What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Whether it is due to an accident like falling, or because your teeth have been allowed to decay to a point in which they are compromised, a repair will need to be considered. There are a few different repair options for damaged teeth—depending on the amount of damage the teeth have sustained and the nature of the damage. For moderately damaged teeth, dental veneers are an excellent option.

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are tooth repair prosthetics that fit over the natural teeth of patients. This process involves the reshaping of a tooth that allows the dentist to properly place the veneer. Dental veneers can be made with a few different materials, and are custom made for the needs of each specific patient.

What Oral Health Issues Do Veneers Resolve?

A dental veneer may be necessary to repair a damaged tooth that has sustained some form of trauma, or has been damaged by prolonged decay. If the tooth has sustained too much damage, a dental crown may be a better option. Still, dentists prefer to maintain as much of a natural tooth as they can. Because of this, if your tooth has only been damaged to a degree that allows for the placement of a veneer, your dentist will likely choose to place a veneer.

There are a variety of different oral health issues that dental veneers help to resolve. Some of these include:

• Cracked Teeth
• Broken Teeth
• Teeth Damaged by Decay
• Discolored Teeth
• Crowding
• Chipped Teeth

While many patients think that a damaged tooth is simply a cosmetic issue, this is not the case. A damaged or decayed tooth can lead to further decay, infections, damage to surrounding teeth and other serious oral health issues.

If a tooth is damaged due to tooth decay and it is not repaired in a timely fashion, the decay may spread and worsen. This may lead to the need for a dental crown to be placed—or it may even lead to the need for an extraction. Make sure to have any tooth decay treated, and ensure the tooth is repaired as soon as possible.

Why Porcelain Veneers?

While there are a few different types of veneers, one of the best options is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are the most common, and they are excellent for the long-lasting replacement of a damaged portion of a tooth. Actually, porcelain veneers can last upwards of 10-20 years if they are properly cared for. While porcelain is an excellent material both cosmetically and functionally, it is a little more expensive than composite material. Because of this, some patients will opt for composite veneers instead of porcelain. It is important to note that porcelain lasts longer, though, so they are generally a better long-term investment. Speak with your dentist about what material would be best for both your oral health needs, and your price point. No matter which material you choose for your dental veneer, it is extremely important that it is placed in order to avoid further damage to the tooth. If you have a damaged tooth, set an appointment with your dentist today.

Interested in finding out more specially about Meadowdale Dental Clinic and porcelain veneer process? We're happy to assist you on your way to a beautiful, healthy, confident smile.

If you're just interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, here's reading on what the process looks like.