What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are customized dental shells made from a naturally tooth-colored material. These shells are placed over the visible surface of your teeth, dramatically enhancing their appearance instantly. The shells are permanently bonded to your teeth, and unlike simple whitening procedures, they are stain resistant. Veneers are an excellent cosmetic alternative to dental bonding or crowns as they don't require extensive shaping of the tooth before they can be applied. Porcelain veneers can also be used to help support and strengthen the structure of your teeth.

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What Issues Do Porcelain Veneers Fix?

While porcelain veneers are usually used for cosmetic reasons, they can also remedy a number of dental issues. Porcelain veneers may be recommended to:

• Correct teeth that appear to be misaligned
  
• Correct teeth that are uneven or misshapen
  
• Correct unusual gaps between teeth
  
• Correct teeth that have become discolored as a result of tetracycline or overuse of fluoride
  

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What is Involved in Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Your dentist will begin by thoroughly examining your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. They may take impressions of your mouth or dental x-rays so that they can examine your tooth and underlying bone structure. Once they have determined that you are a good candidate, your dentist will prepare the teeth for the veneers by removing approximately half a millimeter of tooth enamel. After this is done your dentist will create a model of your teeth that will be sent to the dental laboratory where your porcelain veneers will be made. This can take up to two weeks.

During your second appointment, your dentist will first trim and shape the porcelain veneers to ensure a proper fit. Your teeth will be cleaned and then etched in order to prepare them for the veneer. A specially prepared dental cement will be used to adhere the porcelain shell to your teeth, and then a special light will be used to quickly harden the cement. Your dentist will then remove any excess material and carefully evaluate your bite to ensure that it has remained correct.

If you have questions about porcelain veneer restorations or would like to see if you would be a good candidate, we can help. Call our office today at 310-378-9241 to schedule a consultation. We can help ensure that you achieve the brilliantly bright, white smile you've been dreaming of. Don't let cosmetic dentistry issues hold you back any longer-call our office today.

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