A photogenic smile is now possible for years at a time

The perfect smile is a picture of beauty for others and a source of confidence for you. It is easier said than done to have glowing white teeth, set in a symmetric line with no blemishes. Teeth stains once they come up are hard to get rid of. Also naturally malformed teeth and chipped teeth come in the way of a photogenic smile.
Cosmetic dentistry has come up with several solutions to these issues most notably teeth whitening, wearing braces and fitting crowns. An innovative method that combines the benefits of all of the above is porcelain veneer. The option is a multi-purpose one used to improve your smile as well as to protect your teeth. The method is gaining popularity with a lot of people benefiting from the procedure with effects showing for long periods of time.

What are porcelain veneers?

A porcelain veneer is a thin layer covering the tooth to change its look as well as protect the tooth's surface. The process is used to make discolored and damaged teeth look shiny and whole as well as shield fractured or worn teeth from further damage.
The treatment is as effective to close the gaps between teeth or make crooked teeth appear straighter. The treatment if done correctly lends uniformity to your teeth in terms of shape and color. The layer is durable and unlikely to get stained provided proper care is taken.

What are the advantages?

The treatment can be effectively used to correct
• Stains and discoloring of teeth
• Crooked and malformed teeth
• Chipped or damaged teeth
• Gaps or holes between teeth
Some of the benefits of porcelain veneers are
• Blends easily with the teeth
• Durable, protects teeth for years
• Stain resistant
• High on aesthetic appeal

How are they used?

The procedure begins with molds taken of the jaw. The veneer is designed according to the shape and size of your teeth. The dentist then creates a surface area on the teeth to which the veneer is to be attached. In some cases a temporary covering is used until the permanent veneers are ready.
The entire thing can take about two weeks. Earlier a major issue was regarding the bonding of the veneers to the tooth surface. However today with improvements in the materials used the effects can last as long as 30 years.
Porcelain veneers are the best option when teeth stains are deep and external whitening efforts prove unsuccessful. The thin veneer strips cover the stains as well as any holes that may be in the tooth surface giving it a smooth finish.
The actual process of bonding the veneer to the tooth surface or luting as it is known in dental jargon is highly complex and should be done by an experienced dentist.

What is the cost?

The cost in most cases could be slightly on the higher side as compared to other methods a factor offset by the high success rate in correcting dental problems. It also depends upon the experience and expertise of the dentist.