Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers
Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made by a professional dental laboratory, which are bonded onto the front surface of teeth. Veneers can give you a whole new smile. They are considered to be a conservative alternative to crowns and are used in treating many dental conditions. While veneers are durable and will last for many years, they are not permanent and will have to be replaced.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- To create a uniform smile
- Crooked teeth
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Stained or extremely discolored teeth
- Unwanted or uneven spaces
The process of getting veneers
It takes two visits to complete the process of getting veneers. During the procedure, little or no anesthesia is required. The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. Lumineers are “contact lens thin” veneers that may not require any shaving or shaping of the teeth. An impression of the teeth is taken and a shade (color) will then be chosen by you and Dr. Saleh.
On the second visit, the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to ensure a greater durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer, with the bond being set with a special light beam. It is important that you follow the special care instructions that will be given to you along with proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits to lengthen life of your new veneers.
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Porcelain Crowns (Caps)
A crown, also known as a cap, covers the entire tooth surface to restore it to its original shape and size. If a tooth cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations, a crown is used to protect and strengthen the tooth structure.
While there are several types of crowns to choose from, porcelain crowns are the most popular as they most closely resemble your natural teeth in size, shape and color. Porcelain is highly durable and will last many years.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or Fractured Teeth
- Cosmetic Enhancement
- Decayed Teeth
- Fractured Fillings
- Large Fillings
- Tooth has a Root Canal
The process of getting a crown
It takes two visits to complete the process of getting a crown. At your first visit the tooth is numbed and Dr. Saleh prepares the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Dr. Saleh will also take a couple of accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. One of those molds will be used to create a temporary crown which will cover your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory. Your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
During your second appointment, your temporary crown will be removed and the tooth will be cleaned. Dr. Saleh will then carefully place your new crown to ensure correct spacing and bite. It is important that you follow the special care instructions that will be given to you along with regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.
Having whiter and brighter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients. There are a number of ways to whiten teeth. One of the most effective methods is using the ZOOM whitening system that whitens the teeth very dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate with old fillings, crowns, etc. Normally replacement of any restorations will be done after whitening so they will match the newly whitened teeth.
Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, cola or wine.
Reasons for tooth whitening:
- Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
- Normal wear of outer tooth layer
- Stained teeth due to medications
- Yellow, brown stained teeth
What does tooth ZOOM whitening involve?
This type of tooth whitening usually requires a single one hour visit. At your appointment, the teeth are isolated and zoom whitening gel is applied and exposed to an activating light for 15 minutes. This process is repeated in two more segments. Impressions (molds) will also be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays for touch up treatment at home. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly thereafter.
You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.
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