Not all of us are born with perfect teeth, but today's technology can give anyone a dazzling smile with surprisingly little effort and cost. Tampa dentists offer a number of cosmetic dentistry options and one of the most popular is porcelain veneers. These are very thin ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to create a stunning and perfect surface. Getting veneers will take several visits to a Tampa dentist but the results will last a lifetime.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
A patient interested in porcelain veneers finds a Tampa dentist experienced in the procedure and makes an appointment for an initial visit. This is a major endeavor and proper evaluation and planning will help the patient get the right treatment.
The dentist discusses various cosmetic options to determine whether veneers are the best choice for the patient. There are many other cosmetic options that might be preferable based on the condition of the patient's teeth and the person's goals. A Tampa dentist might find that teeth whitening or dental bonding is the preferred procedure.
The patient's dental and medical history is examined to see if the patient is a good candidate for veneers. Conditions such as severe tooth decay or gingivitis mean that veneers are not the best choice and the patient can either put off the procedures until short term issues are fixed or opt for a different cosmetic choice.
Step 2: Preparation Of The Teeth
Once it is determined the patient is ready for veneers, the Tampa dentist starts preparing the teeth for the procedure. The first step involves buffing off a thin layer of enamel from the front of each tooth to receive a veneer. This step is typically performed under light sedation. The sedative often doesn't put the patient to sleep, but rather in a state of deep relaxation.
After the tooth enamel has been buffed down, a mold is made of the teeth. This allows the manufacture of veneers that fit the exact shape of each tooth as well as the natural curve of the patient's smile. The mold is sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be made within a few days.
The patient is fitted with temporary veneers. These protect the teeth now that they have lost some of the enamel. Temporary veneers are attractive but not designed to handle the rigors of long term placement.
Step 3: Final Veneer Placement
The patient makes one last visit to the Tampa dentist when the permanent veneers are ready. The dentist removes the temporary veneers then uses dental cement to bond the new veneers to the teeth. He adjusts them so that they both feel and look perfect.
When finished the veneers look like natural teeth and yet are more beautiful than the teeth most of us have naturally. Veneers require some basic care that is not that different from normal dental hygiene and provide years of beautiful, dazzling smiles.
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