Cracked tooth repaired with porcelain veneer from Surbiton dentist
Sometimes when a tooth is chipped or cracked the dentist is unable to repair it using composite dental bonding. If the damage is too severe to repair with bonding, the patient may be in danger of loosing the tooth because its integrity has been affected so badly. In these cases dentists are left with little alternatives than to use a porcelain veneer, or cap, to seal of the tooth and protect it form further damage.
However, veneers are no longer just used to repair damaged teeth. With the advances in dental technology over the last twenty years, veneers are now incredibly realistic and can be used for a variety of different cosmetic procedures. In the past, veneers often appeared unrealistic and were a last resort, but today’s ultra-thin translucent veneers resemble real teeth and can be used to restore smiles affected by worn down, poorly spaced or badly discoloured teeth.
Porcelain veneers are today manufactured using the very latest in computer aided design and 3D imaging. Dentists are able to create an exact replica pf the patient’s mouth using digital x-rays so that they can design a veneer to microscopic levels of accuracy. Once happy with the plans, the dentist can use the computer to mill the porcelain veneer from a single piece, to incredible degrees of accuracy. Not only has this technology improved the look of veneers but it has also significantly reduced waiting times.
Modern veneers are also much thinner than their predecessors. In the past veneers were made from thick porcelain and required substantial removal of existing enamel to fit over the patient’s tooth. As such a veneer was an irreversible procedure that dentists were reluctant to use unless absolutely necessary. Modern veneers are extremely thin, some the same width as a contact lens, and can be fitted to teeth with minimal preparation, even fitting over existing dental repairs.
Porcelain veneers are a strong and very versatile tool in the cosmetic dentistry cannon. They can be used to repair and maintain teeth and also to improve their aesthetic appearance. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, or think your teeth could benefit from porcelain veneers ask a Surbiton dentist what they could do for your teeth.