For people who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile, it’s common to pursue cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening or braces. But not everyone can get the smile of their dreams by brightening or straightening the teeth they already have.

Some teeth are discolored for other reasons besides staining, which makes whitening ineffective. And those with teeth that are too small, poorly shaped, or chipped will find that even when straight, their teeth still don’t look the way they want them to.

But don’t worry: Polishing up the teeth you already have isn’t the only option. With porcelain veneers, you can transform your smile by creating a new look on top of the teeth you have.

Porcelain Veneers Give Teeth a Beautiful New Exterior

Porcelain Veneers Basics

Porcelain veneers are essentially cosmetic shells for your teeth. It’s like getting brand new teeth in any color and shape you want, but built on top of your existing ones. It’s the perfect procedure for someone whose teeth are healthy, but unattractive aesthetically. You’ll get to keep your teeth, your habits, and your diet, but with a beautiful new look.

Here’s how porcelain veneers work: Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth so that your veneers can be fabricated to fit you perfectly. These veneers will be extremely thin and carefully colored and crafted to look completely natural in your mouth. Then, on your second visit, they’ll be bonded to your teeth. That’s right — it will only take two visits to have a brand new smile.

While porcelain veneers are very thin in order to not be bulky in your mouth, they’re still extremely strong. They’re made from high-grade advanced ceramics — similar to the type of ceramic used in bulletproof vests — and the vast majority of them last for decades.

Why Get Porcelain Veneers?

Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are designed to solve a specific problem. Discolored teeth? Get a whitening treatment. Chipped tooth? Dental bonding can fix that. Crooked teeth? Try out Invisalign. But what if you have more than one of those problems, or if those first-line treatments won’t work for you and your situation? That’s when porcelain veneers become the perfect solution.

Instead of stacking treatments on top of each other, porcelain veneers can resolve any number of cosmetic problems all in one easy procedure. With veneers, your dentist can whiten, reshape, and close gaps in your teeth all at once.

Whatever kind of smile you want to have, porcelain veneers can give it to you. Looking for a movie star smile, straight and white? Or just your own teeth, but a little brighter, a little more even? Your dentist can ensure that your veneers are perfectly suited to the style and aesthetic of your dream smile.

If you’re interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, call (803) 781-9090 or contact us online to make an appointment with a Columbia, SC cosmetic dentist at Smile Columbia Dentistry. In just two visits, you can transform your smile.