What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Dental veneers at missour river dental are permanent cosmetic dental treatments that can be used to hide tooth imperfections like chips, cracks, or stains that don’t respond to traditional tooth-whitening treatments. Veneers can be made of very thin layers of either composite resin or porcelain, which are bonded to the front surfaces of the affected teeth with durable medical cement. Porcelain veneers give damaged teeth a natural, lustrous appearance and can be used to mask even significant cosmetic concerns, and they are the most lifelike and durable choice for dental veneers.
Dental veneers can fix aesthetic problems with the teeth as well as minor structural ones, repairing visible cracks or chips in the teeth, correcting minimal misalignment issues, and covering damaged or discolored areas of enamel. Porcelain veneers can even be used to correct gaps between the teeth, though orthodontic treatment may be necessary if these gaps are accompanied by larger alignment problems. This is because porcelain veneers are bonded to the fronts of the teeth, where they provide a cosmetic solution by masking existing problems, but in some cases, these problems also require structural correction that can only be obtained with orthodontic treatment.
The enamel that coats and protects the surfaces of the teeth, providing their shine, can wear away over the years because of exposure to highly acidic foods and beverages or as a result of aggressive brushing or other trauma. When the enamel is damaged, it won’t regenerate; the damage is permanent, and the area where the enamel is missing becomes more vulnerable without that protective layer. Porcelain veneers are an optimal solution for this enamel erosion, as they protect the teeth while also giving them a natural-looking luster.
Over time, dental enamel can also become stained, especially for people who drink a lot of black coffee, eat deeply colored foods, or smoke. While it is usually possible to bleach these stains away with professional or at-home whitening treatments, the stains will usually recur as the behaviors continue. If you’d prefer a permanent whitening solution, porcelain veneers can be an attractive option. While the material can stain slightly, veneers are highly resistant to discoloration and won’t require regular whitening.
The price of porcelain veneers will vary based on the location of the dentist, the number of teeth to be restored, and the extent of the damage, among other factors, but they are considered one of the more expensive cosmetic dentistry treatment, and cosmetic dentistry treatments are rarely covered by dental insurance plans. Additionally, some patients report increased tooth sensitivity with dental veneers, though this often subsides after a relatively short time. For patients whose tooth sensitivity continues, dentists can recommend effective products to reduce this concern. While porcelain veneers are considered a permanent option, the veneers themselves can be expected to last about 10 to 15 years with the right care. Because the teeth are reshaped and sculpted before veneers can be placed, and the dental enamel is removed, the veneers must also be replaced so that the teeth remain protected while the smile stays bright.
