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Smile Makeover | Tooth Whitening FAQ | Porcelain Veneers FAQ
During the past year or two there has been a lot of media attention about cosmetic dentistry, especially extreme makeovers. Our philosophy is to enhance the beauty and not create an artificial generic look. Through technological advancements, it is now possible to conservatively improve and strengthen the health and function of a patient’s appearance and smile.
“Smile makeovers” can be as simple as reshaping a tooth or tooth whitening, or as life changing as beautifying all of your teeth with porcelain veneers and crowns. Below are some of cosmetic problems many of my patients have prior to a “smile makeover”.
What is it about my teeth or smile that I would like to change?
- “I have slightly uneven teeth”.
- “I want whiter teeth”.
- “I want straighter teeth”.
- “I want to close spaces between my teeth”.
- “I have unsightly crowns or “caps”.
Obviously the answers to these cosmetic problems need to be discussed by a cosmetic dentist. That is why we offer cosmetic consultations with Smile Design for those patients contemplating a “smile makeover.”
The first step in Smile Design is to carefully analyze your features to design a smile that best compliments you. This includes looking at your teeth, face shape and size, bite alignment and how you swallow, speak and eat. All of this allows him to make sure you have a healthy environment without disease and decay. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and answer all of your questions. Dr. Lee believes that each of these elements is essential in designing the most beautiful "natural smile" for each individual patient.
Often a smile makeover has been completed without properly assessing the situation or envisioning the final result. This can bring on frustration since expectations were not met and the end result was unsatisfactory or worse yet, nothing really fit properly. In our office, we go through a series of records in order to preview and envision the final result. This is the Smile Design Evaluation.
Your Smile Design Evaluation includes:
- Assessment Photography - We utilize a professional digital camera system to take complete series of photos to assess the relationship of the smile with facial features, assess the color composition of the teeth and the texture of teeth. Because the lower 1/3 of the face has a major impact on the perception of facial esthetics the role of a beautiful smile is undeniable and the proper photography allows us to evaluate it.
- Assessment Imaging - Imaging of teeth are done to see how the changes we will be making fits with facial profiles and allow our clients to view it and give feedback. With imaging we try to show the objective of enhancement, to provide a restoration that fits harmoniously into the facial composition.
- Assessment Waxup - This is the blueprint for the smile enhancement. It is created by taking extremely accurate imprints of teeth with a material that can actually reproduce the textural detail on a brand new dollar bill. We determine and register how your teeth meet in function and chewing. This will help us to avoid any interference in the final smile makeover that could prove disastrous. We must determine how your jaw fits in your skull, for instance, is the upper jaw at a slant in relation to the rest of the face? This way we can avoid having teeth longer on one side and shorter on the other. All this information is communicated with the ceramist who will make the waxup blueprint and actually create the final restorations. The ceramist uses all the information we give them to create the most flattering and attractive smile.
 Once the ideal relationship between the restoration and the facial soft tissues is achieved improvements in natural beauty can be expected to follow.
- Diagnostic mock-up - With the application of a special tooth colored material, we can temporarily change the shape, length and spacing of teeth. This allows you to see right in the office how an enhancement of your smile affects the overall appearance of your face.
After your Smile Design Evaluation is complete, Dr. Lee will plan a Smile Makeover! His philosophy is to use the most conservative dental techniques available to create your perfect smile, the smile you deserve. top
What is tooth whitening?
Tooth Whitening is a bleaching process which lightens discoloration and removes stains from the enamel and dentin of the teeth.
Why can only a dentist whiten my teeth?
Whitening gel is only availably at a dental office. Before beginning the process, a dentist must examine you for any cavities, tooth decay, or unhealthy teeth. After the examination, an impression is taken of your teeth so that a custom-fitted tray can be made to ensure optimum results.
What causes tooth discoloration?
Unfortunately there are many causes that contribute to tooth discoloration. Some of the more common ones are aging, beverages such as coffee, tea, and pop, tobacco, trauma, and tetracycline.
Does whitening work for everyone?
Tooth whitening works for almost everyone. There are some special cases in which whitening is not completely effective. For example, if you have unhealthy or many unrestored teeth. That is why it is important that a dentist provides you with a thorough examination to detect any problems that might prevent you from having optimum whitening results.
Is it safe to whiten my teeth?
Clinical and research studies determined that under the supervision of a dentist, whitening with carbamide peroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide is completely safe. Many dentists consider whitening as the safest and most painless cosmetic procedure today.
