Porcelain veneers conceal flaws of the teeth, including chips and gaps and discolorations. They create a very cosmetic result. Veneers fit seamlessly into your smile, measuring about the thickness of a credit card or your fingernail. Even though veneers are quite thin, they are extremely strong when placed correctly.
Veneers are durable for a couple reasons:
• Porcelain material
• Dental bonding process
Porcelain is a combination of different materials. Porcelain is actually a ceramic material, meaning it is nonmetallic and created through a process of heating and cooling. Part of the reason that porcelain veneers are so durable is simply because of the inherent strength of ceramic porcelain.
The bond between a porcelain veneer and your tooth is also very strong. To prepare your tooth, a small amount of enamel is removed from the very outer surface. The result of this removal is that your tooth has a rougher surface, which allows the dental cement to bond more effectively. This removal of enamel also compensates for the thickness of the veneer. The veneer is then attached to the cement material.
Most people have the same veneers for years, even decades. You can prolong the life of your veneers with these habits:
• Brush twice a day and floss once a day. Cavities can ultimately damage your veneers.
• Wear a mouth guard if you play sports or grind your teeth. These activities can cause trauma to the veneers.
• Refrain from biting on hard objects, including ice cubes, your fingernails, and the ends of pens and pencils.
Porcelain veneers are a durable way to create a stunning smile you are proud to share.
For porcelain veneers in Arizona, including Phoenix and the surrounding areas, please contact the doctors of smiles Scott LeSueur, D.D.S., and Charles Dodaro, D.D.S., to schedule a consultation.