Why Preparation Is Necessary for Porcelain Veneers and What to Expect
Dr. Victor R. Siegel of Rockville has achieved great results in cosmetic dentistry. Many of the best results have involved the use of porcelain veneers, an essential part of the smile makeover process. Let's take a look a the basics regarding porcelain veneers and then focus on the preparation and placement of them.
About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are used to mask flaws and imperfections on the fronts of people's teeth. Porcelain veneers are extremely versatile, able to address the following common dental problems:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth gaps
- Crooked teeth
- Uneven teeth
Why is preparation necessary for porcelain veneers to be placed?
While porcelain veneers are very thin, they do require some tooth enamel to be removed so they can fit into place naturally and keep your smile looking great. Rest assured that less than one millimeter of enamel is removed during the process, which means your teeth will still be healthy after undergoing the process.
Assessing Candidacy for Porcelain Veneers
The first step of this process is determining if porcelain veneers are ideal for you. This will involve a full consultation to assess if your dental problem is predominantly cosmetic in nature. Only aesthetic flaws should be treated using porcelain veneers; major dental health issues will require another kind of treatment.
Removal of a Small Amount of Tooth Enamel
If you are deemed an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers, the preparation process will proceed as follows.
First, the teeth are fully polished. Local anesthetic may be used at this point in order reduce potential discomfort. Less than on millimeter of enamel is carefully removed from the front of the tooth. All care is taken to preserve as much tooth structure as possible.
Taking an Impression of the Tooth That Has Been Prepped
An impression is then taken of the prepped tooth. It is from this impression that the final veneer will be crafted. The impression is carefully made in order to ensure the most accurate shape of the tooth is captured.
Placing Temporary Porcelain Veneers
It will take roughly a week to two weeks for the final, customized porcelain veneers to arrive at the practice, which means that temporary porcelain veneers will be placed in the meantime. It's important that patients brush and floss normally and avoid eating snacks that are sticky and/or sugary. Patients will receive full care instructions for their temporary veneers from their dentist.
What happens when the dental lab completed my custom porcelain veneers?
Once the porcelain veneers are finished, the dental lab will send them back to the practice for the dentist to place them. The temporary veneers will be cleaned and the teeth polished to ensure precise contact on the tooth surface. A final check for fit and proper color will be made before the porcelain veneers are adhered in place.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
To learn more about porcelain veneers and your many other options for advanced cosmetic dentistry treatment, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Siegel and the entire team and the practice looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.
