Treatments - porcelain veneers

Veneers are a fantastic way to fix front teeth. You can whiten your teeth, close spaces, and create a great smile. We can even do virtually instant orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth. You can even have that "Hollywood" smile you've always wanted.

What are porcelain veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bonded on the front of your anterior teeth. This procedure requires little or no anaesthesia. Dentists use some of the same techniques to bond plastic resins for minor smile corrections. These veneers are about O.3mm to O.5mm in thickness but are very strong once bonded to your teeth. They have a "life like" appearance With the strength, beauty, and durability only porcelain restorations can afford. Veneers have several advantages over crowns (caps). There is no "dark line" that is sometimes seen with older front caps. They transmit light better and, therefore, have a more translucent appearance giving a natural, aesthetic look. Veneers do not require the same degree of grinding of tooth structure that caps do, yet, they accomplish an aesthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Why a porcelain veneer?

Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's colour, size, or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discoloured fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

What is the procedure?

The first appointment: Is purely planning, and will involve a thorough discussion with your dentist to establish just what you wish to accomplish AND establish what can or cannot be done. It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure. Have more than one consultation, if necessary, to feel comfortable that your dentist understands your objectives. Your first treatment appointment: This is when the teeth will be shaped. To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the teeth are lightly contoured to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anaesthetic, although some teeth may require more preparation to achieve your specific objectives. At this appointment, a mould is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers. This can take about one to two weeks. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can be placed, as would normally have been discussed at the treatment planning stage. At the second appointment: the veneers are tried in. While the veneers are resting on your teeth, view the aesthetic results, and pay particular attention to the color. At this point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The color cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement. The results are instant and spectacular!

For about a week or two, you will go through a period of adjustment as you get used to your "new" teeth that have been changed in size and shape. Brush and floss daily. After one or two weeks, you'll return for a follow-up appointment.

Many times, we combine bleaching with porcelain veneers to make that perfect smile. If some front teeth are already badly broken down, we can place new all porcelain crowns combined with veneering and other cosmetic techniques. As always, talk to your dentist or one specializing in cosmetic dentistry and discuss your specific desires. Usually, we can give you that smile you have always wanted.