Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain that cover the front of your teeth, giving them a straighter, whiter, and more beautiful appearance. Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of your smile by hiding common problems such as:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Uneven or slightly crooked smile
- Small or chipped teeth
How do Veneers Work?
Traditional porcelain veneers require a thin layer of enamel to be removed from the front of your tooth to make room for the veneer. The veneer fits snugly in place to create the look of a perfect tooth. Your dentist will prepare your teeth in one visit, then you will return to have your veneers placed. Once securely placed you will keep your veneers forever, maintaining your teeth as you normally would.
If you would like a more beautiful smile without removing existing tooth structure, “No-Pre Veneers” may be the perfect solution. No-preparation or minimal-preparation veneers reduce, and sometimes eliminate the need, to remove any existing tooth structure. If no tooth structure is removed, no-prep veneers can often be removed if you choose to do so later in life
Both traditional porcelain veneers and no-prep veneers offer beautiful results. It takes a thorough evaluation by an experienced cosmetic dentist to determine which type of veneer is best for you. Your dentist will take into consideration any existing tooth defects as well as your personal goals and preferences when planning your smile makeover. Questions your dentist may evaluate include:
- Do you have significant staining?
- Are your teeth generally well-aligned?
- Do you currently have healthy enamel?
- Do you have chipped or broken teeth?
- Do you have other restorations such as crowns or bridges?
No-Prep Veneers can cover your teeth with a translucent tooth-like surface as thin as .03 mm. Benefits of No-Prep Veneers include:
- Little to no removal of existing tooth structure
- Fast treatment time with no provisional veneers
- Pain-free treatment with no post-treatment sensitivity
- Potentially reversible (although removing bonding without damaging enamel is sometimes difficult)
Depending on the current condition of your teeth, a thicker veneer may do a better job of hiding defects or correctly contouring your smile. Potential disadvantages of No-Prep Veneers:
- Significant tooth-staining may still be visible through the veneer
- Appearance may not be as naturally translucent as traditional veneers or preferred color may not be achieved
- Teeth will have increased contour due to added thickness, which can also cause more lip protrusion
- Durability may be compromised if there is not enough supporting healthy tooth structure
Both traditional and No-Prep Porcelain Veneers can give you a beautiful smile, however the best solution for you depends on the existing condition of your teeth and your goals for your smile make-over. Porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful, white, long-lasting smile. See your cosmetic dentist to help determine the best solution for your smile makeover.
