When teeth are damaged, chipped, or discolored, porcelain veneers are an option that can restore your smile and your confidence. At The Dentists LLC, a porcelain veneer is a thin shell of tooth-colored material placed over the front surface of a tooth. They are also used to close minor gaps between teeth. Porcelain is considered a superior material for veneers because it is stain-resistant and reflects light similarly to natural teeth.
The Procedure for Porcelain Veneers
At the first appointment, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and select a shade for the veneer from a color chart. The impression will be sent to the lab, where a veneer will be made for the patient’s permanent restoration. The patient will then wear a temporary veneer until the permanent veneer is ready. When the permanent veneer is prepared, the patient will return to the office for a second appointment. The dentist will cement the veneer and adjust it to ensure it fits properly and looks natural. Caring for your new veneers is simple, brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent plaque buildup. Use nonabrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the porcelain veneer. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages, bite your nails, and chew on complex objects such as ice.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer several advantages. First, they are more durable than composite resin veneers. They can resist staining better than composite resin, so you won’t have to worry as much about coffee or wine stains on your front teeth. Additionally, porcelain is easier to bond using an adhesive to your tooth’s surface, whereas a composite resin veneer requires a special light for bonding to the tooth. Porcelain is also a better light reflector, making it white and natural-looking. Lastly, porcelain mimics the texture of your natural teeth more closely, so you will get a better appearance from your porcelain veneers than you would with composite resin. For these reasons, many dentists recommend porcelain over composite materials for their patients. Some smile makeover patients have them as a way to fix chipped teeth or gaps between their teeth. They are also made to mimic the look of tooth enamel, so they look and feel natural.
If you want more information about restoring your beautiful and healthy smile through porcelain veneers, visit The Dentists LLC at 870 Palisade Avenue, Suite 301A, Teaneck, NJ 07666, or call (201) 836-2720.