First, What Are Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are attached to the front surface of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. Although they are often categorized as a cosmetic treatment, porcelain veneers also help to improve the form and function of your bite. The porcelain we use at Lifetime Smiles is extremely durable, and when properly cared for, your veneers can last decades.
What Kind of Problems Do Veneers Fix?
Veneers are actually quite versatile in the sheer number of dental issues they can remedy. Teeth that are discolored or stained, worn down, chipped, or even broken, can be restored with porcelain veneers. They can even cover gaps in your grin along with irregularly shaped or misaligned teeth. They look completely natural, resist stains, won’t irritate your gums, and can be color-matched to fit your smile perfectly. If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, veneers might just be the perfect match for you.
Fitting Your Porcelain Veneers
Consultation & Smile Design
First things first, you’ll sit down with Dr. Mallakis or Dr. McDonald as they ask you questions about your vision for your future smile. They’ll go over the benefits of veneers and the fitting process, as well as their limitations, so you can decide together if they are right for you. We will also create a custom smile design so you can see how you’ll look with your new smile.
Before going any further, we will take Digital X-rays and use our SOPROLIFE® diagnostic camera technology to search for signs of decay and ensure that your teeth are healthy enough to receive this treatment. Once your smile has been given a clean bill of health, your teeth will be scanned to produce 3D virtual impressions of your teeth. With a complete picture of your mouth and oral health, we can ensure your veneers will enhance your smile.
Preparing Your Teeth
To begin, we will gently remove a thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth to be treated. Sometimes there is no preparation needed. Usually, the amount of enamel removed is equal to the thickness of the veneer itself. Depending on your comfort and needs, our doctors will help you decide if the area needs to be numbed before this step.
We will then take digital impressions of your teeth and send them off to the laboratory to have your veneers custom-crafted. In a few weeks, you’ll return to the office to have the final fitting. In the meantime, you’ll be provided with temporary veneers that we make in-house to protect the surface of your teeth and allow you to get used to your new smile.
The Final Fit
When you return to the office, your new veneers will be ready and waiting for you. We can still make minor adjustments at this phase to ensure a perfect fit. Once the desired shape of the veneers has been achieved, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to give the veneer a better surface to cling to before it’s cemented into place. This cement is then cured with a specialized light. All that’s left is to remove any excess cement and make any final adjustments, and your new smile is complete.
Find Out if Veneers Are Right for You
If you’ve been struggling with the appearance or functionality of your smile, veneers may be the right option. They do have their limitations, and depending on your case, other services like Invisalign or CEREC crowns may be the more effective solution. In any case, the best way to find out if they’re right for you is to give us a call at (760) 747-1811, Calls on Click and set up a consultation at Lifetime Smiles today!
