Everyone wants a bright, shining smile because it makes everything about you look its best. Dentists attend dental school for years in order to learn how to bring out the best smile in their patients, and the use of veneers is one of the most effective ways.
A veneer is typically defined as a decorative covering, and when teeth have become badly stained or misshapen and crooked, placing a porcelain veneer on the surface of the tooth will effectively cover and improve the look of the tooth. A veneer comes in plastic or porcelain, but both materials will bring out a sparkling smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are crafted to hide damaged teeth, teeth that have been stained possibly by chemicals from prescription drugs or an already endured root-canal. Veneers are excellent in masking discolored fillings, gaps between teeth or teeth that have been chipped, and they appear so natural because they are replicas of the original tooth. Almost like a fingerprint, every patient has their own unique set of teeth.
After you and Dr. Muller have decided on veneers to improve your smile, a dental lab technician who has received a model of your natural teeth will prepare the veneers. Both plastic and porcelain veneers are simply thin slices of the material that fit the desired tooth. The patient may notice that the veneers change shades slightly in the following two weeks after they are bonded, but this is to be expected, and the teeth appear more natural.
Considering Veneers
Each person’s smile is unique, and so each veneer will fit the specific tooth precisely. Dr. Muller will buff a slight indentation, which makes space for the veneer to be adhered.
The entire process requires only three appointments, which includes the diagnosis, treatment planning, preparation and bonding.
1. The first appointment the patient meets with Dr. Muller for a complete diagnosis, and together they evaluate the condition of the teeth and how the veneers will be used.
2. The second appointment will last up to two hours, but during this session, Dr. Muller will prepare the teeth that will receive a veneer. They will be buffed , and a mold will be prepared to send to the lab. In less than one to two weeks, the veneers are made to order and sent to our office.
3. At the third and final visit, the veneers are bonded to the tooth’s surface with a dental cement. The cements come in a variety of shades to match your natural tooth. To apply the veneer, the tooth is carefully cleaned with specific chemicals to ensure that the cement adheres, and finally, a laser beam is directed at the veneer that sets off a catalyst that hardens the cement.
When Dr. Muller has completed the bonding of your individual veneers, you will have a brilliant smile. Friends and family will be impressed, and you can put your worries and concerns aside because plastic and porcelain veneers are expected to last a lifetime. The color stability is much stronger than bonding teeth, and veneers are highly protective when it comes to foods that cause stains, such as beets, coffee, tea and, even cigarette smoking.
After Veneers are in Place
The last appointment is a follow-up appointment, so Dr. Muller can check his work. It is important to brush and floss every day to keep the veneers clean and prevent cavities from forming around them. Your friends and family will be delighted at the brand new you!