These days, porcelain veneers are used to craft more natural-looking and individualized smiles than in the past. In the early days of cosmetic dentistry, many dentists approached the discipline with a very limited perspective. The notion was to craft “perfect” teeth, and the method was mathematics. For many years, the ideal of the golden ratio dominated in dentistry, and dentists were enthralled by the mathematical fiction that you could precisely calculate the proportions of an attractive style. Other dentists developed their own personal style, and every smile they worked on was crafted the same way, so they all looked the same. But our design ideals have advanced. After studying thousands and thousands of naturally attractive smiles, we have a better understanding of what makes smiles attractive, and our designs reflect that understanding. Our designs are more individually crafted, emulating natural variability, and can even maintain the personality of your individual smile. Your smile will be beautiful, and it can be “perfect” if that’s what you want.
Improved Durability
In the past, porcelain veneers were actually made of the same kind of porcelain as dinner plates. Modern techniques and materials are much improved over those used in the past, making veneers much more durable. Porcelain veneers used to be commonly made using feldspathic porcelain, which is very attractive and reasonably strong. The tensile strength of these ceramics was about 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Pretty strong, but not strong enough for all situations, which is why they sometimes chipped. These days we have many stronger options for porcelain veneers. Now most porcelain veneers are made of lithium disilicate, which is beautiful and has a strength of 58,000 psi. In some circumstances, we can use zirconia, with a strength of 160,000 psi. These veneers are strong enough to avoid chipping while you continue to eat all the same foods as before. 
A Skilled Dentist
Your dentist will make the most difference in the quality of your results. If you know someone who got bad results from their smile makeover, don’t work with their dentist. Instead, find a new dentist who has the skills, training, and experience to give you quality results. Dr. Ken Siegel has advanced training as a cosmetic dentist, and has been recognized as one of “America’s Top Dentists,” and has been awarded a “Patient’s Choice” honor for his quality care. He has also been practicing cosmetic dentistry for more than 35 years, honing his skills to improve the quality of results he could deliver. If you are looking for a quality cosmetic dentist in Blue Bell, please call (610) 272-0828 for an appointment at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell today
