Are Porcelain Veneers Right for Me? By Craig Goldin DDS on December 08, 2011

One of the most popular and versatile treatment options today is porcelain veneers. They can accomplish a lot, which is why they are the toast of so many celebrities. (You may not realize it, but many of those perfect smiles on the red carpet are the result of porcelain veneers.) Many people who visit our Troy cosmetic dentistry center wonder whether or not veneers are right for them. To figure that out for yourself, you need to understand the basics.

About Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are shells of a specially created dental ceramic. These strong yet ultra-thin wafers are affixed to the front portions of your teeth in order to improve their appearance. When you undergo the Troy porcelain veneers process, the first step will involve the removal of a small amount of the tooth material to accommodate the veneer. (Generally, this means about one-half millimeter.) An impression is taken of the tooth, a custom porcelain veneer is crafted from that, and then the veneer is fixed in place.

Here are a few questions to keep in mind when you’re considering porcelain veneers.

Do you have chipped teeth or cracked?

Minor chips and cracks can be easily restored with porcelain veneers as well as bonding materials. If you have substantial chipping or cracking, however, you may require inlays, onlays, or dental crowns instead.

Do you have stained teeth?

In many cases, professional teeth whitening is the way to go for dealing with tooth discoloration and dental stains. However, major staining may be too deep or extensive for even the stronger professional bleaching. In those cases, porcelain veneers will be able to get the job done.

Do you have crooked teeth?

A lot of people don’t realize this, but porcelain veneers can be used to straighten smiles that are slightly crooked or misaligned. This means you can achieve a smile that is even and beautiful without the brackets, wires, and long treatment time of braces. (That’s why porcelain veneers are sometimes called “instant orthodontics.”) Of course, major misalignments are better dealt with using Invisalign® invisible braces.

Are you in good dental health?

This is an important concern to keep in mind. We mentioned about that prepping a tooth for a porcelain veneer involves the removal of some tooth material. While the amount is small, it can be a major concern for people whose teeth are brittle or severely decayed. In such cases, there are many alternatives to porcelain veneers that we will consider.

Making the Best Decision About Porcelain Veneers

When you come to our cosmetic dentistry center in Troy, we will always give you straight answers and help you make the best decisions about your dental health. We encourage you to ask us any questions and voice your concerns to us. By communicating openly and freely, we’ll help you make the best choices about your lasting wellness.