the 07/23/2008

Porcelain Veneers

How is This All Done in One Procedure?

If a front tooth is a little crooked, a veneer can be made slightlythicker on the receding side and thinner on the protruding side.That covers the crooked angle and replaces it with a straight newfront surface.

The porcelain used will be matched to your natural tooth color.That means that if you would like to whiten your teeth, you shoulddo that first. Then your cosmetic dentist can match the porcelain to the new color, as porcelain does notrespond to tooth whitening.

The Veneers Procedure

Your cosmetic dentist would then use a digital camera to photographthe teeth and would take impressions of them He would send those tothe lab, along with tooth measurements and other data, so that thelab will be able to make your veneers exactly to specifications.

You would not need to have any temporary veneers in the two orthree weeks it might take the lab to make your permanent ones. Butif you wanted to, you could have your dentist use some dentalbonding to give a thin temporary cover for those teeth.

In the second visit, the veneers will be temporarily fitted andyour cosmetic dentist will test your bite to make sure the veneerswill not interfere with it. When both you and your dentist aresatisfied with the fit, comfort, and appearance, they will bepermanently bonded to the teeth.

They are now part of those teeth and will last you a very long timeif you care for them. Veneers do not need special care other thannot trying to open beer bottles with them. Give them the same dailycare you give your natural teeth. Porcelain will never decay, butthe back and side surfaces of the veneered teeth are not covered.So brush at least once a day, floss every day, and go for regulardental check-ups.

Your porcelain veneers will then last as long as your teeth do, giving you a pleasing,even, and healthy-looking smile.

If you are considering porcelain veneers, contact Dr. Dell Goodrick for more information and to set up aconsultation.