Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that are attached to the front surfaces of teeth for an immediate smile transformation. Individually crafted for each patient, these cosmetic enhancements are made from porcelain material that closely resembles the appearance of natural dental enamel. Dentists can use veneers for an impressive number of cosmetic corrections, ranging from teeth whitening to orthodontic adjustments. Thanks to their lifelike appearance and wide array of functions, porcelain veneers rank among the most trusted and popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry.
Bonded Teeth
For patients with insufficient dental enamel or for those who are hesitant to permanently alter the structure of their teeth, dental bonding, often called composite veneers, may the optimal solution. A dentist applies dental composite to the front of a patient’s teeth. This material is carefully selected to match the natural color of his or her smile. By carefully sculpting the material, the dentist can achieve many of the same results possible with veneers. Like veneers, bonding can correct severe stains, cracks, misaligned teeth, and gaps between teeth. Unlike veneers, however, composite resin is opaque and does not offer the natural sheen of porcelain.
Cosmetic Dental Crowns and Dental Implants
In some ways, dental crowns are very similar to veneers. Custom-made to match a patient’s natural teeth, these tooth-shaped porcelain caps fit over a damaged tooth. However, unlike veneers, a crown extends all the way around a tooth, meaning the dentist must remove a significant amount of the dental structure. Crowns are an excellent option for patients who have considerable damage that affects the strength or structural integrity of a tooth. However, for patients who are simply seeking cosmetic enhancements, veneers are an effective, less invasive option.
