Q. What is a porcelain veneer restoration?

• A veneer is a thin facing of porcelain that is bonded to the front visible surface of a tooth.
• It is similar to a false fingernail.
• The appearance of a tooth can be dramatically improved by a veneer restoration.
• It can change the colour, shape and size of a tooth.
• Discoloured teeth can be permanently whitened with a veneer.

Q. When will I need a veneer?

• Porcelain veneers are ideal for front teeth if you have any of the following:
• Stained and discoloured teeth.
• Fillings that are large and noticeable.
• Chipped teeth.
• Spaces between the teeth.
• Slightly crooked teeth.
• Teeth that are too short, too long, or too wide.

Q. Why is porcelain the best material for a veneer?

• Porcelain has a translucency and lustre that cannot be equalled by any other material. It closely resembles the enamel of a tooth
• Perfect colour matching to existing teeth is possible with a veneer.
• A porcelain veneer is a very strong and durable tooth restoration.
• Although a veneer is very thin, it becomes as strong as the enamel of the tooth. It is strengthened by being fused or bonded to the tooth.
• It cannot be stained and will not discolour.
• A porcelain veneer is very thin and as a result very little tooth material has to be trimmed away to accommodate it.
• A veneer can also be made of a plastic material, but this can not match the aesthetics and durability of porcelain. Temporary veneers are made of acrylic.

Q. How careful must I be with my new veneers?

• Veneers are very strong and durable and cannot be damaged easily.
• Eating will not be affected, but it is not advisable to bite or chew hard sweets or chicken bones with the veneered teeth.
• The bright lustre of a veneer can be preserved by using a non-abrasive toothpaste

Life is full of beauty; live yours to its fullest potential. Ashley Smith