Gorgeous smiles make a difference! Scientific studies have shown that people with healthy, great-looking smiles more easily attract members of the opposite sex, develop and retain more friends, and even achieve more career success in winning jobs and being promoted. Porcelain veneers can make these goals more easily attainable.

Porcelain dental veneers are a genuine way to correct chipped, stained or crooked teeth. By installing glass-like ceramic porcelain over the teeth, dentists bestow patients with bright, straight, and natural looking smiles.

The idea of attaching laminates to teeth to improve their appearance dates back to the first patent filed for this purpose in 1929. More recently, porcelain laminates were introduced as a bonding material in the 1970s. The popularity has grown significantly since they were first introduced, and for good reason.

Porcelain veneers can make the difference between dull, discolored, or damaged teeth and a brilliant, flashy smile that others can't help but admire. The procedure usually takes only a few visits and in the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist, can endow you with a sense of self-esteem you may never have experienced before.

This dental procedure doesn't require grinding down the sensitive tooth structure which is common practice when patients get traditional crowns. Another added benefit is that it's not necessary to have anesthetic shots because the procedure of attaching the veneers to the enamel doesn't hurt.

The procedure for applying porcelain veneers typically takes one to three visits. During the first visit, teeth surfaces are slightly roughened and shaped to facilitate bonding and to make room for the veneer. Impressions are then made of the teeth and are sent to the dental laboratory where they'll be used as models for your custom-made veneers.

During the second visit to the Dentist's office, the veneers are tested for proper fit where additional shaping and trimming will be performed if needed. Teeth are also thoroughly cleaned before the permanent fitting to ensure the best adhesion of the veneers. Since the life expectancy of the porcelain veneers can exceed 20 years, this step is critical.

How Long Do the Individual Visits Take? Lengths of appointments vary depending upon the condition of the teeth and on the number of veneers to be placed. If your oral health is good, veneers can be placed in a relatively short time, otherwise other problems or issues will have to be dealt with before the veneers can be applied.

It's really amazing how a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that normally takes only a few visits to the dentist's office can turn into a life-changing event. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder, co-star with Tom Cruise in his next big blockbuster, or simply look great for the one you love, porcelain dental veneers will make your smile something special.