A well-trained cosmetic dentist understands that the first step in designing a whole new smile for you is listening. The dentist needs to take some time to understand you, how you feel about your smile, the personality you want to project, and how much you want to spend. He or she will then create a smile design, often with the aid of a video-imaging computer that will create a computer simulation of how you will look with the new smile he or she can create for you. The cosmetic dentist will also take into account your facial shape, hair color, and complexion.
After that communication step, they get down to work. The porcelain veneers technique requires several appointments. The first step is to give attention to the health of the gums. For quality workmanship, your gums need to be in an optimum state of health. This means that you need to have a regular dental cleaning and follow through with good home care.
First veneer appointment:
The most widely used technique for placing porcelain veneers involves some tooth preparation. Your teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of the front surface of the tooth (about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeter – the thickness of a fingernail) to allow space for the porcelain. Then the dentist takes an impression of your teeth. This impression is used by the laboratory technician to create your veneers.
After your teeth are prepared and before the veneers are placed, the teeth will feel rough and somewhat strange. In most cases, however, their appearance is nearly normal, especially at conversational distance. Keep them well-brushed, though, as they will tend to stain more easily at this time. Sometimes the teeth can be covered with a temporary veneer. The placement of temporary veneers can involve an extra expense for you. Check with your cosmetic dentist if you have questions about this.
They will also be extra sensitive to air and cold. A coating placed on the teeth can minimize this sensitivity.
Some cosmetic dentists will sometimes use what is called a no-preparation technique. While this helps apprehensive patients, it is generally recognized that a no-preparation technique yields inferior results.
Veneers are thin wafers of porcelainIt is critical to keep the gums healthy at this time. If they are puffy, they will tend to bleed easily during the bonding of the veneers, which will contaminate and weaken the bond. Floss thoroughly, every night. If you notice any bleeding in the gums, floss more frequently. If the gums tend to bleed during the bonding appointment, the dentist will not be able to bond the veneers.
Porcelain veneers, to be done right, need to be made at a dental laboratory that dedicates itself to producing high-quality cosmetic work. Ordinary dental labs simply don’t have the expertise to produce these works of art. Photographs and models will be sent to help them achieve an artistic result that will be customized to your personality and that maximizes your facial attractiveness.
Second veneer appointment:
This second appointment is a try-in. The appearance and fit of the porcelain is checked in your mouth to be sure that it will meet your esthetic and functional requirements. If it doesn’t, other try-ins may be scheduled until it looks just right.
It is important that you are certain during the try-in that the veneers meet your expectations. All changes except for shortening and minor trimming need to be accomplished during the try-in phase. Once the veneers are bonded on, major modifications will require an extra fee.
Third veneer appointment:
This is the bonding appointment. (Some cosmetic dental offices combine the bonding and try-in appointments.) Bonding involves an elaborate series of steps that bond the veneer to the tooth. These bonding procedures are not fully taught in dental schools. Additionally, bonding technology keeps changing with newer materials and techniques. This is another of the reasons that a dentist, to do this well, needs to be dedicated to extensive education beyond dental school. The end result is a durable, beautiful restoration that acts like it is a part of your tooth.
CARE OF THE VENEERS
How long the veneers last depends a lot on how well you and your dental office take care of them.
Porcelain veneers are not designed to withstand sharp impacts and can fracture, just as your natural teeth can fracture. Do not bite pins, nails, bottles, etc., and do not strike them with hard objects. If you engage in contact sports, wear a mouth protector.
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