If you are wanting a straighter-looking smile, then porcelain veneers could be a great option for you. To put it simply, veneers are a thin piece of porcelain that is placed on the front of your teeth to make them appear brighter and straighter. The porcelain’s shape, size and colour can all be adjusted to match the rest of your teeth as best as possible.
When would veneers be used?
There are a number of reasons as to why you may want veneers from your dentist near me. Veneers can really help to improve the appearance of your teeth, which is great if you are feeling insecure about how they look.
Chipped tooth
When you have a crack on your tooth, they are quite unlikely to cause any medical implications, but they can still be embarrassing. A porcelain veneer will help to cover the crack and restore the look of a fuller tooth.
Changing shape
If you have a tooth that is the wrong shape compared to your others, then porcelain veneers can also help with this. It covers the front of the tooth, meaning that it can be made into a better shape to match the rest of your teeth. This helps your tooth to blend in naturally to the others, without having to do much to the tooth itself.
Change the colour
Having teeth that are discoloured isn’t always a sign of poor dental hygiene, meaning you can simply cover them up with porcelain veneers to help them match your other teeth smoothly.
Improving general teeth structure
You have the option to choose porcelain veneers for most or all of your teeth, which can give your smile a whole new look. Getting veneers can help to solve teeth structure issues such as gaps and misalignment.
How does it work?
Firstly, as with any dental treatment, you will have a consultation appointment with your local dentist. This is important as they will examine your teeth and make sure you are eligible for the treatment. An impression is usually taken of your teeth and sent off to a dental lab so that your custom porcelain veneers can be created.
Once your veneers have been created, it will be time for your nearby dentist to attach them to your natural teeth. They will firstly clean and polish your teeth to make sure there is no bacteria present before the veneers are attached. They will then roughen your natural teeth as this allows for a stronger bond.
To bond your teeth and the veneers together, a dental adhesive/dental cement is usually used and then is exposed to a high-intensity light to set it even further. Once the procedure is over, your bite will be assessed and your dentist will make sure that you are happy with everything.
The advantages
The great thing about porcelain veneers is how long they last, as with the right care they can last for around 15-20 years. You can eat whatever you want without having to worry about your veneers coming out, which really helps with the natural feel. They look and feel extremely similar to your natural teeth, and will withstand the forces that your teeth take such as chewing.
Any surgical or invasive procedure can carry risks, always seek a second opinion from a qualified health practitioner.