Porcelain is a type of ceramic material most widely known for its use in pottery. It is believed that ancient Chinese people were the first to discover this delicate yet strong substance. You starting with clay; then after it is molded into the desired shape it is placed in a very hot oven, or kiln, where it is heated up and takes on its glass-like or glazed appearance. Among its first uses were plates and other table ware and that is why many English speaking countries continue to refer to their good dishes as fine china. Unlike the other types of ceramics, earthenware and stoneware, which are made from a single clay substance, Porcelain is a composite material made from both a natural pure white clay and a crystal like material called petuntse which is found only in China. This rare mineral is formed from magma in both extrusive and intrusive igneous rock.



In the early eighteenth century, Europe began producing its own porcelain, though the process was markedly different. Because of some interesting properties that the material possesses, its applications are many. Its slick and shiny surface makes it ideal for artistic expression and some brilliant pieces have been created which is a tribute to the artist since the material is so difficult to work with. As a poor conductor of electricity, porcelain makes a great insulator. Even though it is quite brittle in its finished state, porcelain contains considerable strength which contributed to its ability to be used within the field of dentistry. The translucence and white appearance of Porcelain Veneers so closely resemble that of human teeth and enamel that most people are unable to distinguish the two. It wasn't until the late twentieth century that dentists were able to find the right bonding agent which made the application of Porcelain Veneers feasible for use on the general public. Since then, these types of veneers, or caps, have been widely used as vehicle for improving the appearance of one's smile. The field of cosmetic dentistry was revolutionized by these advances and in many cases, teeth can be made to appear whiter, straighter and uniform in size as well as shape with the application of Porcelain Veneers. It can be a much less intrusive procedure compared to braces, or dentures, or many teeth whitening options available today.