Expensive cure for fluorosis

What Can Porcelain Veneers do to Improve my Smile? Published 08/12/2007 - 12:36 a.m. GMT(PressMediaWire) - Porcelain veneers are one of the aesthetically pleasing and popular means a cosmetic dentist uses to create a more beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers are super thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of the teeth. Applying porcelain veneers is a rather simple procedure that requires little or no anesthesia and is the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front of your teeth. When food/drinks, age and cigarettes discolor teeth, porcelain veneers are the choice to brighten teeth and improve your smile. Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining and can achieve a very strong bond to the teeth underneath easily surpassing other restorative dental options.Porcelain veneers are a conservative approach to improving the appearance of teeth adversely affected by too much fluoride as a child, stained from the use of antibiotics with tetracycline, or simply unattractive due to injury, fillings, or decay. Patients who have gaps between teeth or chipped teeth may want to consider porcelain veneers. Just like crowns, veneers can last many years if they are properly applied..The ProcedureTypically, the application of porcelain veneers takes three visits to the dentist: diagnosis and planning, preparation and bonding. During the first visit, you will take an active role in the design of your new smile. Your dentist will explain veneers thoroughly to you and decisions about what is best for you will be made. During the second visit, preparation, the teeth will be prepared for the veneers by first being lightly buffed. Only about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed; this may require local anesthetic. A mold is then take of the teeth, which is sent to the lab that will make your veneers.The third and last appointment will take approximately 1-2 hours. First, the porcelain veneers are placed on the teeth to check their fit and color. At this time, the color can still be adjusted, but the color cannot be changed after the veneers are cemented in place. To apply the veneer, the teeth are cleansed with a solution to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the veneer and the tooth, and a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement.After approximately two weeks, you should return to your dentist for a follow-up visit. Keep in mind that upon close inspection, you may detect slight variations in the color of the veneers compared to your own teeth. This is common and even occurs with our natural teeth.MaintenanceProper maintenance of your new porcelain veneers is crucial to their longevity. After your veneers are applied, we suggest:Brushing and flossing as you normally would. Do not be afraid that you will damage your veneers by your usual brushing and flossing. Some sensitivity is normal after having veneers applied. Hot and cold temperatures may cause some sensitivity. Eat a normal diet. Please avoid anything that will bend or twist the veneers. Inform your dentist if you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth at night. He may suggest a nightguard to minimize the stress on your teeth while you sleep. If you would like to learn more about the application of porcelain veneers, please contact James Klim, D.D.S., serving cosmetic dentistry patients in San Francisco and Santa Rosa, California.