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Instant Orthodontics

Procedure Description:

Instant Orthodontics can transform a crooked, uneven smile to one that's straight, even and white in only 2 to 3 visits, without the use of metal braces.

How? With the artistic application of porcelain veneers.

Veneers are thin shells of fired porcelain that are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth. Offering a natural look and feel, veneers allow the cosmetic dentist to dramatically change the length, width, color and shape of a tooth. Restoring teeth to their natural beauty, veneers also resist staining, creating an enduring white, bright straight smile.

Why spend years enduring the discomfort and unattractive look of braces when instant orthodontics can change your smile in a fraction of the time?

How It's Done:

Once it's determined which teeth need to be veneered, the dentist takes an impression of the patient's teeth. That impression is sent to a lab with precise instructions of what's to be done. The lab creates a "wax up" - a wax model of how the enhanced smile will look. The patient and dentist review the wax up and either make changes or give the lab approval to proceed. From the wax up, the lab creates the patient's new "teeth" of porcelain.

Once the wax up is approved, the dentist prepares the patient's teeth and fits him or her with temporaries (temporary version of the "new smile".) When the porcelain veneers are ready, the temporaries are removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth.

Technology:

While each dentist employs a different set of technologies to help him, here are some common ones that you may encounter:

• IntraOral Camera - this small, pen-like camera projects a magnified image of your teeth on a monitor to help the doctor diagnose the treatment needed for each tooth.
• Digital Imaging - This technology allows the doctor to show you a digitally re-imaged photo of you with your new smile before you start the procedure.
• Soft Tissue laser - This laser may be used to help recontour your gum line or surgically eliminate the frenum, a muscle that causes the common space between front teeth.
• The Wand - this is a computer controlled anesthesia devise that makes injections essentially painless

Recovery/Post Op Expectations:

Patients can expect recovery to be about the same as with any dental procedure. The gums may be tender and a bit swollen for a couple days after the veneers are bonded to the teeth. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can ease any minor discomfort.

After a few days, the veneers may need to be adjusted to provide a more comfortable bite or fit.

Complications:

Luckily, complications from dental procedures are uncommon. A bacterial infection following the procedure may occur and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Am I a Candidate?

If you answer yes to any of the following statements, you are a candidate for Instant Orthodontics:

• I dislike the appearance of my smile.
• My teeth are crooked.
• My teeth are uneven.
• I have unsightly gaps between my teeth.
• I'm embarrassed to smile.
• My smile is keeping me from fulfilling my personal and professional life.
• I had braces as a teenager, but I still don't like the shape or appearance of my teeth

Cost:

Instant Orthodontics can involve just the upper teeth, or the upper and lower teeth combined. Depending on how many teeth are treated, procedure costs may range from $10,000 to $12,000 for 10 anterior veneers to $30,000 - $40,000 for uppers and lowers. Most dentists offer third party financing to make monthly payments reasonable.

Porcelain Veneers Surgery Information Guide

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