1. How will my teeth look between the two visits?

In most cases the patient will have temporary veneers on the teeth for the interim time between appointments. The temporaries will look like the actual final veneers. In the beginning of any cosmetic dentistry treatments the dentist will arrange to take impressions to make study models or casts of the patient' s teeth. From those models a mock-up of the new cosmetic appearance will be done. A plastic form of the new teeth will be made from which the temps are fabricated to be worn in between appointments. The patient can then see, feel, and use the temporized teeth to get used to the veneered teeth.


2. How many teeth do I need done?

Veneers can be placed on any number of teeth depending on patient preference and financial ability. The exact number and which teeth to have veneers are the result of the dentist examination and consultation with the patient. In majority of cases only the upper teeth are done because they are shown in the smile. Often the front 6 teeth, cuspid to cuspid are done; however for a more complete smile makeover, the bicuspids are included, bringing the total to 8 or 10. If the patient desires, the bottom teeth can also get veneers to complete the smile makeover. Veneer placement on the bottom teeth can be optional as in most smiles only a portion of them are seen above the lower lips. There will be a big difference in appearance between teeth with and without veneers as they are placed to change the shape, size, length, alignment, and shade (color) of teeth.


3. Are porcelain veneers an alternative to braces?

Veneers can be an alternative to braces or orthodontic treatment in certain cases. Veneers can fix minor crowding and rotated teeth, spacing between the teeth, size discrepency, i.e short teeth, as well as discolored and chipped teeth. A thorough examination by the dentist needs to be done to determine if the patient needs orthodonitc treatment or placement of veneers to fix minor misalignments and improvement of smiles.


4. Once porcelain veneers are placed, are there any restrictions placed on the patient?

Once the veneers are in place there are some restrictions to insure longevity and prevention of fracturing or dislodgement of the veneers. Most deal with bad oral habits such as, chewing on fingernails, pencils, ice cubes, hard candy, and other hard objects. Patients can eat normally with veneers like biting into sandwiches, hamburgers, pizza, meat, etc. However, try to avoid hard foods such as taco shells, peanut brittle, unsliced apples. Discussion with the dentist about eating and food should be done. Maintaining good oral hygiene of flossing and brushing and returning for scheduled cleaning appointments are certainly advised. But accidents do happen and veneers can fracture or come off. If that occurs then turn to the dentist to remedy the situation. With good care veneers can last for many years.


5. Are there different types of veneers?

There are several "kinds" of veneers; "kinds" meaning brand and marketing names, such as Lumineers. Porcelain veneers are used by dentists for the cosmetic smile makeovers. They are fabricated by the lab technician at the direction and specifications of the dentist. There is a basic tooth preparation form that dentist learn in doing veneers. The major difference in how much and where the tooth strructure is removed. Most veneers need about 0.5 to 1.0 mm of outside tooth surface removed and 1.5mm at the tip of the tooth. There are cases of "No Prep" or "Minimal-Prep" meaning none or little tooth structure are removed. This is determined by the dentist on a case by case basis, and even tooth by tooth. Placement of the veneers is done basically in the same manner using bonding procedures.