Common Names: Laminates, ceramic veneers, porcelain veneers
Procedure Overview: ental veneers are a minimally invasive restoration to create a more beautiful smile by covering up flaws in natural teeth. An artificial laminate can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require less removal of the natural teeth for its application. Your dentist can discuss what option is best for you. The veneer is placed over the natural tooth which has been minimally reduced in size to allow space for the laminate. A veneer alters the tooth’s shape, size, color and position to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers cover up discoloration, chips and cracks.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure: Any patient who wants a more aesthetically beautiful smile (teeth that are whiter, straighter, or more pleasing in size and shape) is a good candidate for laminate veneers. If your teeth are permanently stained by tetracycline or are discolored from fillings in the front teeth, or if you have a gap between your front teeth and you’d like it filled, porcelain veneers are a good choice.
Description of Procedure: Ceramic laminate veneers are all white, thin ceramic shells that fit precisely over the patient’s natural teeth. The application of laminate veneers takes place over two visits once the initial consultation is completed.
During the first visit, the patient’s natural teeth are reduced in size by approximately .5mm to allow space for the veneer. After preparing the teeth, the dentist will take an impression of the mouth and send it to the lab along with accompanying photos and models. The lab will create a customized porcelain shell, or veneer, to fit onto your teeth. In the week following the initial visit, your teeth will look a little different until the next appointment when the veneers are put into place. If your teeth are too unsightly, temporary veneers can be attached at an additional cost.
At the second visit, the laminates are put into place. This visit takes longer than the initial preparation visit because placing the veneers is a delicate and meticulous procedure. Allow approximately 30-40 minutes per veneer. Each veneer must be fitted and tested before final cementation. The color of the veneer can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Once it is determined the veneers are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, the laminate coverings are attached to the teeth with a light-sensitive resin which hardens when brought into contact with white light.
Average Procedure length: A porcelain laminate veneer takes approximately 1 week to manufacture in the laboratory. Once the veneer is complete, allow 30-40 minutes per veneer application. Depending upon the number of veneers, the appointment length can vary greatly.
Estimated Recovery time: Patients can expect a period of adjustment as they get used to the “new” teeth that have changed in size and shape. It is normal to experience sensitivity to hot and cold while waiting for the veneers to be placed, as well as for a week or two after the final procedure.
I can return to work: You’ll feel fine to return to work the next day, but keep in mind your teeth will have an altered appearance for about one week until the final veneers are put in place.
Longevity of Procedure: Veneers generally last between 5-10 years. Laminate veneers are very strong and will resist most chewing forces that come with a normal diet. Porcelain has great crushing power, but can break if twisted. Therefore, opening pistachio shells with your teeth or chewing on bones or other dense sticky foods is not recommended to ensure the longevity of the veneer. Brushing your teeth with non-abrasive tooth paste and flossing will keep your veneers looking great for years. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, a night guard is recommended.
Pain Factor: Because a layer of the natural tooth’s enamel must be removed for the application of the veneer, it is normal to feel some discomfort and sensitivity to hot and cold foods in the week between the preparation visit and insertion visit. However, once the permanent veneer has been applied, sensitivity should disappear within two weeks. Laminates can be placed with or without local anesthetic. For patients who feel anxious or nervous about the procedure, local anesthetic is recommended.
Potential Side Effects/Risks: Sensitivity to hot and cold, chipping and cracking of the veneer that cannot be repaired, the laminate may not exactly color match your natural teeth or can dislodge and fall off, tooth decay in the natural tooth under the veneer.
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