Porcelain Veneers in Atlanta, Georgia (GA)

Porcelain veneers are specially made pieces of material usually measuring no more than one half of a millimeter in width. They are attached to the front of teeth that have been damaged, stained or are otherwise cosmetically unappealing. A veneer is chosen over the use of a crown in situations where enough of the natural tooth remains for it to be healthy on its own. In order to attach a veneer, the dentist must first prepare the tooth by removing an amount of enamel equal to the width of the veneer. An impression is then taken of the tooth and sent to a laboratory where the veneer is created. After the veneer has returned, the dentist will make certain that it fits over the target tooth and that it matches the color of the surrounding teeth. The dentist is able to trim the veneer to make minor adjustments, and has access to tinted cements that can help modify the color of the veneer. When the fit and color are correct, an etching liquid is spread over the tooth to help bond it to the veneer. Dental cement is applied to the veneer and a special light is used to cure the cement. There is no need for recovery after the procedure, although the patient may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods. Porcelain veneers require little maintenance except for regular dental visits and good hygiene. They have been known to last anywhere from five to fifteen years or more.