It’s possible to fix teeth discolorations and imperfections
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of ceramic material that is cemented over the natural tooth surface. Porcelain veneers are resistant to food, coffee, tea, and cigarette stains. The tooth is prepared by grinding off half a millimetre of the natural tooth, to allow for the thickness of the veneer. Once the veneer is complete, it will be permanently cemented to the natural tooth.
Veneers are ideal for fixing discolorations, irregularities and imperfections and solve some minor orthodontic concerns on the front teeth.
Porcelain Veneer Post Operative Instructions
Do not eat until the anesthesia has worn off.
Temporary
A temporary is an acrylic or composite veneer that is placed on the prepared teeth for protection during the time the porcelain veneers are constructed in the lab. The temporary serves several important purposes: it protects the exposed dentin to minimize sensitivity, prevents the tooth from shifting, and last but not least, restores tooth contour and appearance. The temporary is placed with cement that is designed to come off easily so avoid chewing sticky foods such as gum or caramel. Use your toothbrush to gently clean the temporary. Do not floss in that area until the permanent veneers are cemented in.
If your temporary comes off between appointments, slip it back on and call our office so that we can recement it for you. A small amount of denture adhesive placed inside the veneer can help to hold it in place in the interim.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity, especially to cold, is common for a time following treatment.
For the first few days avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. If your gums were recontoured during treatment they may be tender after the anesthesia wears off. Rinsing with warm salt water by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water will help. An analgesic such as Tylenol or Advil will also increase your level of comfort.
Your New Smile
After the cementation of your porcelain veneers, it may take a few days to get used to the new veneers. Your bite and the way your teeth come together may feel different especially if we changed the length, shape and/or thickness of your teeth. If your bite feels unbalanced, please be sure to call our office for an appointment to make an adjustment. A mouthguard is routinely recommended to help protect the veneers during your sleep.
Home Care
To maintain the veneers and your new smile, it is important to remember that the underlying teeth are still vulnerable to decay, especially at the gumline where the tooth and veneer meet. It is important to resume regular brushing and flossing immediately. Daily home care and regulating your intake of sugar-containing foods will increase the longevity of your new restorations.
Results you can expect
Here is a before and after photo of one of our patients who opt for porcelain veneers.
Testimonial from our patient – Dr. Laurie Belito
After years of drinking coffee, wine and simply aging, my teeth have suffered the consequences. I have tried every whitening procedure out there with no results. Apparently I fall into the small percentage of people where whitening does not work. So I finally decided to do something I have been putting off—porcelain veneers. It was surprisingly painless and I am happy with the results. Although I’m a big believer in loving oneself in general, I see no problem in getting a helping hand when it makes you feel better. Thank you Dr. Howard at Centre Dentaire Thimens for not making me look like I have a mouthful of chicklets! If you have questions about this procedure I am happy to share my full experience with you!
