04 Nov

Transform your smile with porcelain veneers from City of London dentist

Porcelain veneers are custom made ceramic shells that replicate the appearance of teeth and fit over the surface of existing teeth that have sustained some kind of damage. Some of the most common injuries that require porcelain veneers are broken, chipped or cracked teeth, but veneers can also be used to cover teeth that are worn, discoloured or unevenly spaced. Porcelain veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry as they aim to create a bright, white and even smile. Modern porcelain ceramics are even manufactured to retain a translucent appearance that mirrors that of tooth enamel.
Teeth can become discoloured for a number of reasons. Most commonly it is simply due to age, as teeth lose their natural colour over the years in much the same way that hair does. However, teeth can also be discoloured due to lifestyle choices with tobacco, red wine and coffee being particularly big offenders. Worn teeth occur when the enamel is gradually eroded over time. Both the wearing down of teeth and discolouration vary from person to person with some patients simply being more genetically prone. Damage to teeth often occurs as the result of sporting injury or head trauma received during a car accident.
For all of these problems porcelain veneers can be fitted by dentists to restore not only the aesthetic appearance of teeth but also to restore their structural integrity and surface strength. Porcelain veneers are manufactured in laboratory conditions, increasingly with the aid of computers and three-dimensional imaging, and cemented over existing teeth. Modern veneers are designed to be so thin that they are able to fit over existing teeth without the need for extensive enamel removal.
Once in place, porcelain veneers are very durable and stain resistant. They can completely transform the appearance of teeth and can last as long as ten years if properly maintained. If you are suffering from chipped or broken teeth or if you would like to enhance your smile with porcelain veneers, ask a City of London dentist about the latest in porcelain veneer technology.