Repairing and Replacing Porcelain Veneers
When it comes to having a smile that looks its absolute best, one of the best options out there for care is porcelain veneers. These thin shells of dental ceramic are able to make a smile look absolutely pristine. When you meet with a cosmetic dentist, you can learn more about porcelain veneers and how they can benefit you and your needs. Right now we'd like to go over some of the basics of what they are and what to do if the porcelain veneer should break and need repair or replacement.
About Porcelain Veneers
The basics first. Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry solution that's used to address the following issues with dental aesthetics:
- Cracked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Stained teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Tooth misalignment
The porcelain veneers are affixed to the front portions of the teeth, concealing these aesthetic flaws from view. The best thing about the porcelain veneers is that they look totally natural when they are in place, blending in seamlessly with existing tooth structure.
How common are chips and cracks on porcelain veneers?
With good care, cracks and chips on porcelain veneers are generally very rare. They can occur, however, since accidents do happen. Obviously the best thing that patients can do is take care of porcelain veneers as they would their actual teeth.
In general, repairing a porcelain veneer is preferable to the total replacement of a porcelain veneer. Let's look at both of these processes right now.
Repairing a Porcelain Veneer
Porcelain veneers need repairs when they are slightly chipped or cracked. When it comes to repairing porcelain veneers, the dentist will usually use a composite bonding material to patch up the chipped or cracked veneer. The bonding material is not as strong as the porcelain veneer itself, but it is a non-invasive way to fix the damage to the veneer. Further touch ups with the composite bonding material may be needed in the future.
Replacing a Porcelain Veneer
Replacing a porcelain veneer is necessary if the veneer has been severely damaged or if tooth decay has occurred around the porcelain veneer. In the latter instance, the removal of the veneer is imperative so that the tooth decay can be properly addressed.
The removal and replacement process will involve the removal of the porcelain veneer as well as removal of some healthy tooth structure. From this newly prepared tooth, an impression is taken from which the new porcelain veneer will be fashioned.
Generally your dentist will want to avoid the replacement of a porcelain veneer since the process can be complicated and it's always ideal for patients to keep as much of their natural tooth structure as possible. The amount of tooth structure that a patient has to lose will vary on a case-by-case basis.
Tips to Maintain the Quality of Your Porcelain Veneers
There are several things that you can do to ensure that your porcelain veneers do not require repair or replacement:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Visit your dentist twice a year
- Do not chew on objects not meant to be chewed
- Wear mouth guards when playing contact sports
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
For more information about porcelain veneers and your many other options for advanced dental care treatment, be sure to contact our Doylestown, PA dental care center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you get the great, healthy smile that you have always wanted.
