Teeth Whitening Using Porcelain Veneers
Apart from the cleaning and bleaching teeth whitening options, there is another method which can be very effective and long-lasting, that of having porcelain veneers affixed.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of glass-like ceramic that are placed over the surface of the tooth and bonded with a resin cement. The surface of the porcelain veneers closely resemble natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain Veneers Do More Than Simply Whiten Teeth
Although one of the benefits of putting in porcelain veneers is the appearance that you have had your teeth whitened, this is only one of the effects you will see. Porcelain veneers also cover cracked or chipped teeth, effectively straighten crooked teeth and fill in gaps between teeth. You’re left with a brighter, natural looking smile.
Porcelain Veneers Will Permanently Change Your Teeth
Although porcelain veneers are a covering over the top of your teeth, having them installed will permanently change your teeth. This is because the cosmetic dentist will buff the surface of your teeth to remove around half a millimetre of enamel. This is so the porcelain veneers don’t increase the thickness of the front face of the teeth which could change the shape of your face.
Porcelain Veneers Look Natural
Because they are translucent, porcelain veneers look as natural as normal teeth. Just as light penetrates a tooth’s enamel exterior and reflects off the opaque tooth dentin inside, the same effect takes place with porcelain veneers. What this means is that there should be no way of knowing that someone is looking at porcelain veneers rather than normal healthy teeth.
How Long Will Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 – 15 years and are largely resistant to staining. Veneers made of composite material are available and they are relatively easy to repair whereas porcelain veneers have a tendency to fracture and if they do have to be replaced, it could be difficult to match the colour with the remaining teeth. This could mean that several porcelain veneers may need to be replaced at a time.
Cost of Porcelain Veneers
The cost of having porcelain veneers fitted will vary, but it won’t come cheap, generally falling in the range of $700 – $2000 per tooth.
You can find out more regional specific information at places like Los Angeles Porcelain Veneers for the west coast and New York Porcelain Veneers for the east.
This is only one of the teeth whitening options available and discussed on these pages. For more teeth whitening choices please visit the main page.
Write a Comment