The first stop on your journey to a new smile is a complete exam, x-rays, and photos. We can discuss the specific problems that bother you most at this appointment, including your timing and budgetary concerns. For example, if you have an upcoming life event such as a wedding or graduation, we want your treatments to be performed in time for the best results.
Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding for Tooth Surface Flaws
Many tooth challenges above respond well to dental bonding and porcelain veneers. However, these are two different approaches to enhancing the most visible tooth surfaces, especially on your front-facing teeth. Dr. Lin will help you decide which is best for you.
Dental bonding is a process that uses the same durable composite resins found in tooth-colored fillings. First, Dr. Lin will select a composite shade that matches your natural teeth. Then, Dr. Lin will shape the composite material to fill in gaps between teeth, rebuild chipped teeth, and correct other shape discrepancies.
The final step is curing the composite with a special light that hardens it immediately. Dental bonding may last many years, especially if you are careful with maintaining them.
For more extensive teeth flaws and discrepancies, Dr. Lin may recommend porcelain veneers as an option. These are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to cover the front surfaces of one or more teeth. We slightly adjust the fronts of your teeth to improve the adhesion of the veneers. We take impressions as a blueprint when the lab makes your porcelain veneers. Once created, they will be permanently cemented to the fronts of your teeth.
You can expect your new veneers to last for roughly ten years with proper care and maintenance. Veneers can withstand quite a lot of pressure and are incredibly durable. In addition, they blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile for a natural, beautiful look.
Porcelain Dental Crowns for Total Tooth Coverage
In cases where a tooth is more damaged than bonding or a veneer can remedy, a dental crown can provide protection and durability. A crown fits over the entirety of a tooth like a helmet, protecting it on all sides. Dental crowns are most appropriate for severely discolored teeth that won’t respond to other treatments. A crown may also protect damaged or decayed teeth and achieve a life-like appearance and functionality of natural teeth.