Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can give you a completely new smile or repair a damaged one. Veneers go over a portion of your original tooth, so it differs from a complete replacement like a dental implant. Veneers are created in a special lab by extremely skilled individuals, so they resemble a very realistic appearance. Get the smile you always wanted with porcelain veneers by contacting Modern Smile Dentistry today!
“We give you a reason to smile!”
Remodel Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a thin material that is bonded to the surface of the teeth, mainly for cosmetic (esthetic) reasons. They are custom made by a highly qualified dental lab to enhance one’s smiles. Some of the common reasons dental veneers are recommended are to change the color, proportion, shape or size of your teeth, close excess space (distema), to enhance the cosmetic appearance of your smile, repair broken or chipped teeth, or even straight crooked teeth.
The number of veneers needed will vary from patient to patient and case by case. There are a few factors the patient will need to consider. We will be able to propose the most ideal treatment for you after the consultation. We can also discuss alternatives to veneers like teeth whitening.
Different Types of Veneers
There are two main types that are used to enhance your smile. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages and may be recommended based on the patients’ needs. The most commonly used materials are Porcelain with another great option being, Zirconia. Your dentist will explain which type will be recommended for you before treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
Zirconia Veneers
What Can I Expect at My First Appointment?
A consultation will be mandatory before the treatment planning occurs. Here expectations and desires will be discussed in details. Photos and radiographs (if needed) will be captured. Impression of the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) will be captured to fabricate a study model. The models will then be sent off for a wax up fabrication, which is a proposed model of what the final version will appear like. It will be this model that will be used to mimic what your end results will appear like. Moreover, this model will be the template used to fabricate your provisional (temporary) veneers.
What Can I Expect at My Second Appointment?
The second part of the consultation will be the presentation of the wax up to the patient. Discussion of likes / dislikes as well as limitations and modifications to treatment plan if needed. If the patient agreed to all the changes, the procedure may be started the day of, if they would like to change anything about the teeth shape or size, they will return on another day. The objective is to ensure the patient is satisfied with the end results.
What Can I Expect at My Third Appointment?
This appointment will be the time where all the teeth are prepared and designed for their new veneers. The first thing Dr. Nima Mashhoon will assure is the proper and proficient numbing of all teeth being treated, so you can be as comfortable as possible during the duration of your treatment. A preliminary impression (mold of teeth) will be captured to allow for the fabrication of temporary versions.
Once the teeth have been determined to be decay free, they will be shaped and modified to be ready to accept the new veneers. The teeth will be cleaned and isolated, as keeping them clean and dry is imperative at this stage. Another impression will now be captured of the teeth, to send to the dental lab. Temporary veneers will be delivered next. Here the patient will have a chance to wear them as a ‘trial run’ for the next two weeks. The patient will then return with feedback. If they are happy with the teeth, the impressions will be sent to the lab. However, if change is desired, it will be discussed with your dentist to see if possible. The new ones will take roughly two to three weeks for custom fabrication.
During the temporary phase, it is important to avoid hard and sticky foods to prevent them from being dislodged. For any reason, if they were to break or become dislodged before delivery of the final delivery date, it is imperative for you to contact Modern Smile Dentistry (805-934-4000) within 24-48 hours for a new temporary veneer to be fabricated and placed. If a new one is not placed within that time frame, the new versions may not fit and a new impression may be warranted with new veneers needing to be fabricated
What Can I Expect at My Fourth Appointment?
The tooth/teeth may or may not need to be numbed again. This is a case-by-case determination. Upon removal of the temporary models the teeth will be cleaned and pumiced to remove all debride. The teeth will then be cleaned and dried. Desensitizer, to help prevent sensitivity, may be applied (this will be determined by your dentist).
The veneers will then be gently tried to make sure they are clinically sound, moreover, the patient will approve the shape and color before cementation. The veneers will then be gently cemented and the excess will be cleaned. It will be advised to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods. Post-operative instructions will be provided to every patient.
Limitations of Veneers
While veneers are highly durable, it is imperative to maintain proper oral hygiene (brush, floss, mouthwash) to prolong their life. With time, wear and tear may lead to the need for replacement or re-cementation as part of normal wear.
Veneers serve similar cosmetic purposes as a crown or bridge, they function differently. Although they can change the color, shape and add strength to a weakened tooth, veneers are designed for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement; such as shape and color enrichment and for those reasons, may not be an ideal choice of treatment for every patient. Moreover, veneers are more fragile when compared to crowns, so the utilization of a custom lab fabricated nightguard after treatment is required.
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