Questions and Answers about Porcelain Veneer Dentistry
1. I have spaces between my teeth and I do not like their appearance. Can this be fixed?
Yes. Closing spaces and re-establishing what is called the "Golden proportions" of front teeth is the very basic starting point in doing a quality "make over." The flexural strength of porcelain, measured in mega Pascals, is exceedingly high for the pressed porcelain ceramics used in today’s veneers. This means that they are extremely hard while still providing the translucent qualities so necessary to achieve an esthetic look. The Den Mat "lumineers" are especially well designed and manufactured so as to provide a thickness of approximately .2 mm (about the thickness of a contact lens) while providing excellent strength and vitality. This translates to the ability, in many cases, to avoid any drilling or modification of the tooth. This benefit translates to no discomfort during or after the placement process, avoiding any temporaries and the inconvenience of them, and most importantly, this allows for the procedures to be non-invasive and therefore completely reversible.
2. I like my teeth but they are badly discolored. Can veneers solve this problem?
Veneers are well suited to do what is called shade change modification. When prescribed with the minimum amount of opacity, the correct hue, chroma, value, and color can be integrated to establish any shade scheme required by the patient. Although most people want a brilliant dazzling white, essentially this means that a patient can have any color in the rainbow!
3. I really do not like the shape of my teeth. Can veneers be used to change this?
With porcelain veneers we can control the most subtle to the most dramatic of desired changes in shape. There are literally ten’s of different classic configurations of front teeth. Deciding the arrangement that fits your face and age is where directed artistry is so important. At the most basic level, front incisors are either square, square tapered, or oval/rounded in appearance. Canines are typically rounded, tapered or pointed. The possible combinations of these coupled with deciding on the biting edge arrangement, allows for a myriad numbers of options for ultimate selection. Some patients like a straight biting or "incisial" edge while others like some relief or shortened lateral incisors with or without longer canine or eye teeth. Controlling these variables and good communications concerning expectations, wants, and needs is critical in translating this information into the final end result.
4. I really do not like the appearance of my teeth. What can be done?
To accomplish any cosmetic goal, a clear end result must be communicated and conveyed. It is critical in this process to have open and frank conversations. Therefore the treatment planning discussions, resulting in an established "blueprint" is essential for success. Understanding the choices, options, materials, longevity is all part of the process of being fully educated informed. Through these discussions and demonstrations of different smile configurations of tooth shapes, lengths, colors, etc, a patients’ well conceived desires are their only limits. It is ultimately up to the patient, with careful professional guidance, to pick out their new smile.
5. My teeth are not aligned so well. Can you make them more esthetically pleasing?
Veneers are often referred to as "instant orthodontics". With conservative porcelain veneers, a dentist can "move" teeth in appearance with the same pleasing end result as if they had undergone two to three years of braces!
6. I am wearing down some of my teeth and have some ugly chips. Can you make them look like they did 20 years ago?
The magic of veneers is just that. If veneers are indicated and the correct choice, rather then other forms of cosmetic dentistry, the veneers can rejuvenate a smile and turn the clock back 20 years or more. Today’s porcelain is so strong that your teeth are actually much stronger and studies show that longevity and return on investment is profound with this technology.
7. What kind of maintenance can I expect from veneers?
Maintenance of veneers is the same as you would with your own natural teeth. After all your natural tooth is just hiding a tiny bit below the harden and permanently colored porcelain exterior. Again, veneers are much stronger than your original tooth and will not discolor or darken with age.
8. Is there any discomfort after placing veneers?
A significant advantage of the newer veneers and especially Den Mats’ "lumineers" is the feature of not having to drill on the teeth in many (not all) instances. However in all instances, any drilling that should be required, is absolutely and significantly reduced from conventional veneers.
9. How long do veneers last?
Since veneers were introduced in 1982, they have a proven track record. A recent study of 30 patients with veneers over 19.5 years and an average of 14.5 years showed 100% retention. This is a remarkable record given the 24/7 use and abuse that these restorations are subjected to.
10. How can I avoid a bunch of white chicklet-like teeth that look like they were bought at Wall Mart?
Participate in the process. Time spent planning with the dentist and conveying their smile goals is essential, when the veneers are returned from the laboratory, a thorough analysis is undertaken. This includes a "try in stage’, which only takes a few minutes. In this way, the patient can be assured their satisfaction prior to permanent placement.
Roger B. Anderson, DMD
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