Smile Makeover, Porcelain Veneers & Cosmetic Dentistry
As seen on ‘Ten Years Younger’ and ‘Extreme Makeover’
Many people desire a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile. Sometimes this can be done through Tooth Whitening. But if you have chipped, stained, discoloured, unevenly spaced or even slightly crooked front teeth, a full smile makeover may be needed. If this sounds like you, we will be glad to help evaluate your specific situation, listen to the exact changes you have in mind and show you examples of the end result, before any treatment is performed.
Often, porcelain veneers can provide a completely improved and dazzling smile in just a few appointments.
The actual smile makeover treatment usually involves only two visits. The number of pre-operative visits, to work out details to insure predictable results, depends on the complexity of your situation and the changes you desire. There usually is a follow up visit or two for final adjustments, polishing and to review instructions for care of your new smile to insure it lasts years and years.
Porcelain laminate veneers are wafer-thin shells of ceramic material which are bonded to the front of teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolouration, brighten teeth, change shape or change arrangement of teeth. Veneers are highly resistant to permanent staining and they provide a much more conservative approach to improving a smile. Veneers will last for many years, when the techniques involved are performed properly by a fully trained cosmetic dentist.
The stages to achieving a new smile are as follows:
Diagnosis and treatment planning
A full consultation takes place where the patient and the dentist are equally involved in the decision making. Photographs are taken and all fees discussed.
Impression
A short appointment is necessary to take an impression of your existing smile. This impression is sent to the laboratory and used to make a template from which the dentist creates your new smile. This is called a wax-up.
Visual diagnostic try-in
This optional appointment can be helpful to some patients who wish to preview the finished result before embarking upon any treatment. It involves using plastic material to copy the wax-up and transfer this to the patient’s mouth
Preparation
Approximately 7-10 days after the impression is taken your teeth are lightly buffed and contoured to allow for the small added thickness of the veneers. Temporary veneers are fitted. These temporaries are in plastic material but, in every other respect, are identical to the finished result to give the patient a chance to preview the final smile.
Review
Approximately 4-7 days later the patient returns to discuss their findings. Any adjustments can be made at this time. (There may be as many review appointments as necessary until the patient is happy.)
Placement
This process, from start to finish, can take as little as 3 weeks, although 4-6 weeks is more usual.
Early on in the process the patient will see the ceramist so that he/she can choose the veneer colour they desire. Hygiene appointments may be required if there are any gum problems.
Maintenance
A review appointment will take place 1-2 weeks after the placement of the veneers to ensure that everything is looking great. A thorough home care regime of brushing and inter-dental cleaning is necessary to ensure the longevity of your veneers. This is no more onerous than that necessary to preserve the health of natural teeth.
