So you’ve heard about porcelain being used in dentistry, but you don’t really know what that means. Does that mean that the same stuff your sink and toilet are made from will be in your mouth?

The application of dental porcelain or dental ceramic is a detailed process used by cosmetic dentists to create natural-looking dental restorations.  Procedures that use dental porcelain include veneers, bridges, and crowns. Using specific dental tools, cosmetic dentists are able to precisely craft a shade of porcelain to match your natural teeth. The porcelain begins as a powder, and once that powder is determined to match the shade needed, it is then mixed with water and fired. Layers are added to simulate enamel and the translucency of a natural tooth. A variety of metals can also be used to add strength. These metals, which include gold and aluminum oxide, are fused to the teeth to create a strong and natural looking dental restoration.

While porcelain may be in both your sink and your mouth, the process by which they are created is very different. Call your local cosmetic dentist today to see how porcelain dental treatments can rejuvenate your smile.