As I mentioned last week, the “Extreme Makeovers” show has brought cosmetic dentistry into the spotlight.  In-office whitening was the procedure we discussed before, but today I want to talk about another option that is utilized quite often on the show – porcelain veneers. 

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth.  If chipped, stained or crooked teeth keep someone from beaming their smile at the world, porcelain veneers may be the ideal choice for a smile enhancement.  They are affixed to the surface of the natural teeth to enhance their shape, color, length, alignment or size and to can drastically improve a smile.  Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.  The wafer-thin porcelain can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth, resulting in an esthetically pleasing naturalness that is unsurpassed by other restorative options.

Veneers are great for:

• Closing spaces between teeth
• Restoring broken or chipped teeth
• Covering stained teeth or visible fillings
• Correcting uneven or crooked teeth
• What is done to place a veneer?

It usually takes three visits to design, prepare and place veneers.  The first step is diagnosis and treatment planning: It's critical that a patient take an active role in the design of their smile.  The shape of the lips, position of the teeth, levels of gum tissue and coloration are only a few of the factors that need to be considered.  Each smile needs to be “custom made” for the particular person.  Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile.  Understand the corrective limitations of the procedure and have more than one consultation, if necessary, to feel comfortable that the dentist understands your objectives.

At the second appointment, the dentist will remove a tiny bit of tooth material, to make room for the veneer to fit over the teeth without sticking out.  This includes shortening the (biting) edge, and sanding a tiny bit of material (approximately ½ millimeter) off the face of the tooth.  The dentist will then make an impression-or mold-of the teeth to create models that duplicate the patient’s mouth.  The models, photographs, desired outcome and other diagnostic information is sent to a dental lab, where highly skilled laboratory technicians create custom-made veneers from strong, natural looking porcelain.  While the veneers are being fabricated, provisional (temporary) veneers are placed to protect the teeth.

On the third visit, the dentist will check the veneers' fit and color and affix them to the teeth.  While veneers are strong and long lasting, they require proper oral hygiene and the same care someone would show their natural teeth.  (No opening bottles with your teeth or chewing ice!)

How about maintenance?
For about a week or two, the patient may go through a period of adjustment to get used to the "new" teeth that have been changed in size and shape.  It is important to brush and floss daily if long-lasting results are to be obtained.

Only your dentist can determine if porcelain veneers are for right for you.  Who knows, maybe you will be the next “Extreme Makeover” (at least of your smile!).