|
Porcelain Veneers
Giving You a Healthy, New Smile
If you have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly
crooked front teeth, we can provide you with porcelain veneers to change
your current look into to a natural, pleasing smile. In many cases, we
find that patients prefer veneers as a long-lasting, stain-resistant alternative
to crowns. We also find that veneers often provide the best, least invasive
choice for people with slight discoloration problems: giving a whole new
look to the front teeth, retaining an excellent, long-lasting bond, and
yet requiring only about ½ millimeter of preparatory filing. And
finally, many times we can use veneers in place of braces, to straighten
crooked front teeth and avoid the retention problem afterwards. In any
case, all it takes is a simple three-step procedure: we attach thin, shell-like
coverings to your problem teeth, thereby creating a more attractive color,
shape or size.
Evaluation & Consultation
If you choose to have porcelain veneers put on your teeth, Dr. Siegrist
will carefully evaluate your specific situation, listening as you explain
the exact changes you have in mind. Then, he'll help you visualize your
end result. First, you'll look at photos of similar case outcomes. Next,
he'll obtain an impression of your mouth and make a "diagnostic wax
up", giving you a three-dimensional representation of the results.
Finally, he may also use a computer enhancement program to give you several
options prior to performing the actual procedure.
Preparation & Customization
Once your specific outcome has been determined and agreed upon, Dr. Siegrist
will gently prepare your teeth for the veneers by buffing or filing approximately
one half of a millimeter from the surface of each recipient tooth. Occasionally,
this step requires a local anesthetic. He'll then take a mold or impression
of your teeth and send it to a special professional dental laboratory.
There, your veneers will be meticulously produced for a custom-fit.
Application & Protection
After the veneers are designed, Dr. Siegrist will carefully test their
fit and color, temporarily applying them with water or glycerine. Once
you're both completely happy with their compatibility, look, feel, and
fit, he'll affix them permanently to your teeth with a special dental
cement. He’ll then apply a visible light beam to activate the cement's
hardening agent, and you’ll have a finished product.
Of course, you’ll need to take meticulous care of your new smile,
with daily cleaning and flossing, plus regular dental visits for professional
care and maintenance. To protect this new investment, you may also want
to consider a night-guard to prevent any accidental gritting or grinding
pressure while you sleep.
back to library
|
|
