The Health Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment designed to transform or enhance your smile. However, they may have additional health benefits. Here’s what to know.
Veneers are thin, shell-like coverings that fit over the front of your teeth and hide imperfections like gaps, cracks, and stains. They come in two main types, one of which is porcelain. These porcelain veneers are ceramic coverings made of durable, but thin, natural minerals custom-fitted to your teeth.
Porcelain veneers come in two forms: traditional or no-prep veneers. Your dentist will recommend the best option based on your tooth health and your concerns.
Prep veneers are traditional porcelain veneers custom-made for your teeth and require preparation over a few appointments. Your dentist starts by etching your teeth or carefully removing enamel.
Next, they take a digital scan of your teeth, create a detailed impression, and help you select a color. Those impressions and selections are sent to a lab and made into precise, customized veneers. Your dentist bonds the final product to your teeth for a permanent smile enhancement.
No-prep veneers are ultra-thin porcelain products that require very little tooth prep. These durable veneers are custom-fitted to your teeth but need less enamel removal or etching than traditional products. Common brands include:
These veneers are best for minor issues and still need some tooth prep.
Veneers have several key health and cosmetic benefits, from smile enhancement and stain removal to strengthening teeth and reducing tooth sensitivity.
Your teeth naturally contain a few layers of tissue, including an inner layer of pulp and outer layers of dentin and hard enamel. Hollow channels travel from the inside pulp layer to the outside enamel.
Sensitivity develops when your enamel wears down and exposes inner layers. It may also develop in teeth with many or extra channels, which increases fluid flow and leads to more pain with exposure.
Porcelain veneers can help lessen tooth sensitivity. The porcelain shell covers the outer layer of your tooth, creating a firm barrier that protects the tooth and closes up any exposed areas. No-prep veneers with less enamel removal may be a better option.
Teeth can withstand a lot of pressure, force, and wear, but some habits and natural aging can cause long-term tooth wear and breakdown. Severe wear and damage can weaken your teeth and lead to pain, trouble chewing, or other problems.
Porcelain veneers restore your tooth structure and appearance and help strengthen your teeth. The hard covering protects the tooth while improving function and your ability to chew.
Porcelain veneers are an option for stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. The covering masks the outside of your natural tooth, hiding discoloration and creating a bright, healthy smile. They also resist stains better than your natural enamel, which can help prevent new staining once placed.
Finally, porcelain veneers can transform and enhance your smile and overall appearance. They’re customized exactly for your teeth to create a natural appearance, so it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between your tooth and a veneer.
Restoring your smile can improve your self-confidence and self-image. Starbody Dental combines state-of-the-art technology with art and expertise to design a tailored solution and perfect your smile. Book an appointment to discover how we can help.
Call 615-896-1330 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
