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

Your teeth should look very good between visits. Beautiful provisional restorations will be placed so you can test-drive your new smile. Any changes desired should be made in the provisionals. Once approved the final veneers can be fabricated. I have had patients get married in their provisionals!


2. How many teeth do I need done?

Number of teeth to be veneered is determined by the desired outcome. A single fractured tooth can mean just one veneer. Closing gaps between teeth, or getting rid of tooth overlaps will mean veneering more teeth.Changing color also means do those teeth that are visible in your full smile.


3. If just my upper teeth are done, won' t my bottom teeth look strange, as if they don' t match?

Often time uppers and lowers don' t really need to match perfectly. If you veneers the upper you can often do whitening on the lower. Fortunately when we smile we show are uppers, and when we speak we show our lowers. Seldom are both seen at the same time.


4. Are porcelain veneers an alternative to braces?

Veneers can be considered instant ortho. Outstanding results can be obtained. One must be aware the greater the orthodontic problem the less conservative the veneer tooth preparation will be. The more aggressive the preparation the greater the long-term risk to the tooth.


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

Veneers are made of porcelain. They are bonded to the tooth so they are very strong. Having said that they are also weak. Pinpoint forces, like biting your fingernails can lead to porcelain fracture. Porcelain veneers with normal function will last a long-time.


6. Are there different types of veneers?

Porcelain veneers can be made of a different porcelains. Each porcelain has its strengths and weaknesses. Thus a full evaluation of the patients s esthetic goals and evaluating their chewing patterns should reveal to the dentist the best options.