Porcelain veneers are a way to achieve a million dollar smile, without having to empty the bank account. Usually, the actually procedure to apply the veneers can be accomplished in a lunch hour. Not only does it make teeth look brighter and more even, the porcelain also adds a layer of protection against stains and cavities.
Aesthetic Purposes
Porcelain veneers are no substitute for good dental hygiene or other major dental problems. But, aesthetically, veneers will give anyone a smile that is enviable in stars and other public figures. Veneers will enhance a smile and improve self-esteem by correcting flaws that keep a person from displaying their pearly whites. Veneers can cover up:
- Discoloration
- Crooked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps in teeth
Veneers are applied to the front of all the teeth that are normally exposed when a person smiles or talks. It is not a cap that covers the entire tooth; but, veneers have been credited with drastically improving a patient’s appearance. Basically, it gives the individual the confidence to smile and display an equally dazzling personality.
Durability of Porcelain Veneers
While veneers can be made from other materials, porcelain is the preferred substance, because it is more durable. Porcelain actually adheres to the natural tooth, essentially becoming part of the tooth. If taken care of properly, veneers should last about 15 years. In some cases, patients have not had veneers replaced until 20-30 years later.
Although coffee, tea and juices will no longer stain the teeth covered by porcelain veneers, they are not indestructible. If they are to last, it’s important not to chew ice, use teeth to pry something open, or grind teeth at night. For the latter problem, check with the dentist about solutions to protect a smile, so your pearly whites will give a sparkling smile for years to come.