Porcelain Veneers, sometimes
called laminates, are thin shells of porcelain
placed over the front surfaces of teeth.
How
Can I Change The Shape Of My Teeth?
Porcelain
Veneers are ideal for making changes to the
shape and/or color of your teeth. Generally,
a more esthetic effect can be achieved by placing
multiple veneers/ laminates rather than a single
one. If you have existing dental work or very misaligned
teeth, you may require more extensive cosmetic
treatment. Porcelain
crowns or orthodontics may
be required to give you the best result.
What's
The Procedure?
Patients generally need
three appointments to complete the procedure,
start to finish. The appointments can be summarized
as
1. diagnosis and treatment planning,
2. preparation, and
3. final cementation.
Diagnosis
and treatment planning: Your dentist should
discuss with you all of the treatment options
available; if you're a candidate for veneers,
make sure you understand their limitations. It's
critical that you take an active role in the
decision making process - it's your smile. It's
ok to have more than one consultation; what's
important is that your dentist understands your
objectives and needs.
Tooth preparation: This appointment usually
takes between one to two hours. In preparation
for veneer placement, the teeth to receive
the veneers are recontoured (on the outside
surface, lip side) to allow for the added
thickness of the veneers. Usually, between
0.3 - 0.5 mm of tooth surface is removed,
which may require a local anesthetic.
Once the teeth have been prepared, an
impression is taken of the teeth, which
is sent to the laboratory for veneer
fabrication. Depending on the lab and
your location, they're usually back to
your dentist within 1 - 2 weeks.
Veneer cementation: The final appointment will take between one to
two hours. Your dentist will place the veneers with water or glycerine
on your teeth to check their fit and evaluate their color match.
While the veneers are temporarily resting on your teeth, make sure
you get a good look, pay particular attention to the color. At this
point, the color of the veneers can still be adjusted through the
shade of the cement your dentist uses. Once the veneers have been
cemented, the color cannot be altered. The tooth is then cleansed
with specific chemicals to prepare it for cementation. Once a special
cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a light beam is
used to initiate the release of a chemical catalyst used to harden
the cement. What About Maintenance?
It'll
take about a week for you to get adjusted to your
new veneers. Make sure you continue to brush and
floss daily. After one or two weeks, your dentist
will have you return for a follow-up appointment.
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