When considering veneers as a smile-enhancing treatment, or to repair a damaged tooth, a lot of patients express concern over the durability of the finished results. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit each patient’s individual teeth, making the finished results extremely natural in appearance.
To create the most natural finish, the porcelain must be very thin and the shape of the pieces must fit as close as possible to the patient’s natural teeth. The thin pieces of porcelain can look fragile, but rest assured they are far more durable than they appear.
The bonding process begins with tooth preparation. Each tooth is very gently filed to prepare the surface for the best bond possible. Durable cement is then applied to secure the enhancing veneer pieces to the intended teeth, and the excess is cleaned off. Most procedures use a UV light-cured bonding material, so once the veneer is aligned on the tooth, the UV light is used to set the bond. When finished, the patient typically returns for a one-week follow-up appointment, allowing an inspection of the veneers to ensure the bond is secure and there are no issues. If well cared for, in conjunction with standard at-home oral hygiene habits, the veneers can last for years.
Although this approach to enhancing a smile is extremely fast and yields impressive results, patients must remember that the bond can be loosened. Smoking, nail biting, chewing on pens or pencils, chewing ice cubes and other problem behaviors can weaken the bond that secures veneers to their teeth, and increase the likelihood of veneers falling off and possible breaking. If one comes loose but remains in perfect condition, it can usually be cleaned and reapplied. If a porcelain veneer comes loose and breaks, however, it must be replaced with a new one.
For more information on smile enhancements and other available treatment options, contact our experienced team at Howl Dental. Call 918-749-1626 today to schedule your visit.