You have probably noticed that bright, straight and perfectly proportioned teeth are highly desirable cosmetic attributes. Those people who have them are thought of as being healthier, wealthier, more successful and more attractive. Unfortunately, if you feel unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you almost certainly find that it has a negative effect on your confidence and self-esteem. Many people who hate their smiles take steps to try and avoid showing their teeth in public, shying away from social engagements and career opportunities and keeping their mouth closed in photographs.
Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can improve virtually any aspect of your teeth. We are pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive selection of cosmetic dentistry treatments. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures that we are asked about is porcelain veneers.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that closely resemble fingernails, but are bespoke, created specifically in the size and shape needed to cover the enamel of your teeth. The porcelain can also be glazed in a number of different shades, making it possible to either find a shade that closely resembles your natural teeth so that your veneer looks no different, or in the case of addressing a number of teeth, in a lighter, brighter shade to improve the overall color of your teeth. You can have just one veneer or an entire set, depending on your individual needs.
The process to apply porcelain veneers is minimally invasive, something which makes the solution extremely popular amongst patients. You will be given a little local anesthetic to make sure that you do not experience any discomfort, and then a little of the enamel of the front face of the tooth is filed down. This creates a suitable surface for the veneer to be attached to and ensures the best fit. If some of the enamel isn’t removed, the veneer may look abnormally thick and may not sit flush against the tooth. Something that is important to understand, however, is that enamel doesn’t regenerate. This makes a veneer a permanent requirement once the process to prepare the tooth has begun.
As we know, every veneer is custom designed specifically for the tooth that it will be secured to. Once we receive your bespoke veneers, we will check that they fit properly before securing them in place using special adhesive. This is hardened and your veneer is polished, completing your treatment. Should your veneer become damaged, it is a simple process of removing it and securing a new one in its place.
There are a number of benefits to choosing porcelain veneers for your smile transformation. These include:
Veneers can be used to cover minor imperfections such as cracks and chips and small gaps between the teeth
They can also make undersized teeth appear taller or thin teeth appear wider and more in-keeping with the rest of your smile
Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, helping you to maintain the appearance of your smile for longer
The procedure is minimally invasive and carries a very low risk of complications
Porcelain veneers look very natural and are nearly impossible to tell apart from other teeth
They are also very strong and durable, despite their fragile appearance with many patients finding that they last a decade or more before they need to be replaced
Porcelain veneers a good alternative for patients who haven’t been able to achieve the result they hoped for through whitening treatments or are not suitable for bleaching.
Porcelain veneers are a simple and effective way to transform the appearance of your smile. To find out more, or to schedule a consultation with our expert team, contact O.C Lakes Dental in Irvine, CA today (949) 356-7860.