Dental veneering is an advanced technique used on front lower arch and front upper arch to remodel existing teeth and also to cosmetically reconstruct the smile. It is often used in situations to fix issues with teeth that have gaps in them or crowded teeth, discolored teeth, to lengthen short teeth, or to alter the shape of teeth.
Veneers are thin layer of porcelain ceramic that is bonded to the patient's tooth, but are only cemented on the sides and front face of the teeth. The back side of the tooth will remain unchanged. Through the use of photography new shades and shapes can be personalized according to the complexion and facial structure as well as personality of the patient.
Porcelain veneers offer the most life-like material and have great ability to resemblance natural teeth. It is the main cosmetic procedure used to remodel a smile as veneers will shine, have layers and depth in shading, reflect light, feel smooth, and appear as if they were your very own. The main contrast natural teeth and dental veneers are that veneers will not stain over time and if properly maintained can last for many years.
In order to start the remodeling process, information must be gathered and analyzed before there can be a formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan. Information gathering begins by completing a comprehensive examination, creating lower and upper teeth impressions, digital x-rays, photographs, and a bite analysis. Only after all the information has been gathered and analyzed by a team of oral health care professionals can an extensive consultation to cover all the treatment options. Part of the remodeling process will detail personal features such as complexion, colour of hair, personality, face shape, shape of lips, width and length of the smile will be examined to be incorporated into the end result.
The full veneering procedure will take approximately four treatment visits and can be completed in less than a month.
During the first visit to the dentist your teeth will need to be frozen and reshaped to prepare space for the porcelain veneer that will later be cemented to the tooth. Next an impression can be taken of the teeth which will be sent to a professional dental laboratory so they can design and fabricate the new veneers. Possibly additional photos may be taken to assist the lab techs in their task. Since your real veneers will not be ready for a while, the dentist will supply you temporary acrylic teeth that will be similarly coloured and shaped to the new veneers. These temporary teeth can assist you during the trial period for observing bite changes, speech changes, and appearance changes. This appointment may take anywhere from two to four hours depending on the number of teeth being remodeled.
For the second visit you will have every opportunity to view and critique the new veneers. The temporary veneers will be removed after the teeth are frozen again and the new unglazed porcelain veneers are placed on the teeth. During this period, photographs are taken to help analyze the fit, colour, shape, and overall appearance of the veneers. After critiquing the new veneers, the temporary teeth are then reestablished on your teeth and the new veneers can be sent back to the laboratory to so they can implement any changes, and to polish and glaze. This visit may take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes depending on how many teeth are involved.
The third treatment is when the new veneers will be placed. After freezing the teeth, the new veneers will once again be further analyzed and bonded. Once the new veneers are fastened in place, they will be again polished and the bite will also be rechecked. This treatment may take anywhere from one to three hours depending on the number of teeth involved.
The last visit will give our office the opportunity to recheck and re-evaluate the bite, to smooth over any rough areas and edges, or even take more photographs. This visit is not more than 30 minutes long.
