Let's face it -- there are hundreds of products and procedures available to anyone who wants to turn back the hands of time. From lotions and potions to surgical procedures, there is no shortage of options available to anyone who wants to look younger/better. Some of these are good, and some aren't so good (unless, of course, you really want to look like Joan Rivers.)
Today I'm going to tell you about a fairly new "look younger / better" procedure that is simple, available to almost anyone, and will improve your appearance markedly, regardless of your age.
I'm talking about Porcelain Veneers for your teeth.
Porcelain Veneers (which are sometimes known as simply "veneers" or "porcelain laminates") are razor-thin slices of porcelain that are bonded to the front and sides of your teeth. The end result of porcelain veneers are beautiful teeth, devoid of stains, cracks, gaps, and other noticeable imperfections. It's essentially a movie star smile that's available to anyone.
Now, you may be thinking "but wait -- how much difference can nice looking teeth really make?" My answer to that is "an immense difference."
Think about something: think of every movie star / good-looking famous person out there... aren't there quite a few that have a few extra pounds? Or a few wrinkles? Or even grey hairs, etc? Sure there are. And you know, they all look just fine, even with those imperfections. The more you look, the more you realize "the stars" or good-looking famous people don't have any one defining trait... well, wait, they do have one thing in common - they all have a great smile.
It's true - your teeth / smile are one of the most important features in your looks. Young / old / skinny / heavy - a great-looking smile can overcome almost anything.
That's why I'm calling porcelain veneers "the new non-surgical facelift" in this post. It can radically alter your appearance for the better, without complicated (and expensive) surgery.
Much more than a pretty smile:
Now, let's clear up a bit of a misconception -- while many people consider porcelain veneers to hide stained teeth, porcelain veneers are more than just "whitening your smile". Yes, they will give you a natural-looking smile. But getting porcelain veneers also will help shape your smile by hiding misshapen teeth, small gaps, small chips, and other imperfections. The porcelain veneers are custom shaped to your mouth and smile, and essentially become a permanent part of you -- assuming proper care and normal tooth life, your smile should look great for years to come.
In fact, an increasing number of people are considering porcelain veneers to accomplish what I just mentioned -- they already have a white smile, but for one reason or another, their teeth are just a bit misshapen -- maybe there are some noticeable chips, gaps, etc, and they are embarrassed to let loose with a full, wide grin. A trip (or two) to your dentist can fix that.
The why and how of Porcelain Veneers
People often ask me "why do Porcelain Veneers work so well?" My answer is twofold:
First, when bonded to something, porcelain is an extremely strong material that is absolutely perfect for the rigors that your teeth must go through. Yet, it can be worked with and shaped to perfection, while still maintaining its strength. It is also highly stain-resistant, and stays looking great for years. This makes it the ideal cosmetic component for your teeth.
Now, add in the fact that like your natural tooth enamel, porcelain is a semi-translucent substance. This allows light to pass through, and reflect off your natural tooth dentin. The end result is a clean, healthy, "natural looking" smile, and not an artificial "overly-white" one. Yes, we all want a white smile, but we want a natural-looking white smile, not one that causes people to reach for their sunglasses. That's what porcelain veneers offers -- that perfect natural looking smile.
Now, let's talk about what you will need to do to get porcelain veneers. First, find a reputable cosmetic dentist in your area that works with porcelain veneers. Most highly regarded, state-of-the-art dental offices are quite experienced with porcelain veneers, and can perform the procedure with minimal (if any) discomfort.
Then, figure on at least two to three visits. After a planning visit, your teeth will be prepared -- roughened to accept the porcelain bonding, and also shaped to allow the veneers to fill any gaps or similar. Then, your veneers will be bonded to your teeth, and viola, you'll be astounded at how good your entire face looks.
Wrapping Up
Porcelain Veneers are increasing in popularity because of their accessibility, affordability, and the fact that they can so radically change one's appearance for the better. If you've been considering doing "something" for your looks but would rather avoid surgery, take a look at porcelain veneers. It just might change your life.
Until next time, keep smiling!
Follow Thomas P. Connelly, D.D.S. on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dr_connelly
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I originally got them when I was in for a routine dental checkup and while in the waiting room I read some literature on veneers which said 'ask your dentist what veneers can do for you'. So, when I got in to see the dentist, I asked. He raved about them, said I would love them and they would straighten out any crooked teeth and, of course, be whiter. So I went for it without totally realizing they would jackhammer off my enamel before gluing on the veneers (much like a fake fingernail). The resulting veneers were awful. The front 4 teeth were done, far too white and blocky, they looked like Chiclets, and they were several shades whiter than the teeth beside them. They were A1, the whitest shade there was. Toiletbowl white. I had them redone by someone who know what they were doing, they were better but still not as good as my original teeth. I have gone through several sets now over the last 25 years (they break without warning) and I have spent a lot of money. I now have veneers on 10 teeth but they don't match the colour or shape of my bottom teeth. Why do dentists consistently use a whiter shade than the natural teeth can be bleached to? It looks idiotic and fake.
Although many people are happy with their veneers, this is my experience.
I have veneers and they are expensive! I need to have them replaced because of stains and one is chipped, but I can't afford to. When I had them put on about 15 years ago, the cost was something like $600 per tooth - now it's $2000. So instead of my slightly crooked teeth that I got the veneers to correct, I now have perfectly straight teeth that are horribly discolored and one is chipped (and glued back on).
They whole non-staining thing baffles me because my veneers are stained so bad - they are significantly darker and more discolored than my natural teeth. Oh, and they forget to tell you - if your veneers do stain, you can't use bleaching kits on them.
And they chip. I've had 2 chips where I have to go back and get a new veneer made. The second time, I couldn't afford the new veneer, so I have the bit that came off glued back on.
I'm not objecting to the cost; just stating the obvious.
The author seems to have gone out of his way to mention any negatives.
The bit about, "People ask me what's so great about ..." is a line I've seen in about a billion ads. I seem to recall it being parodied in the Simpsons episode about Mr. Burns running for governor, when Lisa was coached to ask him an inane question that was really just a chance for him to let loose with some well-rehearsed self-praise.
Not an informative article.
The process involves removing less than 1mm of tooth structure. In many cases - the patient has severe discoloration, wear, or other cosmetic issues. You chouce of words "permanently damaging" to describe the process is inaccurate and naive.
This article can be informative is someone is considering an invasive, inpredicatble surgical facelift to enhance their quality of life.
If your teeth are already messed up, the damage will be comparatively less, of course. But people with healthy teeth damaging their teeth for merely cosmetic purposes might ask themselves how sensible that really sounds. Especially if they can't afford the high and recurring costs of veneers.
Every week I see patients in my office that have undergone a facelift procedure. Some of these patients are unhappy with the results of their facelift.... and are seeking veneers to compliment their new look.... or compensate for their (facelift results) displeasure.
I believe many of these facelift patients, had they gotten the porcelain veneers first, would have been more aesthetically pleasing, and happier with their end result, if they didn't get the facelift. (and only had porcelain veneers).
This is my opinion (blog)