Porcelain Veneers
As we age, wear of the front teeth may affect the aesthetics of our smile. Porcelain veneers may be used to lengthen worn or short teeth and restore the smile of older patients. Veneering a tooth means to cover its facial, or front, surface. It could be compared to placing acrylic fingernails on top of natural nails. Veneers are used to enhance the shape and color of teeth, as well as to close spaces between teeth. Veneers can also cover up significant stains such as those caused by tetracycline.
The bond between the porcelain veneer and the natural tooth is strong and long lasting allowing patients to feel confident as they eat and laugh, moving through life with renewed confidence in the strength and appearance of their teeth. When bonded to tooth structure, certain porcelain veneer materials display similar physical properties as natural enamel. In addition, with the advance of ceramic technology, natural layers and translucency of natural teeth can be perfectly mimicked. The correction of unattractive front teeth with porcelain veneers involves two office visits. The first visit entails the preparation of the teeth, taking impressions of the prepared teeth, and placement of temporary veneers. The final placement occurs approximately weeks later when the final porcelain veneers are permanently bonded.
Dr. Justin Griffen DDS - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry to the area of Columbia, South Carolina (SC).
