Porcelain Veneers Before and After Pictures - Smile Makeovers

Understanding Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of ceramic that are bonded to the front of teeth. They are an option for improving the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or have spaces between them.

What Issues Can Porcelain Veneers Fix?

There are several cosmetic and structural issues porcelain veneers can resolve:

• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Worn down or short teeth
• Misaligned or crooked teeth
• Discolored or stained teeth
• Gaps or spaces between teeth

In many cases, porcelain veneers provide a minimally invasive way to enhance the smile without extensive removal of natural tooth structure compared to other options like dental crowns.

The Porcelain Veneers Process

Getting porcelain veneers is a multi-step process involving diagnosis, treatment planning, preparation, placement and care.

1. Initial consultation - The dentist will evaluate the health of the teeth and gums, along with the bite, spacing and color to determine if veneers are suitable.
2. Treatment planning - Impressions and models of the teeth will be taken to plan out the desired shape, size and color of the veneers.
3. Tooth preparation - The teeth will be prepared by removing 0.3 to 0.5 mm of enamel so the veneers can be placed flush on the teeth.
4. Temporary veneers - A temporary set may be placed to protect the teeth while the permanent veneers are being custom-fabricated.
5. Permanent veneer placement - The veneers will be tried on, evaluated for fit and aesthetics, and finally bonded into place with dental cement.
6. Follow-up visits - The dentist will likely schedule follow-ups to monitor how you are adjusting to your new smile.

Porcelain Veneers Before and After Pictures

Seeing porcelain veneers before and after photos helps patients better understand the potential smile transformations possible. Here are some striking before-and-after cases:

Closing Gaps Between Teeth

This patient had gaps between many teeth. Porcelain veneers were used to effectively close these spaces, creating an evenly spaced, broad smile.

Fixing Uneven and Worn Teeth

Years of grinding resulted in this patient's short, uneven teeth. Custom veneers were designed to restore form, function and esthetics.

Enhancing Discolored Teeth

This patient was embarrassed about years of accumulated stains on their teeth. The veneers covered the discoloration with a uniformly white smile.

Straightening Crooked Teeth

Notice the overlapping and irregular teeth in this case. Multiple veneers were used to successfully straighten and align the smile.

Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

Though veneers can fix a variety of cosmetic dental issues, they are not right for everyone. Ideal candidates include:

• Patients with mild to moderate tooth structure irregularities
• Patients with generally healthy teeth and gums
• Patients willing to commit to proper long-term veneer care

During your initial consultation, your dentist will let you know if veneers could help enhance your smile goals.

Less than Ideal Candidates for Veneers

If you have some of the following, porcelain veneers may not be the most suitable option:

• Tooth decay or advanced gum disease
• Teeth that have had root canals
• Intrinsic discoloration within the tooth structure
• Visible defects from the side view of the teeth
• Severely worn or damaged teeth
• Limited natural tooth enamel

In these instances, dental crowns or alternative treatments would likely produce better, longer-lasting results.

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers

The benefits and drawbacks of porcelain veneers include:

Pros

• Improve the look of discolored teeth
• Repair chipped and fractured teeth
• Reduce gaps between teeth
• Enhance worn down teeth
• Strengthen and protect damaged teeth
• Straighten mildly crooked teeth
• Whiten stained teeth
• Boost overall smile esthetics

Cons

• Require tooth enamel removal
• Higher cost than some other smile makeover options
• Noticeable if incorrectly placed
• Can temporarily increase tooth sensitivity
• Need replacing after 10-15 years
• Proper care is vital for longevity

Reviewing these pros and cons with your dentist can clarify if veneers make sense for your smile goals and oral health status.

Caring for New Porcelain Veneers

Caring for porcelain veneers properly helps them last for many years. Recommended care guidelines include:

• Brushing twice and flossing once daily
• Seeing your dentist regularly
• Avoiding biting hard objects like ice or nails
• Wearing a nightguard to protect from grinding
• Opting for tooth-colored resin fillings if cavities form

Make sure to discuss ideal porcelain veneer home care with your dentist when they are placed.

Longevity of Porcelain Veneers

With proper placement and continuing care, it is reasonable to expect porcelain veneers to last for over a decade, often 15 years or longer. However, issues like trauma or decay can damage them sooner. Stay in communication with your dentist to maximize longevity.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.