Porcelain veneers are paper-thin shells of medically-approved ceramic that is embedded on the front surfaces of teeth for aesthetic purposes. These ceramic shells are custom-made depending on the patient’s tooth structure and color. The patient’s desired cosmetic goals also determine the shape, size, and color of the veneers.
The appearance of the ceramic material closely resembles that of the natural tooth enamel, and the veneer, therefore, matches with the person’s teeth. Dental ceramic also reflects light just as tooth enamel does, thereby giving the patient a natural smile. Our Beverly Hills porcelain veneers have been used for a wide range of cosmetic alterations. Patients may want porcelain veneers for different reasons, including altering the shape or size of their teeth. They may also seek to fix teeth that are worn out or broken. Teeth with irregular shapes or with wide gaps in between can also be corrected using this procedure.
The material used to make veneers is available in different shades, and the most appropriate shade is selected for each patient. White ceramic can be used as a teeth whitener for people who would want their teeth to appear whiter, for a truly Hollywood Smile. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and are also highly compatible with gum tissue.
History of Porcelain Veneers
Veneers have been in use since the second half of the 1920s. Dr. Charles Pincus, who was a dentist in Hollywood at the time, used temporary veneers to improve the smiles of actors and actresses. Dr. Bunocore then introduced the use of adhesives in dentistry in the 1960s. By etching teeth using acidic gel, veneers and crowns would attach firmly to the rough etched surface of teeth.
This made it possible to bind veneers permanently on patients’ teeth. Advanced medical technology has dramatically improved the quality of veneers over the decades. Digital imaging has also enabled the fast creation of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can significantly boost one’s self-confidence and also encourage them to maintain high standards of oral hygiene. Today, porcelain veneers are some of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry services.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
The first step is for you to visit a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist and relay to them what aesthetic goals you wish to achieve. The dentist will then examine your oral condition to establish whether the procedure will be appropriate for you and whether it will meet your desired goals. X-rays and teeth impressions are taken at this stage. The doctor will also explain the procedure in detail to you, including going over the pros and cons of the procedure.
The cosmetic dentist then shaves a thin layer of enamel from the tooth. The extent of enamel removal varies from patient to patient, depending on their individual needs and dental conditions. Typically, less than 1 mm of enamel is removed, and most of the enamel is left untouched. The patient may ask the dentist to administer local anesthesia for the enamel removal. The need for an anesthetic will depend on how much enamel is to be trimmed off. An impression and model of the patient’s tooth is then made.
This can be done by placing putty in the mouth, which hardens after some time, thus capturing impressions of the teeth. Dental software can also be used to create 3D images of a patient’s teeth. These images are then used to make tooth models. These impressions are then taken to the dental ceramist who constructs the porcelain veneers.
Ceramists sometimes take a few days before having the veneers ready, and the dentist will sometimes fix temporary veneers on a patient’s teeth. This is done for cosmetic reasons because some patients may not like how their teeth look with a layer of enamel removed. This is also done to avoid tooth sensitivity temporarily. Whether temporary veneers are necessary depends on how much enamel has been trimmed off.
Ceramists can use a single block of ceramic, or they can use several porcelain layers to improve on strength and aesthetics. Heating is also used to strengthen the ceramic. They can also use one color or different shades of porcelain depending on what shade they want to end up with.
The cosmetic dentist will then check whether the veneer fits perfectly onto the tooth and makes any necessary adjustments to the ceramic by trimming it. Biting issues or tooth misalignment is corrected. The appearance of the veneer, which is influenced by the type of cement used as a bonding material, can also be adjusted for a better match, by selecting the most appropriate shade of adhesive.
The dentist then etches the tooth using an acidic paste which roughens the surface of the tooth. This rough surface creates a strong foundation for the binding chemical to attach to. The dentist then applies the bonding material on the veneer and then places it on the tooth. A light beam is then shone on the veneer which initiates a chemical reaction causing the binding chemical to harden fast and firmly attach the porcelain to the patient’s tooth. Any ceramic that is more than necessary is then removed. Checkups by the dentist in the following weeks are essential to observe the compatibility of the medical veneers or any other side effects.
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS , WE HAVE THE ANSWERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For a patient to qualify for a porcelain veneers, they have to have good oral health. Patients suffering from tooth decay or infections in the root canal need to seek treatment for such conditions before getting veneers. Gum diseases also require treating before you can qualify for this procedure. Basically, patients should get treated for any pre-existing dental conditions before they get veneers. The dentist typically advises on what treatments to be sought, after they examine the patient’s oral health.
You also need to have enough tooth enamel since this medical process involves peeling off some of the enamel. Patients should also be willing to commit to proper oral hygiene after the procedure to boost the durability of the medical veneers. If you’d like to find out if you’d make a good candidate for porcelain veneers Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Justin Raanan, can address that and any other questions you have during a consultation. Contact us today to schedule!
