Porcelain veneers are often used for cosmetic purposes. They can greatly improve the look of your teeth, covering problems like severe discoloration, pitting, cracking, and other issues. They are used in many cases where crowns were once the most common treatment, providing a less invasive alternative for minor cosmetic issues.
Advantages of Porcelain
Porcelain provides numerous advantages over other materials used for dental reconstruction, including metal, amalgam, or composite resins. Porcelain can be custom-shaped and colored to match your natural teeth so that your restored teeth match both in appearance and overall shape and symmetry.
In addition, porcelain is naturally translucent, just like tooth enamel. Light partially penetrates the porcelain before it is reflected, in the same way that light penetrates the outer layers of the tooth enamel. Most other restorations, even those made from natural colored substances, tend to be opaque, making them look artificial.
Porcelain restorations are extremely thin, often no more than the width of a fingernail. For this reason, they are much less invasive than crowns. Only a very thin layer of enamel needs to be removed to make room for the thin porcelain, whereas the tooth must be significantly reshaped to make room for a crown.
Uses for Veneers
Porcelain veneers provide restoration in many ways. Our cosmetic dentist can help you determine if they are the best choice for your particular goals. Among the issues commonly treated in this way are:
• Severe discoloration that does not respond to teeth whitening
• Pitted tooth surfaces
• Chips in the teeth
• Cracked teeth
Some other issues, such as minor misalignment and small gaps between the teeth, can also be treated with porcelain restorations rather than extensive orthodontic treatment. With carefully constructed veneers, these misalignments and small spaces can be disguised, giving you a perfect smile without having to endure months or even years of braces.
If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth and would like to find out more about how we can help you regain your smile, contact the Toronto office of Dr. Nicholas Kemp at 416-922-1012 to schedule a consultation.