What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain Veneers or laminates are thin layers of ceramic restoration bonded to the teeth. The thickness of the veneer depends on the type of porcelain veneer that is used by the dentist. The most conservative veneers have a thickness of 0.5 mm which is a thickness of a false nail or a contact lens. Porcelain Veneers are also called indirect veneers since they need to be manufactured by a ceramist or a ceramic laboratory.
Porcelain Veneers are used to change the shape and/or color of the teeth. When there is a chipped, broken or decayed tooth, porcelain veneer can repair the missing part and create a natural look by blending into the remaining tooth structure. Veneers are also used to close gaps between the front teeth (Diastemas). In our office we always do a mock up or smile analysis before placing or preparing for veneers. You want to see what you would look like before having any dental procedures done; mock up, which is placement of composite material to simulate the final look, gives you that opportunity. Porcelain veneers are also used to permanently whiten discolored teeth. Use of some medications like tetracycline antibiotics, or over dosing on Fluoride as the teeth are developing causes permanent staining of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are used to mask these discolorations and create permanently white teeth.
Porcelain veneers could also be used to rebuild worn down teeth to the original, youthful shape they had. The ultimate success of these veneers is their ability to be used to straighten crooked teeth . By cosmetically reducing the areas of the teeth that are protruding and adding to the areas that are set back a smile designer dentist can create the look of straight teeth and smile. Porcelain Veneers make it possible to have instant orthodontics.
In our Bellevue cosmetic dental office the porcelain veneers have replaced traditional crowns almost entirely. The main advantage that a porcelain veneer has over a traditional crown is the need for less preparation i.e. drilling. Porcelain Veneers are natural looking and since there are no metals involved in making them there is not any possibility of a dark (black) gum line showing above the tooth after being in the mouth for awhile.
If you would like more information about improving your smile with porcelain veneers or laminates call and schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Samsavar at his Bellevue cosmetic dental practice.
