Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin, translucent shells of ceramic material that are bonded to the front of the teeth to camouflage a variety of dental issues. Many of the perfect smiles you see in Hollywood are a result of porcelain veneer treatment from a cosmetic dentist.
Some of the more common uses of porcelain veneers include:
- To whiten your smile when stained teeth are resistant to the bleaching process.
- To fix crooked teeth. Veneers are sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because of how they can easily mask crooked or gapped teeth. Rather than undergo orthodontic treatment, which can take months or even years of treatment, veneers can mask crooked teeth and make your smile perfectly straight and even.
- To lengthen the look of teeth that are too short.
- To replace damaged tooth enamel. The enamel on your teeth is strong, but it is not indestructible. Sometimes it becomes worn due to brushing too aggressively or eaten away from highly acidic foods and beverages. Veneers are a great option for teeth that have had enamel erosion or abrasion.
Because some of the tooth surface needs to be removed to make room for the veneers, this is considered a permanent solution. Veneers last about 10 or 15 years with diligent care.