Porcelain Laminate Veneers Can Restore Your Smile

Porcelain veneers, often referred to as dental veneers or dental laminates, are extremely thin shells made out of porcelain that are used to cover the front of a tooth. One or more teeth may be covered with veneers depending on the look desired. Porcelain dental veneers are more durable and resist stains better than resin veneers for a durable and long lasting finish.

Veneers cover the front of the teeth to change the appearance of your teeth and smile. Although porcelain laminate veneers are durable and long lasting, eventually they may loosen or become stained or damage and may need to be reattached or replaced.

Why Do People Choose to Get Porcelain Dental Veneers?

People choose dental laminates for a variety of reasons. Veneers can be used to give the appearance of straighter teeth when the teeth are only slightly crooked or slightly misaligned. Porcelain laminate veneers can also be used to cover discolored teeth, making the smile whiter and brighter. Some reasons for choosing to have porcelain veneers include:

• To have whiter teeth
• To make crooked teeth appear straighter
• To cover misshapen or pitted teeth
• To cover stained teeth
• To fill in gaps or spaces between teeth
• To cover worn or chipped teeth

What Does It Take to Get Porcelain Veneers?

The process of getting porcelain laminate veneers typically takes three appointments. At the first appointment, you and the dentist will discuss your potential for getting veneers and the look you are aiming to achieve.

At the second appointment, some of the enamel from the front of the tooth will be removed through processes of buffing and shaping. This is to allow for the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth or teeth that are chosen for this procedure. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia. Once the tooth or teeth are prepared, a special mold will be used to make an impression of your teeth for the making of the porcelain dental veneers. You and the dentist will then select a specific shade or color for the porcelain veneers.

Here’s a great gallery of porcelain veneer before and after photos

Veneers are custom made and can take a couple of weeks to create. Once completed, you will return for a third appointment. At this time the teeth will be cleaned and a special bonding cement will be used to hold the porcelain veneers in place. The dentist will then use a special light to quickly set and cure the cement, creating a sturdy and durable bond.

To increase the life of your new veneers, you will receive special instructions on care and follow up appointments.

Las Vegas cosmetic dentistry expert Dr. Medina has a broad range of experience with porcelain crowns and veneers.  Give us a call today to see if they are right for you.