By Arthur Kezian
Do you feel that your teeth are unattractive due to discoloration, misalignment or too much wear and tear?—if you answered yes, consider porcelain veneers! Cosmetic dentistry now offers the technology to fix your teeth’s appearance and make you smile with confidence. Porcelain veneers can change the color and size of your teeth.
Dr. Kezian is an expert in cosmetic dentistry and can offer a consultation and treatment plan to create the dazzling smile you have always desired. Read below to learn more about porcelain veneers.
What Exactly Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, custom-made shells that are bonded onto the surface of teeth with the ultimate goal of improving the cosmetic appearance.
What Do Porcelain Veneers Offer?
Porcelain is very similar in appearance to enamel, the outer durable layer of your teeth. Because porcelain looks like enamel, this material will provide a very natural look. In addition, enamel has the property of translucency, which just means that light enters enamel and is reflected out (this gives teeth that natural sheen!). Porcelain also has this property and, thus, blends in more with the surrounding teeth. Porcelain is also very strong and durable.
Porcelain is really a glass ceramic type material. The veneers are glazed in an oven, thus minimizing the chances of staining.
Due to the durability and stain resistant properties of porcelain veneers they can actually be quite expensive. However, the chemical bond that holds them to teeth is strong. This property makes porcelain veneers last for up to twenty to twenty-five years.
How Does It Work?
Once you have decided on porcelain veneers, you need to plan on making about 3 trips to the dentist. The first trip usually involves a thorough exam and assessment of your specific needs as well as a time for you to gather information about the different types of porcelain veneers available to you. Most likely at this time, an impression of your mouth and teeth will be taken.
The next step requires preparation of your tooth’s surface for the veneer, which includes removing about half of a millimeter of the enamel. Don’t worry! This won’t be painful because the dentist will apply a local anesthetic. After this thinning procedure, a model is made of your teeth. This model is sent to a laboratory that creates your personal dental veneers!
The next visit involves the bonding process of the porcelain veneers to the front surface of your teeth. The tooth surface will be etched. This roughens the tooth’s surface that promotes better bonding between the veneer and the teeth. A very strong type of cement is used. This cement only gets activated with a laser light once the veneer is properly situated.
That’s it! Three simple visits and you’ll have a brand new smile! Porcelain veneers provide a long lasting, natural looking and durable solution to the problem of an unattractive smile.
Dr. Kezian is an expert in the process of applying porcelain veneers. Make an appointment today for a consultation!
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777