Porcelain veneers are a quick and effective way to correct a variety of dental flaws. They consist of a thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the visible surface of teeth to hide and improve the appearance of discolored, chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth. Here is a look at some advantages and disadvantages of porcelain veneers.
Advantages
• Natural looking: Porcelain veneers look and feel just like natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell they are not real.
• Stain resistant: Porcelain will not stain from consumption of the usual items that cause staining, such as coffee, tea, wine and tobacco.
• Durable: Porcelain is a strong material that can last for 20 years or longer.
• Fast: veneers can be placed in as little as 2 visits. In the first visit the teeth are prepared for veneers by removing a small amount of tooth enamel. Molds are then taken and sent to a lab that will prepare the veneers. A week or two later, the patient returns to have the porcelain veneers placed on the teeth.
Disadvantages
• Irreversible: Since a small amount of enamel must be removed in order to place veneers, it is considered an irreversible procedure.
• Cost: Porcelain veneers are more expensive than the alternatives that are used to treat many of the same issues, such as teeth whitening and orthodontics.
For more information on the benefits of porcelain veneers, contact our expert in porcelain veneer in Los Angeles to schedule a consultation.