Never underestimate the power of your smile. It’s the first impression you make and the one that people will remember. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is happy with their smile.
Are there parts of your smile that don’t feel right? Do you have teeth that appear too small, uneven, chipped, or stained? Porcelain veneers can drastically improve the appearance and function of your teeth, and your confidence.
Porcelain veneers are designed to change the colour and/or shape of a tooth. Each veneer is custom made with thin layers of ceramic material, and crafted to be bonded to the outside surface of a tooth.
Veneers are made of different types of ceramic material, like lithium Discilicate (Emax), Feldspathic porcelain (powder/liquid ceramic), and in rare cases, Zirconia.
Material choice depends on factors unique to each person and tooth. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. After discussing your desired results, and considering the functional and structural changes required, Dr. Pasha’s cosmetic dentistry design team will determine the best material for your veneer.
This depends on the case. The approach is based on the patient’s desire to change the colour of the tooth, the shape of the tooth, or both.
When managing tooth shape, any area that requires enlargement will have ceramic added. Teeth that require enlargement usually do not require preparation.
If a particular area of the tooth is to stay the same overall dimension, then a preparation is needed with the minimum thickness required for the particular ceramic material. The preparation can be as little as 0.3 mm and can usually be completed without anesthetic (freezing).
Managing the colour of a tooth can be more complicated. The greater the change, the thicker the ceramic material needed. This may require more preparation. Preparation is also needed if there are any structural or size changes to the tooth.
Today’s porcelain veneers are significantly thinner than those of the past. As a result, preparations are unnecessary, or limited to less than 0.5 mm of the tooth structure. Orthodontics can also help. With orthodontic assistance, your teeth may be placed in the correct position to reduce or eliminate the need for tooth preparation for porcelain veneers.
If crafted and maintained properly, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer. Prior to any treatment, Dr. Pasha discusses the risk factors and conditions that can affect the life expectancy of your porcelain veneer. It’s important to be informed so that you can reduce the risks and increase the longevity of your restorations.
Appointment 1: Defining Your Smile Goals
The first step in the process is an information-gathering appointment. During this appointment you and Dr. Pasha will discuss your concerns, goals, and overall vision for your smile. Clear communication helps ensure that Dr. Pasha develops a treatment plan to achieve your desired smile results.
Appointment 2: Information Collection and Compilation
With your goals defined, Dr. Pasha’s team collects videos, photos, models, and scans of your teeth, as well as measurements of your facial features. In many cases, Dr. Pasha’s approach may include consultations with other dental professionals. Understanding your current smile is what helps Dr. Pasha achieve your smile goals.
Appointment 3: Presentation of Treatment Options
Once your smile treatment plan is created, Dr. Pasha gives an in person presentation addressing options and alternative approaches. A preliminary design of your new smile is included, and you may be able to try a mockup to better visualize the final result. Once the treatment is agreed upon, you will schedule an impression appointment.
Appointment 4: Impressions and Temporary Test Drive
Your impression appointment may include minor preparations of your teeth. A scan or impression may be made for the ceramist to fabricate the veneers. At the end of this appointment, you will have a set of temporary veneers that will closely resemble the shape and contours of the final product. Temporary veneers allow you to test drive the final smile design before fabrication.
Appointment 5: Feedback Follow Up
A short follow up appointment allows you to communicate any minor changes desired. This appointment lets us visualize the final restorations and take photographs for the final design and technical adjustments. Once the temporary restorations are approved, we will send an imprint of them to the ceramist to duplicate the shape of the teeth in the final restorations.
Appointment 6: Final Fit, Shape, and Colour Review
A try-in appointment is scheduled in order to check the fit, shape, and colour of your final restorations. Once we receive your final approval, Dr. Pasha permanently cements the teeth either in the same scheduled appointment or at another pre scheduled appointment at your convenience.
To care for veneers you must maintain good oral health. This includes brushing, flossing and regular dental maintenance appointments. For patients with known risk factors like night time grinding, it is important to follow Dr. Pasha’s instructions carefully and consistently.
And most importantly, don’t forget that the primary purpose of your teeth and veneers is chewing. Please avoid using your teeth (and veneers) as secondary tools!
