Kingston Porcelain Veneers Glossary

cosmetic dentistry If you are unhappy with your smile, dental veneers can bring about a drastic positive change to your physical appearance. These wafer-thin slices of porcelain which are bonded to the front of the teeth can be an ideal cosmetic solution for teeth that are stained, chipped, discolored or misaligned.

Porcelain veneers can also be utilized to seal small gaps in teeth, improve a gummy smile, lengthen short teeth, and boost the overall appearance of your smile. In addition, if a tooth is not in line with other teeth, a porcelain veneer may be fitted to bring it back to the correct position. Unlike other dental materials, the surface of a porcelain veneer is largely resistant to staining from elements which usually cause stain damage to teeth.

Since porcelain is glass-like, its surface is extremely smooth, impervious and translucent. This means that when porcelain veneers are bonded onto a tooth's surface they mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel. The result is natural, life-like appearance.

Cosmetic enhancement with porcelain veneers takes three appointments to complete. The first appointment is diagnosis and treatment planning, where you take an active part in the decision-making and planning of your smile. During the second appointment your teeth are prepared for the porcelain veneers. Local anesthetic is used while the teeth are lightly buffed so that about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed. Then a mold is taken and sent to the laboratory where veneers are fabricated. In about one to two weeks you'll have your third appointment. The veneers are bonded to the tooth with special cement which is hardened by a catalyst released from a visible light beam.

Anyone who wants to improve their smile can benefit from porcelain veneers. People from all walks of life are finding a way to get their teeth enhanced by fitting porcelain veneers.

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