Porcelain Veneers Many people dream of having a brighter, cleaner, more attractive smile, but have chipped, stained, discolored, unevenly spaced, or even slightly crooked front teeth. Fortunately, porcelain veneers are available in such cases, providing a completely new-looking smile. Applying porcelain veneers is a simple three-step procedure involving bonding thin, shell-like coverings to the problem teeth, thereby creating a more attractive color, shape or size. And in many cases, veneers can provide a long-lasting, stain-resistant alternative to crowns. Consideration & Consultation If you’re interested in having porcelain veneers put on your teeth, Dr. Hampton will first carefully evaluate your specific situation, listening to you explain the exact changes you have in mind. Then, he'll do several things to help you visualize your end result. He’ll spend some time showing you photos of similar case outcomes; then he’ll obtain an impression of your mouth for a "diagnostic wax up", giving you a three-dimensional representation of the results. Finally, he may also use a computer enhancement program to provide you with several options prior to performing the actual procedure. Preparation & Customization After you’ve agreed on your desired results and a corresponding course of action, Dr. Hampton will prepare your teeth for the veneers by gently buffing or filing approximately one half of a millimeter from the surface of each recipient tooth. Occasionally, this step requires a local anesthetic. He'll then take the final mold or impression of your teeth and send it to a special professional dental laboratory. There, experts will carefully produce your veneers for a custom-fit. Application & Protection When the veneers are ready, Dr. Hampton will apply them temporarily with water or glycerin to test their fit and color. As soon as you're both completely happy with their compatibility, look, feel, and fit, he'll permanently affix them to your teeth using a special dental cement. Finally, to activate the cement’s hardening agent, he’ll apply a visible light beam to the veneers and create a finished product. Of course, your new smile will need daily cleaning and flossing, plus regular dental visits for professional care and maintenance. And to protect this new investment, you may also want to discuss wearing a night-guard to prevent any accidental gritting or grinding pressure while you sleep. back to library