Porcelain veneers: What are the benefits?

Porcelain veneers are quite versatile. The thin shells fit over the natural tooth and can be used to correct a number of issues with the teeth, ranging from stains to misalignment to gaps.

Yorkville veneers patients realize a number of benefits when they choose this treatment to address their cosmetic concerns. First and foremost, veneers offer dramatic results in a relatively short timeframe, whereas other approaches, such as orthodontics, might take months, even years, to have their effect. The entire process of placing veneers typically takes place within just a few weeks after the treatment plan is developed.

In preparing the teeth for porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist will first shave a thin layer of enamel of equal thickness to the veneer to accommodate the veneer to be placed. Next, the cosmetic dentist will take impressions of the teeth, which will guide the dental lab in constructing the veneers. At the following appointment, when the veneers are ready, the dentist will ensure that they are the proper shade and shape (and make any necessary adjustments if they are not) and clean the teeth prior to placing them. In the final step, the veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth with a dental cement.

Because veneers can be adapted for a variety of purposes, a cosmetic dentist might be able to use veneers to correct several different problems as part of a smile makeover. A veneer might simultaneously fill in a diastema, or gap between the teeth, and cover up a chip. Of course, veneers also  can make the smile whiter and brighter, too.

The porcelain used for veneers shares many qualities with enamel, making porcelain veneers an excellent choice for maintaining a natural aesthetic. Porcelain is similar in opacity and color to enamel, and the material can be adjusted to fit seamlessly with the patient’s existing teeth.

Although patients might think that porcelain is a fragile material, the veneers are actually quite durable.  With proper care, veneers can last for a decade or more.

Patients often rave about the results when they choose veneers. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Kemp to see if porcelain veneers in Yorkville might be an option for you.