Veneers were invented by a California dentist named Charles Pincus. At the time, they fell off in a very short time as they were held on by denture adhesive. They were, however, useful for temporarily changing the appearance of actors' teeth.
Research started in 1982 by Simonsen and Calamia revealed that porcelain could be etched with hydrofluoric acid, and bond strengths could be achieved between composite resins and porcelain that were predicted to be able to hold porcelain veneers on to the surface of a tooth permanently. This was confirmed by Calamiain an article describing a technique for fabrication, and placement of Etched Bonded Porcelain Veneers using a refractory model technique and Horn describing a platinum foil technique for veneer fabrication. Additional articles have proven the long-term reliability of this technique.
Today, with improved cements and bonding agents, they typically last 10-30 years. They may have to be replaced in this time due to cracking, leaking, chipping, discoloration, decay, shrinkage of the gum line and damage from injury or tooth grinding. The cost of veneers can vary depending on the experience and location of the dentist. In the US, costs range anywhere from $1000 a tooth upwards to $3000 a tooth as of 2011. Porcelain veneers are more durable and less likely to stain than veneers made of composite
Indications
Veneers are an important tool for the cosmetic dentist. A dentist may use one veneer to restore a single tooth that may have been fractured or discolored, or multiple teeth to create a "Hollywood" type of makeover. Many people have small teeth resulting in spaces that may not be easily closed by orthodontics. Some people have worn away the edges of their teeth resulting in a prematurely aged appearance, while others may have malpositioned teeth that appear crooked. Multiple veneers can close these spaces, lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear, fill the black triangles between teeth caused by gum recession, provide a uniform color, shape, and symmetry, and make the teeth appear straight.
Contraindications
The overuse of porcelain veneers by certain cosmetic dentists in 'Confessions of a Former Cosmetic Dentist'. He suggests that the use of veneers for 'instant orthodontics' or simulated straightening of the teeth is harmful, especially for younger people with healthy teeth. Leading dentists caution that minor cosmetic or wear is not justification for porcelain or ceramic veneers, the tooth preparation of which may destroy 3-30% of the tooth surface during tooth preparation for veneers, and 50% of veneers after 10 years are gone, need retreatment, or no longer in satisfactory condition.
Alternatives
Comparison between a porcelain-metal dental crown, an all-porcelain dental crown and a porcelain veneer laminate
In the past, the only way to correct dental imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown. Today, in most cases there are several alternatives: crown, composite resin bonding, cosmetic contouring or orthodontics.
Dr. Gardner’s office located at 8200 Carmel Ave NE Suite 101 is fully equipped to cater patients with different dental problems. As an experienced dentist in Albuquerque, Dr. Gardner does assure that people in the central New Mexico area will be provided with the best cosmetic dental veneers services, but also other dental services including dental implants, dental bridgework, dental filings, dental cleaning and providing well-fitted dentures.
If you are in the New Mexico area please call 505-828-2669 to discuss available treatments and dental makeover procedures, you can visit Dr. Gardner’s office and he will help you achieve the best smile you will ever have.
SMILE, IT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU
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