Porcelain Veneers - How Are They Made?
As you may know, porcelain veneers - also known as dental veneers and porcelain laminates - are actually very thin shells made from a material that is very similar to that used to make fine dinnerware. Originally invented by a Hollywood dentist in the 1930s to improve the appearance of film actors with less-than-perfect dentition, these remarkable prostheses are now used not only for cosmetic purposes, but to address potentially serious dental health issues, particularly dental misalignment and chipped or worn teeth.
In the old days, porcelain veneers were simply slapped on using a dental adhesive similar to that used in order to fix dentures in place; they weren’t particularly durable or long lasting. Today, however, fixed in place with the use of composite resins, they are very strong and durable, and can last for up to fifteen years before they need to be replaced.
The patient who is to be fitted for porcelain veneers starts out by having a thorough examination in order to determine exactly what and where problems exist. The dental professional then takes measurements and makes an impression of the teeth where porcelain veneers are to be placed from which a model of the patient’s teeth is made. Images are also made of the patient’s teeth so that the porcelain material can be colored to match the shade of the patient’s own natural teeth. This information is then sent to a dental laboratory where the actual veneers are to be fabricated; in the meantime, the patient may be fitted with “temporary” veneers.
The veneers themselves are made from porcelain very similar to that used to make fine china plates, teacups, etc. Although this is a very brittle material in and of itself, when bonded to the surface of a tooth using the special type of composite resin made for this purpose, the material becomes quite strong and durable.
The process whereby porcelain veneers are put in place is a permanent one; in order to make a strong bond between the tooth enamel and the veneer itself, it is necessary for the dental technician to actually remove a small amount of the tooth surface. Afterward, you may have to avoid certain foods and beverages that can cause veneers to become discolored, particularly red wine, tea, coffee and blueberries.
