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Crafting Natural-Looking Smiles
Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, thin (0.3-0.5 mm) but durable shells, are bonded to teeth to improve their appearance. They can lengthen teeth, cover flaws like chips and stains, and create a more attractive smile. Veneers can even serve as an alternative to braces by concealing crookedness and closing gaps. Properly cared for, these stain-resistant porcelain coverings can last 15-20 years or more. For a brighter smile, Dr. Hothi might suggest whitening your natural teeth before placing the veneers to ensure a consistent color.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
Crafted by a skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Hothi, porcelain veneers can perfectly mimic the natural look and color variations of teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your own. While cosmetic dentistry requires specialized training beyond standard dental school, experts like Dr. Hothi work closely with you to design your ideal smile, addressing your specific aesthetic goals, including color preferences.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
1. Smile Design Consultation
You'll meet with Dr. Hothi to discuss your smile goals, including the desired color and shape of your veneers. Bring any reference photos you have.
2. Tooth Preparation (If Necessary)
To ensure that the porcelain veneers look and feel natural, Dr. Hothi might need to gently prepare your teeth. This typically involves removing a very thin layer of enamel from the front surface of your teeth, usually about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters – roughly the thickness of the veneer itself. This creates space for the veneer so it doesn't look or feel bulky. However, in certain situations, especially with ultra-thin veneers, Dr. Hothi may determine that no tooth preparation is necessary, preserving more of your natural tooth structure. The decision depends on the current shape and alignment of your teeth and the desired final result.
3. Precise Impressions
Accurate impressions of your teeth are crucial for creating custom-fitted veneers. Dr. Hothi will take these impressions, often using a digital scanner for better precision and comfort. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be crafted.
4. Temporary Veneers
If tooth preparation was necessary, Dr. Hothi will place temporary veneers. These protect your prepared teeth and provide a preview of your new smile's appearance while your permanent porcelain veneers are being custom-made, a process that typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks.
5. Veneer Try-In
Once your custom porcelain veneers are ready, you'll return for a try-in appointment with Dr. Hothi. He will place the porcelain veneers on your teeth so you can assess their appearance, including the color, shape, and fit. This is your opportunity to ensure complete satisfaction before they are permanently bonded.
6. Permanent Bonding
If you are happy with the look of the porcelain veneers, Dr. Hothi will proceed with the permanent bonding process. He will clean and prepare your teeth, then use a special dental adhesive to securely attach the porcelain veneers to the surface of your teeth. A specialized light will be used to activate the bonding material.
