Getting porcelain veneers is so common these days that nobody thinks twice about having them done when they need to.
The fact that most people chip, crack or break their teeth all the time makes it easy to think that veneers are the best and only solution to the problem.
However, as with most invasive procedures, you will need to consult with qualified specialists first regarding the potential risks and benefits of the procedure you want to undergo.
While getting veneers may seem like the best solution, it is not for everyone and as such, it is subject to discussion with your dentist.
For one, you need to have considerably healthy teeth and an adequate amount of enamel existing on your tooth surface to qualify for the procedure.
If you are one of those people who clench or grind their teeth, you are also not qualified to get veneers as these activities can cause them to crack or get chipped.
So what exactly are veneers, how are they done and what distinct advantages can they offer to someone who wants to get a great smile? Sometimes referred to as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that go over the surface of the teeth.
Veneers are designed to be bonded with the front of the teeth to change their size, color, shape and length.
They are routinely used to fix discolored, worn down, broken, chipped, misaligned or uneven teeth, as well as those that are irregularly-shaped or have gaps in between.
People get veneers done for a lot of reasons: family-inherited teeth problems, trauma, stains resulting from taking certain medications and aging to name a few.
While getting porcelain veneers is a commonly-done procedure, it is also one that requires at least three visits to the dentist's office to complete - the first being a consultation visit and the second and third to make and apply the veneers.
The first step towards getting veneers done is to make sure you qualify for the procedure and that is done when you first consult with a dentist about what you want to achieve.
Next, the dentist will then examine your teeth and may even take x-rays and make an impression of your mouth and teeth.
Of course, he will also discuss with you how the procedure is done, what you can expect and the possible costs you can incur.
The procedure itself starts with the dentist removing approximately a half millimeter of enamel from your tooth surface.
Then the dentist will make an impression of your tooth to be sent to a dental laboratory to get your veneers made, which usually takes from 1-2 weeks.
If you have very unsightly teeth, the dentist can put temporary veneers in place until your real ones are ready but this may cost you a bit.
Veneers are usually cemented to your tooth when they are done but first, the dentist will try it out first to check if the fit and color are right.
He may trim the veneer as much as needed to make it fit and adjust the shade so that it blends in with the rest of your teeth.
Once satisfied your dentist will now clean, polish and etch your tooth which roughens it to allow for a stronger bonding process.
Special cement will then be applied to the veneer and once properly placed on the tooth, the dentist will use a special light to harden the cement.
Finally, once the cement hardens, the dentist will remove any excess cement, check your bite and make more adjustments when necessary.
The final step is when the dentist asks you to return for a follow-up visit so he can see how well the veneers are working.
A few things you may want to take note of about porcelain veneers is that they are permanent and that you have to take care that they do not chip or break as they cannot be repaired.
You also need to be aware of the fact that since there is a certain amount of enamel removed, you may become more sensitive to hot or cold beverages.
If you want to get your teeth whitened, you must do it before getting your veneers done since whitening doesn't work on them.
They don't require any special maintenance, but you will need to practice proper oral hygiene to make them last.