Porcelain veneers are a great way to fill in gaps between teeth, fix chipped or worn teeth, or even get rid of unsightly staining and discoloring for a brighter, whiter smile. Costing about $700 to $1,200 per tooth, veneers usually last 10 to15 years.
How are porcelain veneers applied?
Getting
porcelain veneers is a simple a two-step process that involves some prep work to the affected teeth, followed by the actual bonding of the veneers to the teeth. During your first appointment, your
cosmetic dentist will help you choose the color of the veneer that best suits the surrounding teeth. Next, he or she will smooth any chips, cracks or crooked edges and remove a small amount of the enamel on the teeth to make room for the veneers, which will be bonded (or glued) over the teeth. The final step involves having an impression made of the reshaped teeth so the laboratory can make your new custom fit veneers.
It takes about two weeks for the laboratory to make the new veneers, at which time you will return to have them applied to your teeth. The application process begins by applying a mild chemical to the teeth to help the veneers attach more strongly. Next, your dentist will attach the veneers to the fronts and sides of the teeth using resin cement. The last step requires a bit of reshaping or smoothing of the veneers and teeth to ensure a perfect fit and the most natural look possible.
Risks and Benefits of Veneers
With no recovery time needed, this non-invasive
cosmetic dentistry treatment is a wonderful alternative for those with basically strong and healthy teeth. There is one drawback to porcelain veneers however: their ability to chip. Those who regularly bite their nails, chew on ice, or grind and clench their teeth may experience problems with their veneers chipping if those habits aren't stopped. In addition, patients with diseased teeth or gums may not qualify for the procedure since it does affect the integrity of the teeth and does not generally adhere well to bonding agents used in most fillings.