Patients often visit the dentist looking for ways to improve the appearance of their smile. There are several procedures which can help improve the appearance of the teeth. One of the cosmetic procedures which is commonly used is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a treatment which can correct many aesthetic issues such as misalignment, crooked teeth, discoloration, cracks, and chips.
Porcelain veneers are quite thin and the color can closely match the natural teeth. In addition, porcelain is incredibly durable and strong. The veneers can last for up to ten years when they are properly cared for.
Tooth Trimming
In order to place the porcelain veneer, the tooth must first be trimmed. Dentists trim away any tooth which contains decay. Trimming the tooth adjusts the enamel to accommodate the veneer. During the tooth trimming process, old fillings will also be removed. The amount of trimming will vary, however, an average of .5 to .7 millimeters will be removed during this step.
Veneer Shade
The dentist will select the color of the porcelain shade to best match the natural teeth. The dentist will determine if certain parts of the laminae needs to be more translucent so that the veneers looks just like the adjacent real teeth.
Impression
Once the teeth has been trimmed or cleaned, the dentist will obtain an impression of the teeth and gums. The impression creates a replica of the teeth and jaw which is needed to create the veneer. The process for creating an impression involves applying a thick paste on the teeth. The patient will then bite down on a tray to create the impression. Some dentists also obtain detailed pictures of the teeth and jaw.
Temporary Veneer
Because it takes about 1-2 weeks to prepare a porcelain veneer, temporary veneers are often applied. Once the permanent veneer is ready, the temporary veneer will be removed and replaced with the permanent version.
Fit Evaluation
Once the veneer is ready, it will be placed by the dentist to ensure it is accurate and does not require any adjustments. The slightest miscalculation or issue can cause big problems. The dentist will often trim the veneer multiple times in order to achieve a perfect fit. During the placement, patients will be asked to bite, close their mouth, and move the mouth to ensure the veneer is comfortable and properly placed. Patients should be sure to tell their dentist right away about any pain or discomfort.
Bonding
Once the veneer is adjusted and everything is in place, the veneer will be bonded to the tooth. The dentist will polish the surface of tooth and veneer prior to applying the bonding. An acid gel is then etched onto the surface of the tooth for up to 20 seconds. This creates a surface which allows for the veneer to bond to the original tooth. The dentist will then wash off the gel and then place a bonding agent on the veneer secure it. A blue light is then placed on to the veneer for approximately one minute. This finalized and hardens the bonding. Once the process is complete, the dentist will clean and floss the veneer. The veneer is not ready for use. While patients should use caution with the veneer, it is ready for use and should last for many years without any issues.