Dental Veneers are a great solution to improve the appearance of discolored, chipped or crooked teeth.
PORCELAIN VENEERS (or Dental Laminates), are wafer-thin shells made out of dental ceramic that is bonded onto the front side of teeth. Generally, these restorations are 0.5 to 0.6 mm in thickness or about 1/2 the thickness of a dime. The primary function of veneers, is improving the appearance of teeth that may be discolored, worn, chipped, malformed, and have spaces between them or are slightly misaligned.
Patients from the United States and Canada can save 50 to 70% compared to their home countries. For just one veneer alone you can save up to $900 in Costa Rica.
Studies have shown that the longevity for Porcelain Veneers, is from 10 - 12 years. In contrast, composite Veneers must be replaced within a year’s time
1. EXAMINATION: As with most dental procedures, the initial consultation, and clinical exam are important in order to diagnose, evaluate, and plan, possible solutions incorporating patient goals and objectives. With this information, Dr. Mora will explain his findings, and develop a treatment plan and budget for you.
2. PREPARATION: Minimal tooth structure will be removed, approximately 0.5 mm, from the front, biting edges and sides of the teeth with a dental drill. The amount removed is dependent on the desired result, and position of the teeth, with the overall goal to reduce the enamel as little as possible. Dr. Mora will use a local anesthetic to eliminate any sensations, cold sensitivity and any contact with the gingiva or gum tissues.
3. Determining Shade of a Tooth for the Veneer: The Doctor uses different shade guides to determine which color of porcelain will most closely match the teeth that are located on each side of the tooth he is ‘veneering’. He may also decide that different shades are required for different areas of the veneer. He will also consider which locations of the laminate which need to have a translucency effect.
4. Impression: When the preparation is completed and the shade evaluated, Dr. Mora will make an impression of your tooth and the surrounding teeth and gums using a special dental “putty”. This putty is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed onto your teeth making an imprint of your teeth (similar to how you would leave a footprint in the snow).
5. Laboratory: This impression of your prepared teeth is sent to our dental laboratory. Here, the technician will make an accurate model of your teeth to fabricate your new veneers. This process will take between 4-5 days.
6. Provisionals: While you’re waiting for your laminates to be fabricated, Dr. Mora will make you temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. The appearance of these natural teeth may be unesthetic, and uncomfortable from the increased sensitivity to air and other stimuli. The Doctor frequently uses a mold that is filled with a special acrylic, and then placed over your teeth to form the provisional. Not all dentists will offer temporary veneers.
7. Try- In: On your second appointment, Dr. Mora will fit and adjust your new veneers. He will place the restoration(s) on your teeth and evaluate with you, their appearance when you smile and bring your teeth together. Custom trimming and modifying the veneer for esthetics and occlusion, are is important for that special result.
8. Cementation: After the try- in step is completed and both you and Dr. Mora are satisfied with the result, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned. The prepared surfaces are etched (prepared to bond with the cement) with a special acid gel to provide a receptive surface for the dental cement to adhere.
The veneers are cemented on the teeth, with a special curing light used to activate the dental cement permanently bonding the veneer to the surface of your prepared tooth. Any excess cement is removed and the entire tooth polished to leave a beautiful and natural-looking restoration.