Porcelain veneers are an incredibly popular way to address a variety of cosmetic dental flaws such as chips, gaps, stains, and cracks, and they are so incredibly lifelike that you have undoubtedly seen many people wearing them without even realizing it. While you may be aware of how this treatment has given millions of people stunning new smiles, did you know that it can be used to correct minor dental misalignments in some cases? Here’s a brief guide to how porcelain veneers work and how they can straighten out teeth.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Beautify a Smile?
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells designed to mimic the appearance of natural dental structure. A cosmetic dentist can completely transform a smile by slightly reshaping the teeth being treated and cementing these appliances on top of them to conceal defects such as gaps, chips, cracks, and stains. This treatment is the open secret behind many of the flawless smiles you have probably seen on television or in movies.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Address Dental Misalignments?
To place porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist will have to remove a tiny amount of enamel from the teeth being treated to make room. While this helps the appliances fit comfortably without appearing bulky, it can also allow a dentist to address minor misalignments in some cases by reshaping a tooth to address crowding, gaps, and crookedness. This has given many patients straighter and more beautiful smiles without the long treatment times and special hygiene regimens that come with orthodontic procedures.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
Porcelain veneers are typically placed over two appointments after the patient has been approved for the treatment during their consultation. During the first appointment, your dentist will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, and you may also receive a sedation treatment to help you sit calmly through the procedure. Then, they will carefully remove a small amount of enamel before taking bite impressions and fixing a temporary set of veneers in place. These bite impressions will be sent to a dental lab, and you will be sent on your way.
When your final veneers are complete about two weeks later, you’ll return to your dentist’s office. They will then remove the temporary appliances before cementing your permanent set in place on your teeth. After any final adjustments, you’ll be ready to greet the world with your new smile.
Porcelain veneers can be a great way to address minor dental misalignments in some cases. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if this versatile cosmetic treatment is the best way to transform your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Kerry T. Plaisance earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Louisiana State University and has studied with prestigious organizations like SPEAR and the Dawson Center. He is proud to be a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and has been chosen as a Top Dentist in New Orleans Magazine for over a decade. His office offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (504) 738-5171.
