What Dental Patients Should Know About Instant Orthodontics
There are plenty of options to consider if you want to have a smile that looks its absolute best. One option that you may have heard a bit about lately is instant orthodontics. This sounds like it might some form of fast-acting braces treatment, but in fact it's just another name for porcelain veneers.
When you visit our cosmetic dentistry center, we can describe porcelain veneers in much greater detail. We'd like to go over them briefly right now so you understand why they are such a great option to consider for optimal smile enhancement.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of custom-crafted dental ceramic that are used to conceal the front portions of a person's teeth. When in place, the porcelain veneers look completely indistinguishable from your real teeth. That goes for low light situations, natural light, or artificial light.
Why are porcelain veneers called "instant orthodontics"?
Porcelain veneers are called "instant orthodontics" because the results are very dramatic and can be achieved in just one or two dental visits. That's right: in just one or two visits to the dentist, you can look like you've undergone months of involved orthodontic care.
Dental Problems That Porcelain Veneers Can Address
Porcelain veneers are such a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because they can address so many different dental problems. These include:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Tooth discoloration and stains
- Tooth gaps
- Tooth misalignment and asymmetry
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people who suffer from the above aesthetic dental issues. It should be noted that porcelain veneers are only intended for aesthetic treatments rather than restorative care. If patients suffer from serious dental health issues of any kind, the cosmetic and restorative dentist will first need to address those issues before even considering porcelain veneers treatment.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
During the porcelain veneers procedure, the first step is the preparation of the tooth for the veneer. This means the removal of a fraction of a millimeter of tooth structure from the front of the tooth. An impression is then taken of the prepped tooth and it is from this impression that the final dental veneer is crafted.
When the porcelain veneer is ready, it is checked for fit one last time. Final adjustments are made if necessary before the dentist adheres the porcelain veneer in place.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
If a person is not considered a good candidate for porcelain veneers, there are a number of alternative therapies to consider. In some cases, teeth whitening treatment will be more ideal than porcelain veneer treatment. For major cases of tooth damage, the use of a restoration such as an inlay, an onlay, or a dental crown would be better. Should a patient suffer from major issues with tooth alignment, it would be better for overall dental wellness for the patient to undergo actual orthodontic care.
All of these options and combinations of treatments can be discussed in more detail during you visit to the dental practice.
Learn More About All of Your Smile Makeover Options
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers and your many other options out there for smile makeover treatment, be sure to contact our Bismark, ND cosmetic dentistry center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental care results.
