What is a Porcelain Veneer?

A porcelain veneer is a type of dental veneer, i.e., a thin tooth-like cover placed over existing teeth to mask cosmetic imperfections. Dental veneers are made of either porcelain or resin composite material. The advantage of porcelain veneers is their stain-resistant feature that helps keep a shiny bright smile for a longer time. Additionally, porcelain veneers perfectly reflect light just as natural teeth do - adding to the authentic feel.

Porcelain veneers are typically chosen to cover stained, chipped, misaligned, irregularly shaped, or broken teeth or fill up gaps between teeth. A visit to the dentist will help figure out what type of veneers you may need and how you may go about getting them for your teeth.

How Porcelain Veneers are Placed on Teeth?....

• If you plan to improve your oral aesthetics or fix a damaged tooth, you will first have to communicate the same to the dentist. Once porcelain veneers are chosen as the best option, the process of placing them goes like this:
• The dentist first examines your oral health and takes X-rays if necessary to understand if your teeth and roots are strong enough to take dental procedures.
• The dentist will carefully reshape the surface of teeth so that the veneers may perfectly fit over them.
• The impression of the teeth is taken using a mold.
• The impression is sent to the dental laboratory for custom veneers that could take a couple of weeks to be ready. Temporary veneers may be provided at this stage if required.
• At the next visit, the veneers are tried over teeth, adjustments are made, and when the fit is found to be perfect, the veneers are bonded on the tooth enamel.
• The dentist may fix up a follow-up appointment to check on the veneer to ensure they are placed well and are not a cause for concern.

Aftercare

Although hard and long-lasting, veneers need to be maintained well. Do not chew on very hard objects such as nails or hard foods. Also, consider getting mouthguards if you are in the habit of grinding your teeth. That being said, no special care is required, and you may continue the standard oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth twice a day. You need not go out of your way to avoid stain-inducing foods or beverages but keep in mind that veneers may also get stained over a long period of time.