5 other uses for porcelain veneers in dentistry
Starting in Hollywood in the 1950s, porcelain veneers have become a mainstay of cosmetic dental care in the modern era.
What are they? In simple terms, they are thin, porcelain coverings that are placed on the front (or back in cases of sensitivity-related issues) of the tooth, to create a flawless appearance. They are held in place with dental cement and require no needles or numbing agents to fit. Great stuff!
Our team, headed by Dr Bobby Chhoker has extensive experience with the fitting of porcelain veneers and can assess whether or not they would be a suitable option for you. Colour-matched to blend in seamlessly, these coverings can truly transform a smile and can offer far more than just a cosmetic option for many dental patients.
So, what else can porcelain veneers be used for? Read on to find out!
Whitening
As you may have guessed, a key reason many dental patients ask for porcelain veneers is linked to whitening.
Should you have extremely sensitive teeth, it is unlikely that regular whitening techniques would be beneficial to you, as they can cause sensitivity to worsen. And as you can have the veneers customised to any shade of white you wish, they can provide instant whitening. Great!
Strengthening
While you may think of porcelain as a fragile material, when used in dental care, it is extremely hardy.
And if you have had a procedure performed which may have weakened the tooth, like a root canal, or your tooth has been damaged in an accident, we may use a veneer to add strength back to your tooth. Simply placing it over the affected area will add some durability, allowing you to bite into food and chew as you did prior to the tooth’s degeneration.
Orthodontic
OK, so while we do not recommend veneers to correct severe orthodontic issues, they can be useful when correcting issues such as minor spacing, crooked teeth or slight crowding.
Remember, we can make the coverings as wide or as slim as we need to. When they are placed on the front of a tooth that may need widening to conceal a gap, this can easily be achieved with this treatment, and without the use of aligners or braces.
Asymmetry
Much like orthodontic corrections, veneers can also be used to correct minor cases of asymmetry in a smile.
For instance, if you have a canine that is slightly longer than the one opposite, we can use the veneers to lengthen the shorter tooth, creating a smoother and more symmetrical-looking smile. However, the severity of the asymmetry will affect this.
Sensitivity
As mentioned earlier, porcelain veneers can be used to correct issues of tooth sensitivity of minor to moderate severity.
As most sensitivity is caused by either a crack in the tooth or microscopic holes that allow air to reach the pulp, covering the tooth with a layer of porcelain can be extremely effective at stopping recurring sensitivity. Perfect!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.