Advanced Cosmetic and General Dentistry Blog

Porcelain veneers correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth beautifully, using ceramic porcelain for a bright, straight, natural smile. Porcelain closely resembles tooth enamel because they are both partially translucent.

• When light strikes the surface of a tooth, it partly penetrates the enamel, reflecting off the dentin layer beneath the enamel; and partly reflects directly off the enamel
• When light strikes a porcelain veneer, it partly penetrates the porcelain, reflecting off the dental cement attaching it; and partly reflects off the porcelain.

This partial translucency is the reason why healthy teeth have such an attractive luster. Porcelain veneers replicate this degree of translucency and are therefore indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Tooth enamel and dental porcelain differ in their stain-resistance. Porcelain does not stain easily, whereas enamel can yellow or darken from the pigmented foods and drinks we put into our mouths. For that reason it is best to whiten your teeth before having veneers done. That way your cosmetic dentist can match the porcelain shade to your newly white teeth.

Porcelain veneers are super thin and fit right over your natural teeth. With good oral care and regular dental visits they will keep their natural translucence and whiteness and enhance your smile for ten years or more.

If you are hiding behind an embarrassing, stained smile, it is time to get back in the swing of things! Please contact Dr. Jamie Sands and Dr. Jason Sands at Smiles By Sands, their comfortable, affordable cosmetic and general dentistry office in the heart of Studio City, California.