How long should whitening last?
Depending on your lifestyle and the way you maintain your teeth, whitening can last several years. Certain foods, smoking and medications will also have an effect on the colour of your teeth. To keep your teeth nice and bright, keep your custom tray and purchase touch-up kits if needed. top
 Can porcelain crowns or laminates be whitened as well?
Unfortunately not. Porcelain does not change colour when it is exposed to dental whitening gel.
Is whitening covered by dental insurance?
In most cases, insurance companies do not cover tooth whitening or any other cosmetic procedures, but some companies may offer flexi-dollars, which allows the patient to spend a limited amount of money on such procedures.
Can existing porcelain crowns or laminates be bleached?
No, porcelain does not change color when exposed to dental bleach.
How long should bonding last?
Bonding lasts 3-5 years, depending on wear and tear.
How long do porcelain laminates last?
When properly maintained, porcelain laminates can last in excess of 10 years (10 years is the approximate average).
Why do people choose porcelain laminates over bonding?
Laminates look more realistic than bonding, and they do not stain. They also feel more natural, are more durable, and are stronger than bonding composites.
Can porcelain laminates or crowns give me lip support?
If porcelain laminates are built out with bulk, they can deliver lip support, provided it does not interfere with function and local biology.
How do you get rid of spaces between teeth?
You can get rid of spaces between the teeth with porcelain laminates or bonding. Crowns may be used to fix more severe gaps between teeth.
Does it hurt to have teeth prepared for laminates?
No. Preparing teeth for laminates is a painless, two-visit procedure. Local anesthesia can be given to highly sensitive patients, but is usually not necessary.
What are the advantages of laminates versus orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment takes 18 months to 2 years and often requires braces, while porcelain laminates correct crooked teeth in just two visits.
Are cosmetic procedures covered by insurance?
Dental insurance usually does not cover cosmetic dental procedures. top
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth, and to improve a smile. Highly resistant to permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers can achieve a tenacious bond to the tooth,resulting in a pleasing naturalness .
Why would you recommend a porcelain veneer?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's colour, size, or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.
What happens during the procedure?
To prepare the teeth for the porcelain veneers, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may required a local anesthetic. At this appointment, a mould is taken of the teeth, which is sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers.
Bonding of veneers: First, the dentist places the veneers with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or colour. While the veneers are resting on the teeth, the aesthetic results are viewed with particular attention to the colour. At this point, the colour of the veneers can still be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. The colour cannot be altered after veneers are cemented. To apply the veneer, a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth
For about a week or two, the patient will go through a period of adjustment as he/she gets used to the "new" teeth that have been changed in size and shape.
Will it hurt?
No. During the procedure you should experience no discomfort. The area is frozen (we do it painlessly) and other than having to open your mouth for a period of time, there is no pain involved. Of all the cosmetic treatment a person can undergo, this is the least uncomfortable and results are immediate.
How will my teeth look between the two visits?
In the first visit we do the necessary preparatory work and create temporary veneers that come as close as possible to the look we will be working to achieve. Your smile always looks better after the first visit and after the second visit it will look great. Unlike other forms of cosmetic treatment, there is no healing time at all.
How many teeth do I need done?
That varies from patient to patient. If you look in a mirror when you smile, see how many teeth actually show. You should keep in mind that people often smile wider when they have no concerns about the look of their teeth. For many patients it may be six teeth, for some eight and for others more.
If just my upper teeth are done, won't my bottom teeth look strange or as if they don't match?
That also depends on the patient and how they smile. Usually the bottom teeth are only partially visible and don't need to be addressed. In cases where the lower teeth are more visible whitening is usually enough to handle any contrast. In some situations, both upper and lower teeth need to be done.
Are there any risks to tooth structure?
Generally no, although there can always be an exception. The procedure is not reversible and approximately one half of a millimeter or less is removed from the tooth to make room for the veneer. The porcelain veneer that replaces the removed surface is incredibly strong, bonds tightly to the tooth and protects the treated area. The amount of tooth removed is significantly less than the amount removed for any ordinary cap or crown. There is always risk in any procedure, but this treatment method has been proven to be extremely reliable.
What does a veneer cost?
The cost of one porcelain veneer is slightly less than that for a crown.
How long will a veneer last?
Veneers last usually over fifteen years . Please be aware however that they must be cared for. This includes the gums too which cannot be allowed to recede making the veneers more obvious. top
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