Enhance the Appearance of Crooked Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
Crooked teeth are one of the most common dental problems. When misalignment is advanced, orthodontics are the best way to correct the teeth and bite. However, many people suffer from minor malocclusion problems, which compromise the aesthetics of the smile without impacting oral health or functions.
When crooked teeth are a cosmetic concern, porcelain veneers may be the most appropriate treatment. Porcelain veneers bond to the facial surface of the teeth to conceal aesthetic flaws and enhance the appearance of the smile. Individuals in the Bloomington, IL, and Champaign, IL, area who are considering porcelain veneers for crooked teeth can learn more about the procedure, as offered at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
Porcelain Veneers: The Instant Orthodontics
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile dental restorations. Porcelain veneers address a comprehensive range of cosmetic blemishes, including dental stains, discoloration, chips, cracks, fractures, spacing issues, and crooked teeth. Because of their success at transforming a crooked smile into one that is straight and even, porcelain veneers are often referred to as “instant orthodontics.”
Porcelain veneers do not physically move the teeth or jaw, but they do conceal crooked and/or gapped teeth to give individuals the straight, attractive smile they desire - and all in a matter of weeks, as opposed to the many months that are required for traditional orthodontic treatment.
Porcelain Veneers Candidates
Porcelain veneers have a wide range of uses, so they are an option for people experiencing a variety of dental imperfections. For crooked teeth, porcelain veneers are appropriate for minor to moderate malocclusion problems, or issues that do not compromise oral health or interfere with oral functions. If the teeth are severely crooked or the bite is misaligned, a cosmetic treatment like porcelain veneers is probably not the best solution.
The Procedure
Porcelain veneers treatment is usually complete within two dental appointments, which are scheduled several weeks apart. The first part of the procedure involves planning and designing the veneers, reshaping the teeth to accommodate the veneers, and taking images and impressions of the teeth to serve as molds for the veneers.
Each set of veneers is customized by size, shape, and color, so they address aesthetic flaws while blending in with adjacent teeth and maintaining a natural appearance. Porcelain veneers are extremely thin restorations, so they fit the teeth without significant reshaping - we simply remove a thin layer of tooth enamel to ensure the veneers will sit flush with the natural teeth.
The final part of porcelain veneers treatment involves testing the fit of the restoration, making any necessary last-minute adjustments, and bonding the veneer in place. Porcelain veneers are cemented to the facial surface of the teeth with a tooth-colored compound. Once hardened, the compound completes the bonding process so that porcelain veneers are strong and secure.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Our Bloomington patients are often eager to find out how long porcelain veneers last. As long as the veneers are cared for properly and the patient practices good oral hygiene habits (including regular dental exams and cleanings), porcelain veneers should last 10 years or more. When porcelain veneers do eventually wear down or become damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Get in Touch
If you would like to know if porcelain veneers can give you the straight, attractive smile you desire, the dental team at Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry would be happy to meet with you during a personal consultation. Send us a message online at your earliest convenience, or call (309) 663-6393 to get the process started.