PORCELAIN VENEERS
A DENTAL VENEER IS AN ULTRA-THIN SHELL OF TOOTH-COLORED PORCELAIN OR COMPOSITE THAT IS CEMENTED OVER THE FACIAL SURFACES OF YOUR TEETH TO CORRECT DENTAL ISSUES.
Although veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they help makeover smiles with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth, they also boast protective qualities and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Other benefits include durability, an improved smile appearance, and the need for little-to-no removal of tooth structure compared to crowns. (There are even veneer variants that require no preparation of the underlying teeth.)
- Worn enamel: Tooth enamel can become worn or dulled naturally over time (consuming soft drinks, tea or coffee, smoking and the use of certain medications). Veneers are perfect for correcting smiles affected by worn enamel.
- Genetics: Certain people are born with abnormal spacing between their teeth that widens with age.
- Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from the grinding/gnashing of teeth, and/or through general wear and tear. This can lead to bite issues (malocclusion) in addition to cosmetic smile issues.
- Discoloration: Stubborn tooth discoloration may not be fully correctable through teeth whitening. In such cases, veneers can offer a simple, cosmetic solution.
ADVANCED DIGITAL SMILE DESIGN
Working from a 2D picture of the patient, we use advanced Smile Design software to first propose a smile design. With Smile Design, you draw the suggested restoration directly on the patient’s 2D image using the app. A workflow that takes minutes instead of the old-fashioned, more time-consuming way of drawing and exporting files using a variety of software programs.
Advanced Digital and Computerized Smile Design enables the patient, doctor and lab technician to work together as a team to evaluate esthetics directly from the patient photo. This involves you as a patient right from the start and helps to drive treatment acceptance.
STEPS IN RECEIVING YOUR NEW VENEERS
Getting new veneers is a multi-step process that involves careful planning, preparation, fabrication, and placement. Here are the typical steps involved in getting new veneers from the diagnostic wax-up to completion:
You’ll start by scheduling an initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist. During this appointment, you’ll discuss your goals and expectations for the veneers. The dentist will also examine your teeth and discuss whether veneers are the right solution for you.
If veneers are deemed suitable, the dentist may take impressions of your teeth, photographs, and X-rays. These are used to create a diagnostic wax-up or a digital mock-up of your new smile. This mock-up serves as a blueprint for the final veneers, allowing you to preview how your teeth will look after the procedure.
The dentist will work with you to finalize the treatment plan, including the choice of veneer material (e.g., porcelain or composite), the desired shade, and the number of veneers needed.
Before veneers can be placed, a small amount of enamel is typically removed from the front surface of the teeth to make room for the veneers. This step ensures that the veneers fit naturally and do not make the teeth appear bulky.
After tooth preparation, another set of impressions is taken. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians use them to fabricate the custom veneers.
While your permanent veneers are being crafted, the dentist may place temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your appearance. These veneers are fabricated using the diagnostic models made so you can preview the final results and make suggestion on the looks to the dentist.
The dental laboratory fabricates the custom veneers based on the impressions and the diagnostic wax-up. Porcelain veneers are created through a multi-step process involving shaping, layering, and firing in a kiln. This step can take a week or more.
Once the permanent veneers are ready, the dentist will have you come in for a try-in appointment. During this visit, the veneers are temporarily placed on your teeth to ensure they fit well, match your expectations for appearance, and achieve the desired color.
Veneer Bonding: If everything looks and feels right during the try-in appointment, the dentist will proceed with the bonding process. The veneers are securely attached to your prepared teeth using dental adhesive or cement.
After the veneers are bonded in place, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit and bite alignment. The veneers are then polished to a natural luster.
The dentist evaluates the overall appearance and function of the veneers, ensuring they meet your expectations and blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Aftercare Instructions: The dentist will provide you with instructions on how to care for your new veneers, including proper oral hygiene and maintenance.
