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VENEERS
Veneers are a thin, semi-transparent
tooth shaped "shell" that are custom made of porcelain
. They are permanently bonded to your natural teeth which are located in your "smile zone"
to enhance their shape, color, length or size.
They fit your teeth precisely to look completely natural.
They are used to:
conceal damaged, stained or misshaped surfaces of your teeth . Veneers are
a procedure that will make teeth look completely natural.
They are a good choice
to improve the appearance of your front teeth's:
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color |
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size |
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shape |
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appearance. |
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more durable and color stable than
bonding |
The great thing about veneers
is they allow a conservative approach
to long-lasting, major cosmetic changes.
They can be used to cover a variety of dental conditions
that affect the front teeth including:
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Spaces between the teeth, diastemas
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Misshapen or crooked teeth
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Broken or chipped teeth
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Permanently stained or discolored teeth
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Unsightly or stained fillings
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Lighten teeth |
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Teeth discolored from medication or age
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Virtually instant orthodontics to straighten
crooked teeth
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Can be used to change the shape and
color of one tooth or revamp a whole smile |
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Used to correct teeth that are worn
from grinding |
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To Top
Veneers being placed on Dr. Peterson by Dr. Pieper
The
benefits of veneers
as an alternative to a white fillings or crowns is:
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Only a small amount of the tooth structure
(enamel) is
removed (if any) during the procedure.
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They provide a more conservative approach to
changing a tooth's color, size or shape.
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They can mask undesirable defects such as
tetracycline stains, an injury or discolored fillings.
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Often no anesthesia is needed.
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It gives a natural appearance with little to
no discomfort.
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They are often a less costly alternative
procedure to having crowns.
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Porcelain veneers are durable, strong, stain
resistant and beautiful.
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Veneers are about 0.3mm to 0.5mm in thickness
but are very strong once bonded to your teeth. They have strength, beauty,
and durability.
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They last up to 10-15 years
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They won't stain
Even the most subtle change in your smile
can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel!
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Considerations about the procedure:
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Veneers are an alternative to crowns for
front teeth that need a "face lift". As an alternative to a crown
it is an excellent choice because a smaller amount of the tooth surface
needs to be ground away for the placement of the veneer.
However, it is not indicated when the tooth has had a root canal or a substantial
amount of the tooth structure is lost.
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Veneers are also a good alternative to a composite
resin filling which is used only when a small amount of tooth surface needs
to be replaced.
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| Veneers are NOT a reversible form of treatment.
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| You need to have good occlusion
(bite) and health teeth before receiving veneers.
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| They are best for individuals who
want to change the shape of their teeth more than a little bit, as
with bonding, but not enough to require a crown.
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| Expect some sensitivity to hot and cold because a small
amount of protective enamel covering your teeth has been removed. This
will disappear four to six weeks after the veneers have been placed.
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| They will need to be replaced between four
to ten years from placement depending on our care of them.
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| They are reasonable facsimiles of natural
teeth, not perfect replacements.
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| You will see sight variations in the color
of porcelain veneers because this occurs in natural teeth.
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The
procedure is as follows:
1st visit: This appointment can take between 1-2
hours:
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Your teeth are examined to check the
soundness and health of your existing teeth. Your desires,
expectations and color shades are taken. Veneers will be color-matched to
your teeth. It is critical that you
take an active role in your smile design. The size and shape of your
teeth will be discussed.
It is important that you
understand the corrective limitations of this procedure. |
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Your teeth will be prepared by lightly
buffing them to reduce the enamel of your teeth to accommodate the added
thickness of the veneer so they can fit over your teeth without sticking
out. This includes shortening
the incisal (biting)
edge and sanding a tiny
bit of material off the
face of the tooth,
usually 1 to 2 millimeter
is
removed.
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An impression will than be taken to make an exact replica of your
teeth. This model is sent to a lab where your veneers are hand
crafted from strong, natural looking porcelain to custom fit your teeth. They are also fabricated to meet the color and shape
expectations of your teeth.
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Temporary veneers may or may not be placed.
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Except to have some tooth sensitivity, this
is normal, it will disappear once the veneer is placed.
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2nd visit: This appointment will take one to two
hours:
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You may receive local anesthetic depending on
the sensitivity of your teeth.
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The temporary veneers will be removed.
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| The wafer thin veneer will cover
only the face of the tooth. |
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The fit of your new veneers will be checked
by placing the veneers in water and than on your teeth to check fit and
color. This is a time for you to check the shape and color and see if
they meet your expectations. You must tell your dentist at this point
if you want them changed because the color can NOT be changed once they are
cemented to your teeth.
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Your teeth will be cleaned with a mild acid solution.
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A tooth-colored, light sensitive liquid bonding
adhesive is applied.
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The light dries and hardens this adhesive.
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| Your veneers will be polished to blend with
your other teeth. Contact points will be checked so you can keep this
area flossed because good home care
is important to maintain. |
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Once placed, call us if your veneers become uncomfortable,
discolored, chipped or loose.
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Durability
Veneers can last for
years depending on how well you take care of them.
Their durability will be shortened if you use them to bite your nails, open
objects with them, or chew on hard things like ice.
Veneers can also chip or
peel if not cared for properly, To ensure they will last for years you need to
maintain good oral health hygiene and regular
dental cleanings and exams twice a year.
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Adjustment Period
You will go through an
adjustment period for about two weeks where you will need to get use to your
"new teeth" that have changed in size and shape.
See Home Care
Instructions for your new veneers.
Braces
vs.
Veneers
Veneers are
usually more expensive than braces, but the results are immediate.
Veneers can improve the appearance of an overbite or underbite but NOT
correct it. Cost: can be between $800-2,000 per tooth.
Braces
can realign the jaw and correct overbites and underbites, but they take
time. Cost: $4,000-8,000.
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For
further
information
on veneer
home
care
please
click
on
these
links:
Temporary
Veneer
Home
Care
Veneer
Home
Care
February 06, 2008
Dentalnotes
pg 2,
Fall
2002.
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