Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Veneers
Dentists believe the best smile is a healthy one. However, numerous people are dissatisfied with their smile even if it is strong and possesses no major health problems. Researchers believe dissatisfaction in natural smiles has increased significantly in the last couple decades because people have become exposed to social media, movies, and models that always depict individuals with gleaming, perfect teeth.
For the majority of the human population, teeth are not naturally straight nor white. The regular color of the teeth is actually off-white, gray, or yellow, and minor chips, cracks, or crooked parts are normal. It is possible for someone to have a completely healthy smile but still have yellow teeth, some small cracks, and a gap between their front teeth.
To correct these issues, many dentists now offer porcelain veneers as an alternative to numerous procedures and months of work to fix small problems.
What Are They – Porcelain Veneers North York
Porcelain veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is a field that focuses on changing the physical appearance of the teeth without affecting their function. Unlike restorative dentistry, no intensive structural work is performed. This can be seen in cosmetic appliances like veneers, which are thin shells that sit over the teeth and change the appearance of a smile.
Porcelain veneers are made of hard porcelain, which can be colored to create the shade a patient desires. The shells are bonded directly to the surface of the teeth, covering imperfections and creating a perfect, brilliant smile without numerous appointments and months spent on smaller procedures.
What Veneers Are Used For
As this article attests, porcelain veneers are primarily used to cover healthy teeth that have cosmetic defects. The shells fit closely to a person’s natural smile and can hide a broad range of issues such as:
- Small gaps between the teeth
- Discoloration
- Minor chips and cracks
- Teeth that are too long or too short
- Minor crooked teeth
Veneers can also be used to alter the shape of the teeth. Before application, the dentist needs to remove 1/8 mm of enamel from the front of the affected teeth to make room for the veneer. This amount is miniscule and creates enough room for bonding.
Average Lifespan
When a patient cares for their veneers, the shells have an average life span of about 10 to 15 years, in some cases lasting over 20 years. Patients will need to brush their teeth twice a day using gentle pressure and soft bristles. They will also need to avoid biting down hard on food like nuts or ice cubes, which can dislodge or chip the shells. Finally patients should attend to scheduled maintenance visits at their dental offices.
Porcelain Veneers North York
Porcelain veneers are an excellent example of cosmetic dentistry because they alter the appearance of a patient’s smile without affecting function or comfort. Because this is a semi-permanent cosmetic procedure, it is reserved for adult patients who have healthy teeth and gums.
We invite you to visit us in office at Lawrence Park Dental, or call us at 416-488-7454 to speak with our team of experts at any time. We’d love to help you address your porcelain veneers questions and concerns.
