcelain veneers? begins with a look at what they consist of, exactly, and what they can do for you. When – that’s as easy as making an appointment with your dentist.
Over the course of our lives, many of us end up with some surface damage to one or more teeth. Porcelain veneers are a good option in many cases.
Porcelain veneers
You may also hear or see them called dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates. In essence, it’s a shell that covers the front surface of your real teeth. Like veneers used in furniture, a porcelain veneer improves the look of the outside (visible) surface.
• The shell is very thin, and custom-made to fit your teeth;
• It may be made of porcelain or a composite resin material;
• The dentist removes a very small amount of the enamel (0.5mm), which is roughly the same thickness of the porcelain veneer;
• The shell is then bonded to the front of surface of the tooth.
Porcelain has the advantage of reflecting light, and resembling natural teeth. As a material, it also does not stain, and is stronger than composite resin.
Why get porcelain veneers?
To put it in a nutshell, porcelain veneers can make your teeth look better. Veneers can improve the colour, shape, size, and length of your teeth. As such, it’s a good solution to many cosmetic issues.
• Discolouration from treatments, medications, or other cause;
• Chipped or cracked teeth;
• Teeth that have worn down;
• Uneven or misaligned teeth;
• Teeth with unusual shapes;
• To close larger gaps between teeth.
It just looks better
Your teeth don’t have to be broken or damaged by cavities to consider porcelain veneers. Your teeth may be perfectly healthy, but perhaps they grew in crookedly, or with uneven gaps between your teeth. For some patients, their body chemistry means that they will never have truly white teeth. There’s no reason to pull those teeth in order to replace them with implants – not when there’s an easier solution.
Possible problems
Before the procedure, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and mouth. There are some specific issues that might make another treatment a better choice than porcelain veneers.
• If the tooth enamel is too thin;
• Where there is active tooth decay or gum disease – these will have to be treated before the porcelain veneer is added;
• If a crack or dent is too large, a crown might be a better option;
• In cases of chronic bruxism, the nightly tooth grinding can damage the porcelain veneers.
Make a permanent change
Dental veneers are a permanent procedure, since the tooth enamel has been partially removed. If the veneer is damaged or peels off, it needs to be replaced.
• Remember to brush and floss daily, just as you would your other natural teeth;
• Avoid biting into hard objects like ice cubes.
Looking for advice on porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, or any aspect of your dental or oral health? You’ll find the answer at Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry in Brampton, ON.
If you’re looking for a well-regarded and highly skilled dentist in the Brampton area, make an appointment with Dr. F. Keshavarz Dentistry by calling (905)-791-3867. Visit our website to learn more about our dental services.
