You might be familiar with dental veneers but did you know that they many of them are made from porcelain? Yes, that's the same stuff that is used to make plates, bowls and even bathroom tiles!
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that fit over the front of a single tooth or multiple teeth to enhance their appearance. They are typically made from high-quality materials such as porcelain or composite resin, both of which contribute to improved oral health and aesthetics.
Porcelain is a great choice for dental veneers because it is strong, durable and gives a natural-looking finish; so much so that it is often difficult to distinguish porcelain veneers from your teeth. Let's find out more about this material and how it contributes to the stunning results of your veneers.
Dental veneers are thin "shells" that are custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to improve your smile by creating a brighter and even smile. They help to cover dental issues such as cracks, chips, minor gaps and discolouration.
Porcelain is a type of ceramic. Porcelain and ceramics are made up of similar materials, including clay, feldspar and quartz. However, the clay used for porcelain is more refined and fired at higher temperatures than ceramics, making porcelain harder and durable.
Now that we understand the basics, let's talk about the fun part. Is the porcelain used for your teeth the same as those used for household products? Dental veneers and some household items may be made from porcelain, but they are definitely not the same.
For starters, dental porcelain does not contain one key ingredient, that is kaolin. This is because kaolin imparts opacity, which is not ideal for dental veneers. We want veneers to be translucent to mimic the natural look and texture of teeth. Additionally, dental porcelain veneers are always custom-made to fit the exact dimensions of your teeth while household porcelain is mostly mass-produced by machines.
Veneers work effectively to address various cosmetic concerns, and they can also complement teeth whitening treatments for a brighter smile. Dental porcelain veneers may be fabricated in either of two ways.
This technology involves precisely carving or milling the veneers from hardened blocks of porcelain in a milling machine. Milled veneers have high strength and durability.
Click here to read more on CAD/CAM 3-D milled veneers.
These types of veneers are molded or pressed into the desired shape under high heat and pressure. One of the advantages of pressed veneers is that they can be made in thinner sections, which is ideal for preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
Dental veneers can be made from two main materials, that is porcelain and composite. Each has its own set of benefits. Listed below are the differences between the two, but if you are interested in learning more about composite veneers specifically, do check out our article on Composite Veneers here.
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Today, dental porcelain veneers are a proven and trusted option for improving your smile. They’ve gone beyond being just a trend and are now known for their durability and reliability. Research backs this up, with one such study showing that 98.4% of veneers still look great after 5 years without needing repairs. That said, there are always new materials and technologies coming out to make porcelain veneers even better.
Are you ready for your porcelain veneer consultation? Just drop us a message here and we will be right with you!