If your smile is plagued by gaps, crooked teeth, or stains, you might wonder what it would take to transform it into something you could feel confident showing off. Orthodontics take months or longer, however, and teeth whitening won’t address deep stains on your teeth. That’s where porcelain veneers come in. In as few as two visits to your dentist, you can have a whiter, straighter, more beautiful smile.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are used to conceal cosmetic flaws like chipped teeth, small gaps, and even a slightly crooked smile, as well as stains that aren’t treatable with whitening. The veneers are thin ceramic shells, which are affixed to the front of the teeth. These shells cover up the blemishes so that you’re left with a beautifully white smile.

How Does the Treatment Work?

In most cases, the porcelain veneers treatment requires two appointments. During the first, your dentist will work with you to determine which teeth need the veneers and select a whiter, but natural-looking, shade. Then, they’ll prepare by removing a miniscule layer from the front of your teeth. It’s not noticeable, but it prevents the veneers from looking bulky and unnatural. After taking molds of your teeth, they’ll apply temporary veneers to protect your mouth.

On your second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and apply your permanent ones. You’ll leave your dentist’s office with a straighter, whiter smile after a couple of hours in the dental chair. There’s no pain involved, and best of all, you get the instant gratification of a beautiful smile in a fraction of the time it would have taken with an alternative solution, such as orthodontics.

No matter your situation, a beautiful smile is attainable, but porcelain veneers aren’t appropriate for everyone. To find out if you’re a good candidate for this cosmetic dentistry procedure, consult with Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI. After a thorough examination at his dental spa, he can tell you if porcelain veneers would serve you well. To learn more about his services, visit his website, or call (808) 322-0101 to schedule an appointment.