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Porcelain veneers are being widely used by London-based dentists and have been available for many years throughout the world. Teeth that are uneven, discoloured, worn and/or damaged may be corrected with the use of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers, also referred to as dental veneers and laminates, are thin porcelain coverings fabricated distinctively for each individual patient and tooth. They provide an excellent cosmetic result in the properly chosen situation. Porcelain veneer technique(s) involve minimal preparation of the tooth enamel (the outer shell of the tooth), and at times the dentin (substructure of the tooth that can be sensitive to tooth preparation). This depends on the misalignment of the teeth, and the result sought by both you and your dentist.
The porcelain veneer procedure usually takes two dental visits. During your first visit, a smile analysis is performed either by using a camera or a cast of your mouth, or both. The result that can be obtained is usually shown to you via computer or by wax being placed on the stone model of your teeth. Any changes to colour, form and function of your teeth should be discussed with your dentist at this time. Once you and your dentist have agreed on the result that can be obtained, your anterior (i.e., front) dentition (i.e., teeth) are prepared using a diamond bur with local anaesthesia or no anaesthesia. This will depend on the amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed for the desired result.
Temporary acrylic or composite shells are fabricated by your dentist or his in-house laboratory to prevent tooth sensitively and the inadvertent shift of your teeth until the delivery visit. Impressions are taken of your mouth, and the stone models are sent to a laboratory that specializes in porcelain veneer fabrication. Upon return for your insertion visit, the porcelain veneers are bonded in place on your teeth utilizing the special materials to firmly affix the thin porcelain shell to each tooth. Porcelain veneers are inherently delicate; however, when securely bonded to the well-built tooth substructure they become both physically strong and long-lasting.
The greatest advantage of veneers above other aesthetic former brands are that porcelain veneers created to copy and achieve an extremely realistic look, and depending upon the artistic nature of the laboratory that fabricates the porcelain veneers and the artistry of the dentist placing the veneers, stunning results can be achieved. The best results are to both imitate the natural translucency of the tooth enamel and to also achieve the colour changes that are expected by the patient using opaque bonding materials and additional intrinsic colouring if required. Since Londoner’s generally have darker teeth, this intrinsic staining and use of opaque bonding materials should be carefully evaluated. After being placed and bonded, the porcelain veneers should very closely resemble the outer look of tooth enamel. A great advantage of porcelain veneers over composite bonding materials are their resistance to staining and discolouration.