Veneers are similar to fake fingernails, as they are thin and cover the front part of the tooth. They look much better and last longer than their predecessors, plastic veneers or direct-bonded composite restorations. Porcelain veneers also look like regular teeth - are extremely durable, and... their natural color remains. They work particularly well for discolored, spaced or misaligned teeth, even when there doesn't seem to be any possibility for restoration.

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Also, the treatment is easier on patients.
Since there is little need to shape the teeth, the procedure can be accomplished normally in two or three visits. The dentist first prepares the tooth to take a mold, which is then sent to a dental laboratory. There, the laboratory technicians create a custom-fit veneer and return it to the dentist. On the second appointment, the veneer is tried on and, if it fits perfectly, it is immediately bonded to the tooth. After this, the dentist polishes the edges and the restoration is ready for normal use. You only have to take care of it as you would a normal tooth... simply brush and floss, normally.

Misaligned, spaced, discolored teeth, or those with large restorations (fillings) or decay areas require crowns, also known as caps. Dentists have used porcelain crowns for may years, but its nature is that, without reinforcement, it breaks easily.

• This led to the creation of porcelain crowns with metal frameworks to support the porcelain.
• Some of the few problems with this metal framework are that more has to be taken off the tooth to make room for the frames, its color has to be blocked out, and the light that passes through the tooth is blocked by the metal which makes it difficult to make this type of restoration look completely life-like.

Research has solved these and other problems... A solution has been implemented:
Since the veneers were bonded to the front of the tooth/teeth, they could also be extended around the whole tooth and hold it together like a crown, and bond it like a veneer. This had not been tried out before because traditional dental cements have no chemical bond to either the tooth or the restoration. They act as fillers to help hold the restoration in place, like a water seal does on cooking-ware.

Therefore, the bonders used on veneers work also on crowns, and the technique helps reinforce the porcelain and the tooth itself. This aids light to pass through the tooth/teeth without any problems or blocks. New developments in porcelain bonding and porcelain restoration have become very aesthetic and strong, along with creating a healthy smile.

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The other type of restoration that have become more popular is the 100% porcelain inlay or onlay.
This is generally placed on posterior teeth and are an aesthetic replacement for metal colored fillings. These restorations were made in the past with porcelain, but had the same problems as porcelain crowns. When dentists begán bonding them in position inside the tooth, like a normal filling, the reinforcement problem was solved, along with a bonus: This type of restoration makes the tooth stronger than a traditionally cemented inlay or onlay.

These advances now allow dentists to replace sick teeth and unattractive silver fillings and caps with more natural looking porcelain inlays and crowns in a very easy and comfortable procedure. The end result is beautiful, strong and healthier, more natural looking teeth.

Remember, it's a pity to waste a great smile... and, a great smile is wonderful thing to have!