Porcelain veneers are probably the most transformative procedure in cosmetic dentistry, but that doesn’t mean they’re the right treatment for every cosmetic problem. In fact, dentists often follow the principle of the old chess-based adage: Don’t disturb the queen when the pawn will do. Porcelain veneers are reserved for situations when they really are the best treatment for getting the results you want. So when is that?
Severe Discoloration
Teeth whitening is a great procedure for getting rid of stains on a tooth, but what happens when the tooth is discolored from within, such as by defects in the enamel or due to a dead tooth nerve? Porcelain veneers are great in this situation, because they replace the intrinsically stained tooth enamel with a whiter material. They can also balance between the proper translucency and opacity to ensure you get a natural appearance without revealing the discoloration of your natural teeth.
Reshaping Teeth
If your teeth are small, worn, poorly shaped, gapped, or damaged, porcelain veneers can be used to build them up and give them an appropriate shape. They can be used to make your smile look younger, more attractive, and more balanced, no matter what the shape of your natural teeth.
If your teeth are very small and you want them significantly larger, or if they’re seriously damaged, we might recommend porcelain crowns, which fit over the entire crown of the tooth, and can provide more protection and strength to teeth that have been compromised.
You Want Your Teeth Straightened Quickly
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to take as long as it used to, but if you are looking to straighten your front teeth quickly, porcelain veneers are still faster, taking just two or three weeks to accomplish.
You Want to Correct Multiple Problems
Another time that porcelain veneers are useful is if you’re trying to correct multiple problems at once. If, for example, you have a gap, discoloration, and a chipped tooth, then porcelain veneers can correct them all at once in a single procedure.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
If you’re looking to improve your smile, and think porcelain veneers might be the right choice for you, please contact Beyond Exceptional Dentistry in Hilton Head today.
