Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond
directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal
choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due
to their simplicity and versatility. With veneers as an alternative,
there is no reason to put up with gaps between your teeth, teeth that
are stained, badly shaped or crooked. A veneer placed on top of your
teeth can correct these maladies, simply and quickly, to help you
achieve a beautiful smile!
Will they look like normal teeth?
When bonded to the teeth, the ultra-thin porcelain
veneers are virtually undetectable and highly resistant to coffee, tea,
or even cigarette stains. For strength and appearance, their resemblance
to healthy, white tooth enamel is unsurpassed by other restorative
options. Because they are thin, light can shine through them and they
take on the natural color of the underlying tooth.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
With proper care, porcelain veneers will brighten your smile for well over a decade.
Dr. Szutz
will ensure that your veneers are crafted from the highest quality
porcelains and are bonded with the most advanced and proven materials
available.
The Procedure
This procedure will require three appointments:
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Preparation
- Bonding
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
You will want to take an active role in planning your smile design.
Dr. Szutz will review the corrective limitations of this procedure and help you plan your new smile.
Preparation
The second appointment will take one to two hours.
Although the porcelain veneer is very thin, the teeth are lightly buffed
to allow for the added thickness. Approximately one half of a
millimeter of tooth is removed. This may require little or no local
anesthesia.
Then a mold is taken of the teeth and sent to the lab
for fabrication. If the teeth are too unsightly a temporary veneer can
be placed at this time. The veneers should be ready in approximately
three weeks.
Bonding
At the time of your third appointment,
Dr. Szutz
will first place the veneer on your teeth with water or glycerin to
check their fit and color. At this point the color of the veneer can
still be adjusted by the shade of the cement used to adhere it. Once the
color is determined, and the veneer is ready to be applied, the tooth
is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement
is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a visible light beam is
used to harden the cement. This appointment takes approximately one to
two hours.
Care and Follow Up
Brush and floss daily. Return for a follow-up visit after one to two weeks.
Maintenance of Your New Veneers
- Brush and floss as you normally would. Don’t be
afraid that you will damage your veneers by brushing and flossing.
Non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. A good home care regimen will
insure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
- You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold
after placement of your veneer. This is due to the amount of enamel
left on the tooth after preparation. Sensitivity is totally normal and
should dissipate after one to two weeks. If sensitivity persists please
call the office.
- If you are a known clencher (bruxer), please be sure to let us know. Dr. Szutz may recommend a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize stress placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
We hope that your new veneers fulfill your esthetic
goal. With proper home care and scheduled visits, they are sure to
provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.
If
you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently
looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry.
We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.
Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599