Porcelain Veneers

Never underestimate the power of your smile.

Your smile is important and worth sharing. It is the first impression you make and it is one that people remember. Are there some parts of your smile that just don't feel right? Do you have teeth that appear too small, uneven, chipped, or have dark stains? Porcelain veneers can help transform your smile and your confidence.

Dr. Pasha has the ability to transform your teeth with porcelain veneers. Through active listening and collaboration, Dr. Pasha works with his patients to create custom-made porcelain veneers that can drastically improve the appearance and function of their teeth.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are designed to change the colour and/or shape of a tooth. Each porcelain veneer is custom made with thin layers of ceramic material and are crafted to be bonded to the outside surface of a tooth.

What are Porcelain Veneers made of?

Veneers are made of different types of ceramic material that are created by a ceramist. These could be lithium Discilicate (Emax), Feldspathic porcelain (powder/liquid ceramic) or in some rare cases made out of Zirconia.

The choice of the material depends on many factors that are unique to each person and to each tooth. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses. After thoroughly discussing the desired final results with the patient while taking into account the functional and structural changes required, Dr. Pasha's ceramist and cosmetic dentistry design team will determine the best suited material for the patient's porcelain veneer.

Do I need to have my teeth prepared?

Dr. Pasha is often asked if teeth need to be prepared prior to fabricating or placing a porcelain veneer. The answer is that it truly depends on each case. The preparation approach is based upon the patient's request to change the colour of the tooth, the shape of the tooth, or both.

When managing the shape of the tooth, any area that requires enlargement will have ceramic added. Teeth that require enlargement usually do not require preparation.

If a particular area of the tooth is to remain the same overall dimension, then a preparation is needed with the minimum thickness required for the particular ceramic material. The preparation can be as little as 0.3 mm and can usually be completed without anesthetic (freezing).

Managing changes to the colour of a tooth can be more complicated. The larger the change in the colour of a tooth, the thicker the ceramic material needs to be, which in turn may require more preparation. Additional preparation is also required if there are any structural/size changes to the tooth itself. The decision to prepare a tooth or not depends on several factors and is discussed with each patient for each case. In particular, it is important to consider a bleaching treatment prior to veneers in order to limit the amount of preparation that may be required for a tooth.

Unlike the 80s, 90s, and even 2000s, today's porcelain veneers are crafted significantly thinner than those of the past. As a result, preparations are either unnecessary or are limited to less than 0.5 mm of the tooth structure. Orthodontics can also help. With orthodontic assistance, patients' teeth may be placed in the correct position to reduce or even eliminate the need for tooth preparation for porcelain veneers.

How long do Porcelain Veneers last?

If crafted and maintained properly, porcelain veneers can last anywhere between 10-15 years or even longer. Prior to any treatment, Dr. Pasha discusses the risk factors and conditions that can affect the life expectancy of every patient's porcelain veneer. Although there may be some risk factors involved, this doesn't mean that patients shouldn't consider porcelain veneer treatments. Instead Dr. Pasha believes it is important for patients to be informed to mitigate the risks and increase the longevity of their restorations.

What are the stages of a Porcelain Veneer treatment?

Appointment 1: Defining Your Smile Goals

The first step in the process is an information gathering appointment. This initial appointment is crucial to the process as Dr. Pasha will attentively listen to the you to discuss your concerns, goals, and your overall smile vision. Clear communication of the your expectations helps ensure that Dr. Pasha develops a treatment plan thoughtfully designed to achieve your desired smile results.

Appointment 2: Information Collection and Compilation

Once your smile goals are clearly defined, Dr. Pasha's team collaborates and prepares a comprehensive collection of information designed to inform and guide your smile treatment plan. This information includes videos, photos, models, and scans of the your teeth as well as measurements of your facial features. Dr. Pasha's comprehensive understanding of your current smile enables him to create a smile treatment plan designed to achieve your desired smile goals. In many cases, Dr. Pasha recommends a multidisciplinary approach which typically includes consultations with other dental professionals.

*It is important to note that any whitening procedures must be completed prior to the porcelain veneer treatment plan. The final colour of your teeth can be affected if whitening is completed after veneers are already in place.

Appointment 3: Presentation of Treatment Options

Once the smile treatment plan is created, Dr. Pasha provides you with an in person, detailed presentation addressing various treatment options and alternative approaches. A preliminary design of your new smile is included in the presentation. You may be able to try a mock up the new smile design to better visualize the final result. Once the smile treatment is agreed upon, you are scheduled for an impression appointment.

Appointment 4: Impressions and Temporary Test Drive

During the impression appointment, there may be some minor preparations of your teeth. A scan or impression may be made for the ceramist to fabricate the porcelain veneers. At the end of this appointment, you will have a set of temporary veneers that will closely resemble the final shape and contours of the actual porcelain veneers. Temporary veneers allow you to "test drive" the final smile design prior to the fabrication process.

Appointment 5: Feedback Follow Up

A short follow up appointment allows you to communicate any minor changes you would like based on the temporary restorations. This appointment allows us to visualize the final restorations and take some photographs to inform the final design and technical adjustments. Once the temporary restorations are approved, we will send an imprint of them to the ceramist in order to duplicate the shape of the teeth in the final restorations.

Appointment 6: Final Fit, Shape, and Colour Review

A try-in appointment is scheduled in order to check the fit, shape, and colour of your final restorations. Once we receive your final approval, Dr. Pasha's team permanently cements the teeth either in the same scheduled appointment or at another pre scheduled appointment at your convenience.

What kind of maintenance can I expect after receiving my Veneers?

The most important factor in caring for veneers is to maintain excellent oral health. This includes brushing, flossing and maintaining your dental maintenance appointments based on the recommendations of you oral health provider. In the case of patients with a known risk factor such as nigh time grinding, it is extremely important to follow Dr. Pasha's provided instructions carefully and consistently.

And most importantly, don't forget that the primary purpose of your teeth and veneers is chewing. Please avoid using your teeth (and veneers) as secondary tools! Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your teeth are maintained and effectively working for you for many years to come.

For more information on porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry services contact us today.