What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells crafted from porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth. They mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, providing a beautiful and durable solution for various dental imperfections. Porcelain is the material of choice because it resembles natural tooth enamel in appearance and strength. Each veneer is custom-made to fit your teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural look. The result? A dazzling smile that boosts your confidence and enhances your overall appearance without sacrificing the strength of natural tooth structure.
The Procedure Process
The procedure of getting dental veneers at Knoxville Prosthodontics is straightforward and patient-friendly. Initially, we schedule a consultation to discuss your smile goals and determine if veneers are the right solution for you. Dr. Burgin will thoroughly examine and create a tailored treatment plan during this meeting.
Step 1: Planning
Every good outcome starts with a plan. Impressions are made of your existing teeth along with intraoral photographs. A detailed discussion about specific changes to tooth shape, morphology, texture and color helps to determine which teeth to treat. Following this discussion, a diagnostic wax-up is performed to simulate the proposed changes. This wax up is used to visualize changes to your smile and to help guide in the preparation stage. In some cases, the wax up can be directly tried into the mouth through a step called a “mock-up”.
Step 1: Preparation
After wax up approval, teeth are prepared for veneers. Dr. Burgin will gently remove a small enamel layer to accommodate the veneer thickness, ensuring a perfect fit and a natural look. Don’t worry; this step is precise and designed for your comfort. Reduction guides fabricated from the wax up ensure only the necessary amount of tooth structure is removed to achieve the desired outcome.
Step 2: Custom Impressions
Next, we take detailed impressions of your teeth. These impressions are done using our digital intraoral scanner to improve both accuracy and patient comfort. We accompany the digital impression with high-definition intraoral photographs of your teeth and scans of the desired changes based on the wax-up and temporaries. This information is sent to our ceramic lab where skilled technicians craft your custom veneers. This craftsmanship is crucial for achieving the exact coloration and shape that best complements your smile.
Step 3: Temporary Veneers
While you wait for your permanent veneers, we provide temporary ones to protect your teeth and maintain aesthetics. These temporary veneers bond to the existing teeth and allow you to smile confidently while anticipating the final results. While these are fixed in place, it is highly recommended to avoid biting into tough foods to prevent debonding of the temporaries.
Step 4: Final Placement
Once your custom-made veneers are ready, you return to our office for placement. Dr. Burgin will carefully remove the temporaries and bond the veneers to your teeth with a strong resin cement, making final adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and natural appearance. With these seamless transitions, you’ll leave with a radiant smile that looks and feels natural. Frequently, a protective custom night guard is recommended to protect your new smile!
What Imperfections Can Dental Veneers Restore?
- Discolored or stained teeth that you are unable to whiten through traditional whitening methods
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned or uneven teeth that affect the overall harmony of your smile
- Gaps or spaces between teeth that can be closed for a smoother appearance
- Teeth that are worn down over time
- Irregularly shaped teeth that impact your smile’s uniformity
Aftercare for Your New Smile
- Brush and floss daily: Maintain your oral hygiene routine by brushing at least twice daily and flossing daily to keep your veneers and surrounding teeth clean.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This type of toothbrush is gentle on your veneers and helps prevent scratching their surface.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: Reduce the risk of damaging your veneers by being cautious with hard, crunchy foods or foods where you apply strong biting forces with the front teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your veneers from potential damage.
- Regular dental check-ups: Schedule regular visits to Knoxville Prosthodontics to ensure your veneers remain in excellent condition and that your oral health is intact.
- Limit stain-inducing substances: To keep your veneers looking bright, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, red wine, and tobacco products.
- Avoid using teeth as tools: Opening packages or bottles with your teeth can damage your veneers, so it is recommended that you avoid this.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Instant Transformation: One of the primary benefits of dental veneers is the immediate change they bring to your smile. Unlike orthodontic solutions, which may take months or even years to show results, veneers offer an instant improvement. In just a few visits, you can achieve a dramatically enhanced smile.
- Natural Appearance: Veneers mimic teeth’ natural clarity and color, blending seamlessly with your existing teeth. The result is a smile that looks authentic and feels comfortable.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, so you can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks without worrying about discoloration. Your veneers will maintain their beautiful appearance, allowing you to smile confidently without hesitation.
- Conservation of Tooth Structure: When appropriate, dental veneers are a great way to provide a change to the appearance of teeth while also preserving a great deal of natural tooth structure. These are more conservative than traditional dental crowns but require a greater deal of skill to be fabricated correctly.
Dental Veneers in Knoxville
Dental veneers at Knoxville Prosthodontics offer a fantastic way to enhance your smile and confidence in Knoxville, TN. Under the expert care of Dr. Daniel Burgin, you can transform your teeth into a beautiful, natural-looking smile. If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of dental veneers, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our office.
