Common Questions and Concerns about Porcelain Veneers

Smile makeovers are one of the primary activities of the modern cosmetic dentist, and it can often involve many separate procedures. Among them are usually tooth whitening and the decision whether or not to use dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are a porcelain shell that can be permanently bonded to the surface of a tooth in order to dramatically improve its overall appearance.

Usually the cosmetic dentist will be able to tell right away if a tooth is a suitable candidate for a porcelain veneer, or if it needs more restorative work instead. The reason that teeth cannot always accept veneers is that they might be damaged to the point that they require a composite filling or crown instead.

Common candidates for porcelain veneers are those with deeply stained teeth, teeth with damaged enamel, uneven and widely gapped teeth, or teeth that have been chipped and cracked through injury or teeth grinding.

While many people will find success through the use of tooth whitening, there are those who simply cannot get any kind of measurable results from the bleaching process. It is at times like this that a cosmetic dentist will usually recommend porcelain veneers instead. These are custom-designed to entirely cover the individual’s teeth and often need a bit of shaping once they have been bonded to the surface.

It is important to understand that the cosmetic dentist is going to assess each of the teeth in order to be sure that the veneer is a good solution. For instance, someone with damaged enamel or with serious chips and fractures in the tooth might not be a realistic candidate for the use of the veneer. This is because it would not protect the actual bulk of the tooth over the long term. This is particularly true of people who frequently grind their teeth. Even if a patient doesn’t grind their teeth some might have to use a night guard and also avoid specific foods in order to protect their veneers.

If you are looking to speak to a dentist who specializes in porcelain veneers and dental implant surgery, contact a doctor today.