Prior to having your porcelain veneers placed, it is important to have a clear understanding of what steps are involved in the procedural process. While the porcelain veneer procedure is minimally invasive and does not typically result in a great deal of discomfort for the patient having the procedure performed, for patients who have extreme tooth or gum sensitivity, dental phobia, or who may struggle to sit still for extended periods of time, dental sedation may be available to help you remain calm while the porcelain veneer procedure is being performed.
The porcelain veneer procedure may be performed to correct any of the following issues:
* Chipped teeth
* Yellow teeth
* Crooked teeth
* Misaligned teeth
The reason porcelain is used is because it is very thin and resembles the color of natural teeth. Porcelain is also very durable and can last a long time, provided they are well taken care of.
Procedural Steps of Porcelain Veneers
The first step in the porcelain veneer procedure is ensuring you are comfortable, which is accomplished by administering a local anesthetic, and if necessary, dental sedation. Next, your periodontist will trim the tooth where the porcelain veneer will be placed, always beginning with the area of the tooth with the most amount of decay first. If necessary, old fillings will also be removed during this part of the procedure. Next, your dentist will select a shade of color to match your surrounding teeth and determine where translucency of the laminae is needed most to create a natural appearance.
Once the appropriate amount of gum has been trimmed and the area is cleaned, your periodontist will take an impression of your tooth/teeth and gums which will be used to determine how to proceed. It may take some time for the permanent veneer to be prepared, in which case a temporary veneer will be placed. Once the veneer is ready, you will return and your periodontist will place the veneer to ensure the fit is perfect, and if it is not, will continue to make adjustments until it is. Once they are satisfied with the placement and have ensured that you are not experiencing any pain or discomfort, your veneer is bonded to your tooth.
Before the veneer is bonded, your periodontist will polish the original tooth and the surface of the veneer. Once this is complete, an acid gel is etched onto the tooth surface for approximately 20-30 seconds. Doing so creates a surface that will facilitate the original tooth and veneer bonding. After this, the gel is washed off and the bond is tightened using a bonding agent on the veneer. After this, the selected shade is pushed inside the veneer and the bonding is finalized by passing a blue light on to the veneer for approximately one minute. Once this is complete, your periodontist will perform one final evaluation and clean and floss around the tooth. Once this is complete, the porcelain veneer process will be complete.