Teeth whitening is not the only solution to discoloured or stained teeth, and orthodontic treatment is not the only option for treating teeth that are unusually spaced. Porcelain veneers are a flexible and long-lasting alternative that can address a wide variety of cosmetic issues affecting otherwise healthy teeth.
Veneers
Veneers are extremely thin shells made of porcelain that are powerfully bonded to prepared teeth. Porcelain is an ideal material for crafting custom-made veneers in because it shares many qualities with natural teeth, including the way it reflects light and its translucency. An added bonus is that it is also very stain-resistant.
Porcelain veneers are custom-designed to fit seamlessly over your existing teeth while presenting a different profile to observers. You can use veneers to change the length, size, shape, spacing, and colour of one or more teeth.
Being fit for veneers takes place over the course of two appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will measure your teeth precisely to prepare a custom-fit veneer — one that fits your tooth while also adjusting its shape, colour, spacing, or size to help meet your smile goals.
You and your dentist will work together to choose the colour and shape of your veneer to help ensure it compliments your natural teeth, gums, lips, and face. Finally, this first appointment will end with your dentist removing a thin layer of enamel from the teeth that will receive the veneers so that the veneer will fit sleekly and securely.
At your second appointment, your dentist will confirm that the veneers fit properly, then will bond those veneers securely to your teeth. With proper care and attention to avoiding habits that can harm veneers — like chewing ice cubes and grinding your teeth — they can last for 10 to 15 years.
Three Key Points About Veneers
- Veneers near you can transform the colour, shape, size, and spacing of teeth.
- Porcelain veneers may not be an appropriate option if you tend to clench your jaw or grind your teeth.
- With proper attention to good oral health, your veneers may last up to 15 years.