Porcelain Veneers: are They Right for You?


by Patricia Woloch - Date: 2008-11-12 - Word Count: 379 Share This!


If you have been living with teeth that make you uncomfortable, self-conscious or flat out embarrassed, porcelain veneers could be just what your smile needs to bring some joy back into your life. Maybe you have had "bad" teeth all of your life due to heredity, or perhaps you suffered an injury that caused damage to your teeth. Whatever the cause, a cosmetic dentist can help mask one problem tooth or an entire mouthful of teeth to create a dazzling smile.



What are porcelain veneers?



Porcelain veneers are translucent, ultra thin shells of ceramic that are permanently bonded over the front of existing teeth. The shells are custom made for each patient's own unique smile so the veneers look and feel like the patient's own natural teeth. Veneers are very strong and durable and require little maintenance beyond good oral hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing.



What problems can veneers hide?



Porcelain veneers are an excellent dental treatment option for patients who have:


· Discolored or stained teeth


· Chipped or slightly cracked teeth


· Short or narrow teeth


· Misaligned or crooked teeth


· Crowded teeth


· Large gaps between teeth



How do dentists determine good candidates for porcelain veneers?



As in any dental procedure, porcelain veneers are not the right answer for every patient. A competent, experienced cosmetic dentist will first assess the patient's oral situation to determine whether porcelain veneers can be safely applied.



Good candidates are those who:


· Have good dental health


· Have considered all of the various dental correction options available


· Have reasonable expectations for the final outcome


· Can afford the cost of veneers, which can range between $500-$1,300 per tooth


· Realize there may be an adjustment period as the they get used to the new teeth



Patients with unfavorable dental conditions or habits are generally not considered good candidates for porcelain veneers, including those who:



· Have gum disease, periodontal disease or gingivitis


· Have severe teeth problems, such as large cracks or extreme crookedness


· Have tooth decay


· Frequently grind or clench teeth while sleeping


· Frequently bite or chew nails or other hard objects


· Smoke



Porcelain veneers are a safe, effective way to get a white, bright smile in just a few visits to the dentist's office. The procedure is virtually pain-free and requires little to no anesthesia.




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If you would like to learn if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, please visit the website of Michael K. Chung, DDS who serves cosmetic dentistry patients at Softouch Dental Care in Northern Virginia.

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