Porcelain veneers, alternatively termed dental veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded using a resin material to the front surface of teeth. Veneering a tooth means to cover its facial, or front, surface. It is actually very similar to placing acrylic fingernails on top of natural nails. Veneers are used to enhance the shape and color of teeth, as well as to close spaces between teeth and improve alignment. Veneers can also cover up significant stains such as those caused by tetracycline. As we age, wear of the front teeth may affect the aesthetics of our smile and result in us appearing older then we actually are. Porcelain veneers may be used to lengthen worn or short teeth and restore the patients' natural, youthful smiles. Click on the picture below to some examples of before and after cases.
If you’re considering porcelain veneers, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure will help you, we welcome you to set-up a complimentary smile consultation with us or with another cosmetic dentist with experience in applying porcelain veneers
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT YOUR SMILE CONSULTATION?
During the consultation, you and Dr. Loev will discuss your smile
objectives. He will explain the different options available to you, the
procedures themselves, and the risks and limitations associated with each.
Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedures. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your dentist below.
Dr. Loev will begin by reviewing complete medical history and doing a cursory examination of your teeth and gums. He may also take photos and diagnostic models of your teeth in preparation of the smile design phase of the treatment, should you choose to have treatment performed. There is no charge for the cosmetic consultation and you are under no pressure or obligation to proceed with treatment, the visit is merely an opportunity for you to meet the doctor and his team and find out your options.
SMILE DESIGN AND RECORDS APPOINTMENT
Your next visit following the consultation will be comprehensive records
appointment. X-rays, photographs, models (if not taken at consult) and measurements
of teeth and face will be taken to form the “blue-print” for your new smile.
If photos were taken at the consultation they may have been digitally
“imaged” to give you an idea of what your smile might look like after treatment. In
other cases, if a diagnostic model was taken at the consultation visit the
model may have been made into a waxed-up simulation of what your teeth might
look like. During this visit, you will also have an opportunity to review
books of smiles so that Dr. Loev, his expert lab technician, and you can together
decide on an esthetic that suits your taste and facial anatomy.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY TREATMENT APPOINTMENT?
At your treatment appointment, your teeth will be roughened and shaped to remove part of the outer tooth enamel. This provides a better surface for bonding and allows room for the placement of the thin porcelain shell. Impressions will be taken of your teeth, which will be used to fabricate both your temporary and permanent veneers. At the conclusion of the preparation you will leave the office with beautifully crafted temporary veneers that are made of a plastic material. We will ask you to wear the veneers for a few days and then check in with us and let us know what you like or conversely what you don’t like about you’re your new smile. By taking the extra time to let you “test drive” your smile we can make any necessary adjustment to the color, length and shape of teeth so that the permanent veneers are delivered up to your specifications. It takes approximately 1.5 -2 weeks for fabrication of your permanent veneers (fabrication time can sometimes be expedited depending on the number of veneers being placed and the complexity of the case).
At your next appointment, your dentist will test your veneers to make sure that they fit properly and that they are the correct size and color. At this time, you and your dentist will work together to make sure that you are satisfied with the result. If needed, more shaping or trimming of the veneers can be done before the final fitting.
Before your veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth with a composite resin cement, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, since clean teeth and healthy gums are necessary in order for bonding to be successful.
WHERE IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE AND WILL IT BE PAINFUL?
Porcelain veneers usually require at least two appointments to be completed.
The length of time of each appointment will depend on the condition of your
teeth and on how many veneers you are having done. The procedure is done in
your dentist’s office with a local anesthetic and is relatively pain-free.
Some patients opt to take an oral sedative prior to the preparation appointment
to calm nerves. Administration of this medication can be discussed with Dr.
Loev prior to beginning treatment. If opting for oral sedation a ride to and
from the appointment should be set-up as patient will be impaired. We will
happily assist you in making arrangements should you desire.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH PORCELAIN VENEERS?
After your teeth have been prepared and before your permanent veneers have
been applied, appearance should be greatly improved and simulate the final
result.
During this period, you should brush regularly but carefully. Regular flossing is important, too, since swollen or bleeding gums compromise bonding the veneers on permanently. Avoid chewy candies, hard crusted breads and any food that could crack or compromise the plastic temporary veneer.
Once your veneers are permanently placed, they will feel like a natural part of your teeth, and you can use them just as you would your regular teeth. However, veneers are not indestructible. To protect your veneers from chipping, avoid biting down into hard substances. Slice apples before eating them. Avoid bad habits like chewing on fingernails, ice, pencils, or paperclips and clenching or grinding your teeth. We generally suggest and often include occlusal bite guards that are worn at night as part of the overall treatment plan. We have found that these guards are an integral part of a good porcelain restoration maintenance program.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR PORCELAIN VENEERS?
In general, the best candidates for porcelain veneers:
- Enjoy good oral and physical health
- Want to improve appearance in as conservative a manner as possible
- Have teeth that are not too severely out of alignment or are willing to have orthodontic treatment performed prior to veneers placement
- Don't currently have crowns or bridges on anterior (front) teeth
- Are well informed in regards to the procedure’s outcome
- Have realistic expectations
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your dentist will
consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate
for you.
OTHER THINGS THAT I SHOULD BE AWARE OF
Depending on the structural integrity of your teeth, the health of your gums,
and your occlusion (bite), crowns or orthodontics may be recommended instead
of, or in addition to, veneers in order to achieve the desired results. Adjunctive
periodontal and/or endodontic procedures may also be necessary to ensure the
functional and esthetic results of veneer placement.
If your natural teeth are discolored, you may want to consider whitening your teeth before veneers are applied, since extremely dark stains could show through the thin porcelain shell. Whitening after will not change the color of the porcelain veneers.
HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST?
There is a very wide range in cost for veneers, because of the many variables
involved with each patient. You can expect approximate costs to fall in a range
from $1300 up to $2000 per tooth. This does not reflect what your actual cost
may be, it is just an estimate. Our patient coordinator will review your actual
treatment plan, fees and specifics with you prior to treatment and assist you
in any way that she can.
CAN I FINANCE THE THE TREATMENT?
Absolutely! Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having
an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately
if financing
was available.
We have paired with 3 different companies to offer our patients a comprehensive
array of patient financing options, money
no longer has to be the barrier
between
you and
your new image.
By
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loans (interest-free, low interest, extended payment) in as little as 30
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