A dental veneer is a permanently applied thin piece of porcelain that attaches to the visible portion of the teeth. This porcelain veneer offers the patient a healthy covering that creates a beautiful and natural smile easily, without any major dental work. As a result of dental veneers, you can expect not only a healthier and a beautiful smile, but also more personal confidence and better performance in your job, family, and interactions with others.

The dental veneer procedure begins with your dentist removing a thin front surface of the tooth. Your tooth is then fitted with a temporary veneer until a permanent porcelain veneer is ready. The porcelain veneer is first thinned and shaped to specifically fit your teeth.

Recent advancements in bonding technology have allowed dentists in our office to attach these thin porcelain veneers directly onto existing teeth. Once they have been attached, the dental veneers act like enamel, allowing light to pass through to the inside of your teeth, giving your teeth a natural and healthy appearance.

Dental veneer coverings offer patients many benefits aside from just a stunning smile. One benefit is the added protection that the tooth receives. Dental veneers, usually made of porcelain, are not easily damaged, meaning that there is nowhere for bacteria to live within the teeth. A dental research study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology showed a significant decrease in plaque buildup on porcelain veneers when compared to a normal tooth surface. As a result, you are likely to have better dental hygiene.

Another benefit of porcelain veneers is its usefulness when other procedures fall short in getting you perfect dental health as well as smile. Sometimes, a patient's teeth and jaw are positioned in such a way that braces and other procedures are not effective. Many times, lengthy and invasive procedures, such as braces and oral surgery are not acceptable to patients. In such situations, dental veneers are a great choice that helps you achieve your goal of an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Call our dental office now to find out if a dental veneer is the best option for your new and healthy smile. After a consultation with our dentist, you will know for sure if porcelain dental veneers are for you.

References:

• Alex G. Preparing porcelain surfaces for optimal bonding. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 2008 Jul-Aug;29(6):324-35.
• Kourkouta S, Walsh TT, Davis LG. The effect of porcelain laminate veneers on gingival health and bacterial plaque characteristics. Journal of Clinical Periodontology. 2005;21(9):638-640.
• Paquette JM, Sheets CG. Beyond cosmetics--the esthetic rehabilitative patient. Journal of the California Dental Assocation. 2002 Nov;30(11):849-56.