Advanced technology has enabled dental ceramists to create different types of ceramic, which in turn, are used to make different kinds of veneers. Pressed ceramic is used to make veneers that usually are very strong and thicker than the others. Stacked ceramic makes veneers that are easier to custom design. Lithium disilicate is the new kind of ceramic that makes the strongest and thinnest porcelain veneers. It is suitable for patients who clench or grind their teeth (bruxism). This type of ceramic is created using CAD/CAM technology.
There are some prominent veneer manufacturers in the market. Some of the top brands include:
• daVinci – DaVinci has been a market leader for over 25 years. Their dental veneers are known for their high stain resistance. They offer a Limited Life Guarantee on their Veneers.
• IPS Empress – having over 10 shades of veneers, Empress has managed to sell over 20 million veneers worldwide.
• IPS e.max – The most impressive fact about their veneers is that they have a 99% success rate.
Traditionally, dental veneers require two visits to the dentist’s office. The first visit is for the initial examination and taking teeth impressions. The other one is to get the veneers fixed on your teeth. The two appointments are usually about 2 weeks apart to allow for the ceramists to construct the surfaces. The time taken on each appointment will depend on the extent of work that is to be done. The cosmetic dentist can also use CEREC Technology to make the veneers at his office. This option is usually speedy and can take only a few hours, much sooner than it would take to go to a dental lab.
This is a permanent procedure and cannot be reversed once it is done. The ceramic shells are attached permanently to your teeth. Patients are therefore advised to seek all relevant information about veneers before getting them so they can be sure about their decision.
These veneers can last for 10 years or more depending on the patient’s oral health. People who maintain high levels of oral hygiene will have their surfaces intact for more extended periods. It’s unlikely for veneers to dislodge, but patients are advised to avoid teeth grinding and applying too much pressure on the teeth. Biting hard objects should, therefore, be refrained from. Jaw clenching is also discouraged as it might affect the durability of your porcelain veneers. Even if the surfaces are resistant to stains, patients are encouraged to avoid food and drink that would cause teeth discoloration.
Smoking cigarettes are responsible for a lot of teeth staining, and it should also be avoided. If a veneer dislodges, patients are advised to collect and keep the broken ceramic and visit the dentist. Sometimes the dentist can reuse the broken porcelain and other times they may require replacing it. The constant improvement in technology is expected to improve the longevity of veneers in the future.
Maintaining your dental veneers does not require any kind of specialized care. The only thing that you need to do is everyday oral hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth, using mouthwash regularly and routine dental checkups.
Yes, this is possible. The patient can get porcelain veneers on one tooth or on multiple teeth simultaneously. The number of teeth to be serviced depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals.
Yes, this is possible. The patient can get porcelain veneers on one tooth or on multiple teeth simultaneously. The number of teeth to be serviced depends on the patient’s aesthetic goals.
The other conventional alternatives are crowning and composite resin bonding (also known as composite veneers). Dental crowns are appropriate for patients whose teeth are damaged considerably. If you are merely looking to improve the appearance of your teeth, then veneers are a much better option. Composite veneers are especially appropriate for people who don’t have sufficient tooth enamel or patients who are reluctant to have some of their enamel removed.
Composite resin does not reflect light like porcelain veneers do, so it may appear more unnatural. Composite resin is opaque while porcelain is semi-translucent. Veneers usually are cheaper than dental crowns and much stronger than composite resin. Dental crowns involve altering a lot of the tooth structure, and veneers are considered more conservative since the process requires minimal tooth alteration. Veneers can also be combined with other forms of dental procedures to improve your smile further.
Teeth whitening and gum reshaping procedures are commonly used together with dental veneers. Veneers, however, are more effective compared to teeth whitening and they do not require regular touch-up procedures as is the case with teeth whitening.
The cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on such factors as the type and number of veneers used. The accurate figure can only be determined once the initial dental examination is done. Please visit the dentist for more information.
Are you looking to improve your dental aesthetics dramatically? Then Dr. Raanan should be your dentist of choice. Dr. Raanan has extensive knowledge and experience in cosmetic dentistry and particularly in porcelain veneers. Having practiced for many years, Dr. Raanan has developed an art-like approach to surfaces and has a great passion for what he does. He takes his time to listen to the patient and capture what they need exactly.
He also uses the best technology available to ensure that you achieve your dental cosmetic goals. He works closely with his patients to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and affordability. He is compassionate and highly competent. By selecting the best porcelain veneers for your teeth, Dr. Raanan will leave you with the most beautiful and natural smile.
5 stars based on 100+ reviews