What are teeth veneers?
Veneers are thin enamel replacements used to improve the shape, position and color of teeth. The teeth selected for veneers depend on your smile. To change small discrepancies in the alignment of teeth, they are considered along with the option of correction with braces. Sometimes, patients choose them simply to create a vibrant smile!
Veneers are usually made of porcelain, a high-strength, translucent glass material. Teeth come alive with the customized detailing of porcelain. Drs. Brueggeman and Kopecky are polished in the technical skill of preparing teeth for veneers and work with the highest quality labs.
Unlike plastic (resin) which can also be used for veneers, porcelain is highly resistant to stains such as coffee, red wines and cigarettes. It is recommended to home whiten prior to veneer treatment to achieve the highest esthetics.
How strong are porcelain veneers?
Although appearing thin and fragile by themselves, current research has shown that the bond of porcelain to enamel (the outside layer of tooth) is stronger than that of enamel to dentin (the second layer of tooth). Still, one must avoid expected cautions such as opening or holding things with the teeth or impact with very hard or chewy foods. A protective bite splint for the teeth may be recommended to avoid fracture or loss of veneers from night time clenching or grinding.
What are resin veneers?
Resin material may be an alternative to porcelain veneers for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel or porcelain, it is more likely to stain, chip or break. Bonded resin veneers typically last 3 to 7 years before need of repair or replacement.