I talked about the porcelain veneer material and the procedures to put it on in last issue. Typically, veneers are great for:
• Closing spaces between teeth
• Restoring broken or chipped teeth
• Covering stained teeth or visible fillings
• Correcting uneven or crooked teeth
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. It is the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. This is a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between the front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.
Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.
In the first two weeks after porcelain veneers are put on your front teeth, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your new teeth that have been changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. Then you’ll return for a follow-up appointment.
Porcelain veneers are reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, not perfect replacements. It’s not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of porcelain veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth. Nevertheless, this procedure can greatly enhance your smile, and can heighten inner satisfaction and self-esteem. Again, please do not open bottles with your teeth or chew ice in a restaurant!
For more information, please call Dr. Sun at 661-799-8800, visit www.DrSunDDS.com or go to her dental office at 23450 Lyons Avenue, Suite B, Newhall.