Procedure Description:

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of fired porcelain that are placed on the front and side 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. They are the cosmetic dentist's greatest tool for enhancing a smile.

Versatile and strong, porcelain veneers are used for a variety of smile enhancements, from complete smile makeovers to repairing a chipped tooth. Restoring teeth to their natural beauty, veneers also resist staining, creating an enduring white, bright straight smile.

How It's Done:

Following a thorough dental exam, the cosmetic dentist and patient discuss the patient's expectations. What kind of smile does he or she want? They may consult a smile "style" catalog that portrays the many smile options available. The dentist may also guide you on how many veneers you will need for a natural looking smile. Smile wide in front of a mirror and count the number of teeth you see. Generally, that's how many teeth you will want veneered for a natural result.

The dentist will then take an impression of the patient's teeth. That impression will be sent to a lab with the dentist's precise instructions of what's to be done. The lab creates a "wax up" - a wax model of how the enhanced smile or repaired teeth 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 will prepare the patient's teeth, take a new impression, and fit him or her with temporaries (temporary version of the "new smile".) When the porcelain veneers come in, it's time for the final seating. 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 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 any dental procedure. The gums may be tender for a couple days after the procedure. Over the counter anti-inflamatories, such as ibuprofen, can ease any minor discomforts.

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

Complications:

There are essentially no complications associated with veneers. If your dentist diagnoses a bad bite (malocclusion) prior to the treatment and you choose not to have that corrected, there is risk of chipping and breaking the veneers as your bite adjusts to its new position. Most dentists provide a nightguard to protect your teeth while you sleep.

Am I a Candidate?

If you answer yes to any of the following statements, you are a candidate for cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers:

• I dislike the appearance of my smile.
• My teeth are crooked.
• My teeth are uneven.
• My teeth are chipped or broken.
• I have missing teeth.
• I have unsightly gaps between my teeth.
• I'm embarrassed to smile.
• My smile is keeping me from fulfilling my personal and professional life.
• My teeth are stained and discolored.

Cost:

Veneers typically range in cost from $800 to $1,500, depending on the skill level, training, lab cost and location of your dentist. Veneers are considered a cosmetic enhancement, and are usually not covered by insurance.