As one of the leading providers of cosmetic dentistry near Birmingham, Perfecting Your Smile – Dr. Cracchiolo offers extensive experience with porcelain veneers. If you’d like to remedy certain cosmetic issues and improve your smile, dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordability and short application time.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin covers bonded to the surface of a tooth. They are typically constructed from one of two materials: porcelain, which is the most natural-looking and durable, and composite materials, which is a more economical solution. Porcelain veneers are appropriate for a wide range of teeth imperfections, including discoloration, gaps between the teeth, and chipped teeth. The procedure is implemented to improve appearance of teeth, rather than repair damage due to decay or trauma.
Veneers can be used on a single tooth or several teeth. In fact, if needed a full set can be applied to all the front (visible) teeth. They are are highly customizable, and our local dentist in Bingham Farms can match your existing tooth color and achieve a completely natural look. Porcelain veneers are also exceptionally durable. There are no restrictions on food or drink, and they will last upwards of 20 years depending on the type and material.
When Are Porcelain Veneers Used?
Here are three of the most common reasons for porcelain veneers:
Tooth discoloration: Whether due to lifestyle choices, medical treatment, or oral trauma, tooth discoloration is common amongst adults. Traditional whitening treatments can be effective, but to achieve the best results we recommend dental veneers.
Altering Tooth Shape: Sometimes a tooth comes in too small or too short, causing a lack of “smile confidence”. Porcelain veneers are used to make the teeth appear naturally sized, thus restoring a natural shape to the smile.
Repairing Chipped Teeth: It’s not unusual for a person to develop small chips in their teeth over time. Although these aren’t medically problematic, they sometimes detract from a person’s smile. With Porcelain veneers, these chips disappear.
How Long Is The Application Process?
The length of the application process depends on the patient’s desired outcome and the material used to construct the veneer. If a simple change in tooth color is all that’s required, the process is straightforward and typically completed in two or three stages. More complex projects, i.e. altering tooth shape and covering a chipped tooth, require more planning to ensure the right solution is delivered. In such instances our local dentist will often create a dental mask in order to test different options until the ideal approach is found.
Specific to veneer material, porcelain veneers are created by a skilled lab technician. This adds time and cost to the procedure. On the other hand, a composite set is built-up and shaped during the application process. No lab work is required.
Are You A Candidate For Veneers? Let’s Talk Today
Contact Perfecting Your Smile – Dr. Cracchiolo today and schedule a full consultation. We’ll discuss your objectives, your dental history, the differences between porcelain and ceramic, and more. Our goal is to deliver results that exceed your expectations.