Porcelain veneers are an effective cosmetic solution for misaligned, misshaped, chipped, stained, gapped, uneven and crooked teeth. Once they are bonded to the natural teeth, they last five to 10 years, according to MedicineNet.com's report on dental veneers, so it is best to make necessary adjustments before permanent bonding takes place.
Pre-Bonding
Based on specifications from natural tooth impressions and desired impressions made from a composite material, veneers are made in a special lab. Before they are bonded to the teeth, you might decide that the temporary replica needs adjustments in length, which is possible before bonding the veneers permanently.
Post-Treatment Shortening
If after you decide that the veneers are too long and would like to shorten the teeth or make alignment adjustments, the dentist may be able to do so if the shortening is minimal. The dentist can carefully shave down the veneers at the edges. If extensive shortening is desired, shaving risks cracking the veneers, so new veneers may be the only option.
Elongation
If a patient decides that his or her veneers are too short in length and would like to elongate them, there is a problem. Veneer pieces cannot be added to existing veneers. In this case, the only solution is to replace the veneers in their entirety.
Translucency
Porcelain laminates have a translucent quality that gives them their very natural-looking appearance. However, because light penetrates through the material, veneers that extend the natural tooth may be noticeable in the light, appearing like a translucent spot on the tooth.
Damage
If you need a length adjustment because of a chipped or broken veneer, unfortunately this is not possible. Porcelain veneers that suffer a crack, chip, or break must be completely replaced.
Considerations
Veneers are bonded to the teeth with special cement that is chemically activated with a laser, which makes the bond permanent. Therefore, you must be absolutely certain about the desired appearance of the veneers before the porcelain pieces are applied because adjustments are difficult or not always possible, and a shift in objectives can be costly.
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