Veneers enable people to completely reshape their teeth for a beautiful, white smile. They can be used to create a brand new smile in cases of stained or discolored teeth, unsightly gaps between front teeth, chipped teeth, rough or jagged edges on front teeth, teeth that are too small or large in proportion to rest of the mouth, crooked teeth, or worn teeth.
The Solution:
A porcelain laminate (often called a veneer) is a thin shell of porcelain that covers the front of each tooth. They bond directly to the front of the tooth, similar to the way artificial fingernails work. Each porcelain laminate is a work of art, carefully crafted in a laboratory to fit your individual smile.
Advantages:
In the hands of a highly skilled dentist, porcelain laminates can provide you with an incredibly natural, beautiful smile. They are virtually undetectable and can dramatically improve your appearance. They are durable and long-lasting when compared to other cosmetic treatments. In many instances, very little, if any, tooth structure needs to be removed in the preparation for the veneer.
Disadvantages:
Although they are highly durable, porcelain laminates are not permanent. Well crafted laminates will last many years, but will eventually need to be replaced.
Alternatives:
Porcelain laminates are an excellent investment. However, they are not appropriate for teeth with excessive decay. In those cases, porcelain crowns are the only alternative. In the event that you desire only to improve tooth alignment, orthodontic treatment may be another alternative.
