When it comes to repairing damaged teeth, patients prefer the use of the most lifelike materials possible. After all, a visibly artificial restoration is almost as detrimental to the smile’s appearance as the crack or chip it’s intended to conceal.

Porcelain veneers are particularly popular for aesthetically pleasing dental work.

A cosmetic dentist can use veneers to cover up any number of problems, including chips, cracks or stains, when conventional whitening treatments have been ineffective. Veneers can even help to straighten misaligned teeth.

Porcelain is an excellent choice for veneers for a number of reasons. First, porcelain reflects light in a fashion similar to tooth enamel. This gives the material a lifelike aesthetic, and makes it hard to discern a veneer apart from the real tooth next to it.

Porcelain veneers are also much more durable than you would expect. People think of porcelain as a fragile material, but when used in veneers, it is sturdy enough to last for a decade or more. In fact, porcelain is comparable to biological tooth enamel in terms of durability.

To maximize the benefits and lifespan of veneers, proper care is essential. Be sure to maintain consistent oral hygiene habits to minimize the presence of bacteria that may compromise the tooth as well as any veneers you have.

The thin, tooth-shaped shells are slim enough to sit atop the teeth after the removal of a small layer of enamel, which creates room for the veneers. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, this step may or may not be necessary.

The treatment process involved in veneers is speedy. It can be completed in as little as two appointments, separated by just a few weeks. Veneers are placed right in the dentist’s office, too.

Patients who want to restore a marred smile will want to look into porcelain veneers and all of the benefits they offer. Contact the office of Dr. John M. Hucklebridge to find out if this treatment option will be beneficial to you.