Porelain Veneers

You have probably already heard the word “veneer” used in other contexts to describe a very thin covering that makes the surface of something look better. That’s exactly what it means in dentistry as well. An extremely thin custom-made shell that is astonishingly lifelike in appearance is placed on the front of a tooth giving it a new “face.” In order to make veneers look naturally contoured and harmonious, it may or may not be necessary to remove tooth structure, depending on how big the teeth are to begin with, as well as the desired final tooth size and shape.

TEETH COLOR

Tooth color can change throughout one’s life, generally yellowing with age and time. Some people who were given the antibiotic tetracycline in childhood develop tooth discoloration that is very difficult to remove, even with Laser Teeth Whitening. Also, the choices we make in consuming certain foods, drinks (especially red wine, coffee and tea), and/or cigarettes can affect the color of our teeth. Whitening can help, but the degree the teeth will whiten is dependent on the starting point. Some teeth with excessive discoloration never achieve an acceptable color with simple tooth whitening. A porcelain veneer, however, has the ability to mask color and therefore provides greater latitude when making a color shift to whiter and brighter.

SHAPE

Abnormal wear on teeth can make them appear shorter, flatter or rough along the edges. Younger teeth have rounder shaped edges. Therefore, veneers can give you a more youthful smile not only making the teeth whiter, and brighter, but also by redesigning them to incorporate the features that make them look more youthful. On the other hand, some people consider rounder teeth more feminine and might want the edges made a little squarer for a more masculine appearance. But that’s the great thing about veneers: it’s a collaborative effort in which you play an important part.

Sometimes the only thing keeping a person’s smile from being all it can be is simply that the teeth are too small. Maybe they’ve always been that way or maybe they became shorter with wear, over time. Veneers can be used to make the teeth appear larger for a dramatic enhancement. Of course, if the teeth have been worn down excessively, it is important to address the underlying causes in order to prevent recurrence. Likewise, if you have lost a lot of tooth structure from decay or trauma, you might benefit more from porcelain crowns that cover the entire tooth and reduce the risk for future problems.

ALIGNMENT & SPACING

If you want to close a small gap between your two front teeth, for example, or if some of your teeth are misaligned, there are a couple of ways you could straighten them. You could opt for orthodontic treatment, if they are very crooked, which would move them into correct alignment. Veneers can make slight corrections in alignment while improving color and shape at the same time. Of course, if the gap is large or the misalignment significant, orthodontics might still be the way to go, or a combination of both might be needed for best possible results.

PORCELAIN VENEER

PROCEDURES

Step 1: Consultation

A smile makeover is a true collaboration — between you and us. So the first step is to figure out what you feel needs to be changed about your smile. You should discuss not only the problems you would like to correct, but also the smile you would like to have.

Step 2: Preparing the teeth

When you are satisfied that your dentist understands what you are looking for and the two of you have agreed on a plan, your teeth will be prepared for the new veneers. Tooth preparation varies from polishing the teeth to removing tooth structure from the front, biting edges or sides of the teeth with a dental drill. In addition to the starting condition of the teeth, the amount removed is dependent on the desired result, and position of the teeth; overall the goal is to remove as little tooth structure as possible. As we map out a plan to achieve the desired result, it is important to be clear about this part of the process before it begins, as tooth reduction is not reversible.

Step 3: Laboratory artisans

When the veneers come back from the lab, they will be physically bonded to your teeth in a manner so secure, it would take a dental drill or a laser to remove them. First, both your teeth and the inside of the veneers will be “etched” with a mild acidic solution. This etching process will open up tiny pores in both surfaces. The dentist then applies translucent cement that forms microscopic tags that fit into these pores. It’s a seamless “micromechanical” attachment that will essentially make the tooth and veneer one unit.

PORCELAIN VENEER – FAQ

What are the benefits of veneers?

Because a portion of the original tooth enamel is reduced, a veneer is not considered a reversible treatment. Although adjustments and even new veneers can be made, you can never reliably return to the original condition of the tooth.

Creating porcelain veneers requires some laboratory time, so expect at least a few days before they’re ready to be applied.
After the porcelain veneers are attached you will probably have some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures due to the removal of that thin layer of enamel. This typically disappears within a few days. In a healthy mouth properly treated with porcelain veneers—and where destructive forces are minimized or eliminated—a patient should be able to use porcelain veneers like his or her own teeth. Although they’re very strong, veneers are also brittle. You should avoid the same excessive stresses you would avoid with non-veneered teeth: don’t bite your fingernails, chew ice, or open beer bottles with your veneers!

How can I maintain my porcelain veneers?

Maintaining porcelain veneers is actually quite simple: Treat them as you would your original teeth, with routine brushing and flossing. Using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste will typically be suggested by your dental professional.
One week after your veneers are placed, you will be required to return to the office for a follow-up visit and evaluation so the dentist can see how your mouth is reacting to the veneers. Even if you feel the veneers are a success, this appointment is vital to your future oral health.
If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, your dentist may fit you with a nighttime bite guard so you do not damage your veneers.
You should also return to your dentist for regular professional maintenance because porcelain veneers should be polished with a specially formulated, non-abrasive paste, and because your dentist needs to inspect your dentistry for any sign of potential failure.

Should I get porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers?

Dental veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. The advantage of porcelain veneers is that they resist stains better than composite resin veneers and better mimic the reflecting properties of natural teeth. However, porcelain veneers have a greater risk of cracking than composite resin, which is a harder material. Composite resin veneers require less shaving of the tooth surface before placement, however, and so are a better option for those with sensitive teeth.

Who can get veneers?