Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers are probably the most esthetic means of creatinga more pleasing and beautiful smile. They require a minimal amountof tooth reduction ( approximately .5 mm ) and are, therefore,a more conservative restoration than a crown. Porcelain veneersallow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color. Theyare not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities butare truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatmentof choice.
Some facts you might want to know about Porcelain Veneers
- Since they require approximately .5mm of tooth reduction,porcelain veneers are NOT considered a reversible form of treatment.
- Occasionally the preparation of a Porcelain Laminate Veneerdoes not necessitate the use of a local anesthetic. However, forthose patients that are particularly sensitive or anxious, a localanesthetic is advisable.
- The laboratory time required for the fabrication of a PorcelainLaminate Veneer is approximately one week. Due to the minimalamount of tooth reduction, it is usually not necessary to fabricateany type of temporary restoration. Should a temporary be needed,they can, in most circumstances, be made at the time of treatment.
- Between your preparation visit and the insertion visit, youcan expect some sensitivity to hot and cold. This is normal andis due to the removal of a small portion of the enamel coveringof the tooth. This sensitivity should disappear after the placementof your Porcelain Laminate Veneer.
- Your second visit, the insertion of your laminate, can beaccomplished, once again , with or without local anesthetic. Thisvisit is usually longer in length. The laminates are placed witha light sensitive resin which is hardened by using a white light.
- Once placed your laminates are very strong and will resistmost of the forces placed upon them by a normal diet. Porcelainhas great crushing strength but poor tensile strength. Therefore,you should avoid anything that will tend to twist the laminate.Opening pistachio nuts with your teeth, chewing on bones or jellyapples is probably not a good idea. As with most things, commonsense should prevail.
Maintenance of Your New Porcelain Veneers :
The maintenance of your Porcelain Laminate Veneer is relativelysimple. A few suggestions, however, are in order:
- Please brush and floss as you normally would to prevent oralhygiene problems. Once placed, Porcelain Laminate Veneersare typically the kindest restoration to the gum tissues thatwe currently have in our prosthetic armamentarium. Do not be afraidthat you will damage your laminates by either flossing or brushing.Any non-abrasive tooth paste is acceptable. A good home care regimenwill insure the esthetic success of your laminate restorationsfor years to come.
- Some sensitivity to hot and cold may be experienced afterthe placement of your veneers. This relates to the amount ofenamel left on your tooth after preparation, the proximity ofthe nerve as well as several other factors. Some sensitivity isabsolutely normal and usually dissipates after one-two weeks.If this sensitivity should remain or concern you at all, please call your dentist.
- As mentioned before, a normal diet should pose no problemat all. Please avoid anything that will tend to bend or twistthe laminates.
- If you are known to be a bruxer or clencher, please let your dentistknow. He/she will fabricate a soft nite guard for you to wear to minimizethe stresses placed upon your teeth while you sleep.
Approximately one week after the placement of your laminates youwill be asked to return to the office for a treatment evaluation.This visit is extremely important. It gives your dentist the opportunityto evaluate the placement of the laminates, the tissue responseand to answer any questions you might have regarding your newsmile.
We hope that your Porcelain Laminate Veneers have fulfilled allof your esthetic goals. With proper home care and scheduled evaluationvisits, they can provide you with a beautiful smile for yearsto come.