Porcelain Veneers Overview - Why Veneers are So Popular

A sparkling, bright smile - by way of porcelain veneers, has become a popular option for everyone from Hollywood celebrities to stay-at-home moms. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that can be bonded to the front of teeth to hid imperfections such as staining, chips, cracks, and gaps. When applied by an experienced cosmetic dentist, veneers can transform even the most damaged smiles. 

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are not for everyone - if your only issue is a little staining, a chip, or a minor gap, you may be better served with dental bonding or a dental crown. But if you are unhappy with the overall appearance of your smile, there's no more effective treatment option than porcelain veneers.

Veneers have numerous benefits:

• Veneers are extremely strong and can last for decades with proper care.
• Veneers are custom-crafted with your appearance in mind, so they look more natural than other restorations.
• Veneers resist staining from coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Veneers require minimal prepping of the teeth prior to application.

Types of Porcelain Veneers

As porcelain veneers have become more and more popular, dental manufacturers have started introducing a variety of porcelain veneer products, including Lumineers, Da Vinci Veneers, and low-prep veneers. The differences between these types of veneers generally relate to how much prep work is required to place the veneers, thickness of the veneers, and stain-resistance.

Placement of Porcelain Veneers

• Prior to placement of porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist will discuss your aesthetic goals in order to come up with a treatment plan. You will likely be shown a digital image of what your transformed smile will look like.

• Your teeth will be prepped for placement of the veneers - the dentist may need to remove some of your teeth to accommodate the thickness of the veneers. Keep in mind that some veneers require zero prep work.

• Finally, your veneers will be bonded in place with cement.