What Are Porcelain Veneers Exactly?
When teeth are chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged, your dentist will consider a few different repair options. An excellent option for repair that is durable, while still allowing you to maintain a good portion of your natural tooth, is a veneer.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are replacement appliances that are used to repair a damaged tooth. Veneers are stronger than dental bonding, but aren’t as in-depth as dental crowns. Instead, they replace a portion of the crown of a tooth, instead of the entire crown.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most popular option for veneers. This is because they are both durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain veneers can last a long time if they are properly cared for, and they allow a patient to bite and chew much like they used to before their tooth or teeth were damaged.
Choosing the Right Material
While porcelain is a very popular option for the repair of a cracked, broken or otherwise damaged tooth, it is not the only material available. Another popular option is composite. The advantages of composite veneers are the cost, and often times the ease of placement. The downside to composite veneers is that they aren’t as durable or long-lasting.
The choice of materials will often involve the upfront cost. It is important to keep in mind, though, that porcelain veneers are an investment. While they cost more upfront, they will often last a lot longer—often as long as 10 to 15 years! Still, porcelain may not be the right option for you. If this is the case, composite is still a strong replacement option.
The Placement Process
The process of placing a porcelain veneer starts with a visit to the dentist about a tooth that is decayed, cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged. From there, your dentist will decide whether or not you are a candidate for a veneer. If they decide that you are, they will begin the reshaping process. This involves the dentist using special tools to reshape the natural tooth in a way that will allow them to install the prosthetic. An imprint is then made, and is sent to a lab for the veneer to be created. Once the finished veneer is ready, it will be sent back to your dentist for a fitting. Your dentist will check to ensure that the veneer fits properly over the natural tooth, and that it properly completes your smile. This includes the shade and shape. They will also check your bite. Once they are happy with the look and functionality of the veneer, they will finish the placement process.
Speak with Your Dentist
If your tooth is damaged, make sure to set an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next checkup. From there, your dentist will look at your tooth and decide on which options are best for you. If they suggest a dental veneer, consider porcelain for a strong and aesthetically pleasing repair option.
Contact Lansdowne Dental Care about our award winning Porcelain Veneers Today!
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