Four Steps to an Attractive New Smile

~Porcelain Veneers

Chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, and even slightly crooked front teeth can be restored into a more natural, pleasing smile with the simple application of porcelain veneers. These thin shell-like coverings are bonded to the problem teeth to create a more attractive color, shape or size. Porcelain veneers provide a long-lasting, stain-resistant alternative to crowns. The four-step process includes consultation, preparation and application and follow up.

Consultation

First, you and Dr. Anderson will discuss the exact changes you have in mind. It often helps to look at customized examples of possible final results together, either by taking an impression of your mouth and having a "wax up" made, or by using a computer enhancement program called digital imaging.

Preparation

Next, Dr. Anderson will prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers by delicately buffing or filing approximately one half of a millimeter from the surface of the recipient teeth. Sometimes this requires a local anesthetic. Dr. Anderson will then take a mold or impression of your teeth and send it to a special professional dental laboratory. The laboratory will carefully produce your custom fit porcelain veneers. Custom provisional veneers will be placed so you will be able to see instant results of what your smile will look like.

Application

At your third appointment, Dr. Anderson will test the fit and color of your new porcelain veneers by applying them temporarily with water or glycerin. Once they are perfectly compatible, he will use a special dental cement to permanently affix them to your teeth. Finally, a visible light beam will be used to activate the cement's hardening agent, creating a strong, beautiful finished product.

Follow Up

After the porcelain veneers are applied, your new smile will need daily cleaning and flossing, plus regular dental visits for professional care and maintenance. It is also wise to ask Dr. Anderson how a night-guard can help protect your new investment. A night-guard may prevent unconscious grinding pressure while you sleep.

back to articles