PORCELAIN VENEERS
“Smile and the whole world smiles with you.” As the saying goes, a beautiful smile can lighten the hearts of those around you and give you an extra dose of self confidence at the same time. It’s obvious that our smile, or more specific our teeth, are important to us in many ways. 3 out of 4 adults in the United States believe an unattractive smile can hurt your chances at business success.
It may be hard to smile, even of you want to, when your teeth are uneven, shipped or discolored. If this is your problem, porcelain veneers could be the solution. Although no cosmetic dentistry procedure can take the place of good oral and periodontal hygiene, porcelain veneers applied over your natural teeth can easily brighten your smile and your self-esteem.
What are some of the most common benefits of this treatment?
A porcelain veneer is a this shell of porcelain that fits over a damaged, discolored or misshapen tooth/teeth. This procedure has several advantages over other tooth restoration procedures. Porcelain is an extremely durable material with a color, translucence and texture that is similar to tooth enamel. It is not susceptible to decay and resists staining while maintaining a natural appearance. Veneers can effectively close diastemas (gaps between teeth), lengthen and reshape teeth, repair chipped, broken or misshapen teeth and cover stains and discolorations.
If you’re considering porcelain veneers, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. for more detailed information about how this procedure will help you, we recommend that you consult a cosmetic dentist with experience in applying porcelain veneers.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the initial consultation, you and your dentist will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He will also explain the kind of anesthesia required if any, and cost.
Your dentist will begin with a complete medical history and an examination of your teeth and gums. He may also take photos and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.
How is porcelain veneering performed?
At your first appointment following the initial consultation, your teeth will be roughened and shaped to remove part of the outer tooth enamel. This provides a better surface for bonding and allows room for the placement of the thin porcelain shell. After shaping, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create veneers that fit your mouth precisely. He may suggest applying temporary veneers to protect your teeth until your customized veneers are completed.
At your next appointment, your dentist will test your veneers to make sure they fit properly and that they are the correct size and color. At this time, you and your dentist will work together to make sure that you are satisfied with the result. If needed, more shaping or trimming of the veneers can be done before the final fitting. Before your veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth with a composite resin cement, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, since clean teeth and healthy gums are necessary in order for bonding to be successful.