Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are hand-sculpted durable thin ceramic shells bonded to the front of teeth to create beautifully shaped, bright, natural looking teeth. Dr. Singer will take detailed measurements of your facial features, assess symmetry, and consider your skin tone before designing your veneers. The veneers should complement your lips and face while appearing completely natural and maintaining proper bite alignment. Many people comment that their self-esteem and confidence rise dramatically as a result of having porcelain veneers.

Dr. Singer will thoroughly discuss your ideal smile with you, and then he'll make that smile a reality.

Click here to view pictures of smiles before treatment

Did You Know?
Research has shown that when porcelain veneers are properly prepared, produced, and finished, an increase in crevicular fluid decreases the plaque index, thus contributing to good oral health.

The Process of Veneer Treatment

The veneering process typically is done in three visits. During the first or consultation visit, the patient and Dr. Singer discuss the patients wishes to improve or makeover his/her smile and discuss the process of veneer treatment. The aide of pictures of smiles in magazines and pictures from our "before and after" portfolio can be very helpful in determining the patients' goals. Dr. Singer will also perform an oral examination and at this time may take x-rays, photographs and molds/models. Scientific analysis and principles as well as artistic interpretation are applied to create a new smile design. This can be done with computer imaging and a wax up of the teeth.

Click here to view pictures of smiles before treatment

During the second visit, Dr. Singer will "prep" the tooth or teeth for the veneers. An anesthetic is applied and about ½ millimeter of enamel is removed from the teeth's surface. After the teeth are prepped, an impression of the prepared teeth is taken. Temporary acrylic teeth are made at this time from this impression and bonded to the prepped teeth. This impression is sent to our laboratory for the fabrication of the porcelain veneers. Typically the turn around time for receiving the veneers from the laboratory is about two weeks but in some situations, it may be necessary for a quicker turn around time.

Patient wearing temporary acrylic veneers

During the third visit with Dr. Singer, the temporary teeth are removed and the porcelain veneers are temporarily placed on the teeth so that fit and color are correct. Adjustments to the color can be done with the shade of cement that is used to permanently bond the veneers. Before the teeth are permanently bonded with the veneers, the teeth are cleaned, polished and etched. This allows for a strong bonding. A curing light is then used to activate the cement so that it hardens very quickly. Excess cement is then removed and the bite is checked. Photographs are taken and the patient is seen again about two weeks after the veneers are placed for a quick check of the gums.

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