Cosmetic dentistry is transforming lives through complete smile makeovers, and porcelain veneers lead the list of esthetic treatments as a wildly popular procedure. If you're considering porcelain veneers for a new smile, here’s what you can expect:
The First Appointment You will need to schedule an hour or two for your initial appointment, and you may want to take photos or magazine clippings to show Dr. Gorman the kind of smile you prefer. After a thorough examination to assess your oral health and existing dentition, Dr. Gorman will discuss with you the kind of smile you envision. Be prepared to discuss the color and shape of your ideal smile at this appointment.
Dr. Gorman will take notes on the shade of your teeth, your facial features, and measurements of your face. He’ll consider your skin tone and facial symmetry when designing your veneers. If you have questions about your veneers or the procedure, Dr. Gorman should be happy to give comprehensive answers. You may want to ask to see his portfolio or inquire about digital imaging, which is software that manipulates a photo to predict what you will look like after your smile makeover.
Tooth Preparation Often during the first appointment, Dr. Gorman will gently buff your teeth to remove 1 to 2 mm of enamel in preparation for your new veneers. Tooth reduction will allow the veneers to lie flat, in line with surrounding teeth. Reshaping of teeth may also be required to create the look you want.
Dr. Gorman will take an impression of your mouth to send to the lab. Before you leave the dental chair, temporary veneers will be placed. Your teeth may feel sensitive until the permanent veneers are placed.
After your first appointment, our staff will order your veneers from our state of the art dental lab. A talented ceramist will handcraft the porcelain veneers from durable materials that look and function like natural dentition. The information your dentists provides the lab will ensure that you receive veneers that will create a smile that complements your appearance.
Veneer Placement Local anesthetic may be administered to ensure your complete comfort during veneer placement. Dr. Gorman will remove the temporary veneers and check the fit of your permanent veneers. You can look at the shape, color, and fit before they are attached. If adjustments need to be made, you should tell your Dr. Gorman at this time. Veneers cannot be altered once in place. If all is well, Dr. Gorman will permanently bond the new veneers to the front surface of your teeth. First, he will apply a mild acidic solution to clean the surface of your teeth, then he will bond the veneers in place. A small light will cure the bonding material.
Your New Smile In as few as two dental visits, you can enjoy a completely new smile! If you’re considering a smile makeover, call us for a complementary consultation. A few veneers may change your life.
6 Myths About Porcelain Veneers
1) "I Can Always Tell When Someone Has Them"- This is certainly true of the veneers of yesteryear. In the hands of an experienced clinician and with the improved technology, the porcelain is so natural and life-like, it is virtually undetectable. Formerly the veneers were very thick and opaque in appearance. The best compliment you can get after having veneers is that you have a great smile, as opposed to someone saying "those are great veneers"
2) "You Have To Cut My Whole Tooth Down To Do It"- This is an exaggeration of the truth. Teeth have to have some form of reshaping in order to recreate a natural look. The last thing you want is a bulky, thick, chick-lit look because the doctor wanted to conserve tooth structure. A master lab technician can make a veneer as thin as .2mm (2 tenths). This is contact lens thin, and is sometimes referred to as minimal prep or "prep-less" veneers.
3) "They Are Painful, and Cause Sensitivity"- During the procedure, the patient is anesthetized, so there is no sensation at any point. The sensitivity is usually during the time you are wearing the temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made. Once the veneers are bonded on to the teeth, the sensitivity is completely eliminated.
4) "I Don't Want Them Blazing White"- They can be made any color you want them to be. I usually assist the patient in choosing a final color, depending on what they want. The veneers can be brilliantly white, or on the other end just a natural, healthy color. It’s always up to the patient, since they are custom made.
5) "I'm Not in Hollywood, So I Don't Need Them."- Studies show that a smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. It is in the center of your face for all to see. You cannot hide it. Unfortunately, people do judge on appearance, and it is our obligation to present as best as we can, whether it is for personal reasons, or in our professional lives. Particularly for those that are in the public eye, like those that do public speaking, sales, or deal with the public. An unattractive smile is hard not to notice, and often gives the illusion of a dirty or unkept look. That is certainly the last thing we want to be perceived as. So, do you really think it is just for "Hollywood" people?
