Brand New Smiles - Cosmetic Dentistry

Cerinate Veneers

Cerinate Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic or resin material that are bonded to the fronts of the teeth, much in the same way that artificial fingernails are attached to the fingers. The only requirement is that the teeth be structurally sound.

Veneers are used to correct cosmetic defects on teeth or to correct the bite (the way the teeth come together). Cosmetic imperfections that can be corrected with veneers include teeth that are slightly crooked or stained. There may be gaps or chips or the teeth may be uneven. In the past, the only way to correct these or other imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown. One could actually call this technique 'instant braces'.

The advantage of veneers over crowns is that the teeth don't require extensive shaping prior to the procedure. Sometimes this means that little or no anesthetic is required. However, some teeth will require more extensive shaping prior to receiving veneers.

Veneers made from porcelain or resin look natural. Porcelain veneers resist stains from coffee, tea or smoking better than resin veneers. On the other hand, resin veneers may be able to be made thinner and require less tooth structure to be removed before they are applied. The decision to use resin or porcelain should be made on an individual basis.

Veneers usually require three dental visits: one for a consultation and two to complete the veneers.

During your first visit, Dr. Bologna will examine your teeth to make sure veneers are appropriate for you. She will thoroughly explain what the procedure will involve and some of the limitations.

On the second visit, Dr. Bologna may need to remove up to a millimeter and a half of enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneers. (In some cases, no enamel removal is required.) This procedure is not painful, but may be bit uncomfortable for some people. However, use of a local anesthetic will relieve the discomfort. Next, Dr. Bologna will take an impression of the teeth, which will be sent to a cosmetic lab. The laboratory manufactures the veneers to fit your teeth. It usually takes one or two weeks for the veneers to be made. A temporary veneer may be applied during this time.

The veneers will be applied during the third visit. Dr. Bologna will apply them temporarily with water or glycerin first, so she can check the fit and color and you can see what they will look like. If the color is not quite right, the color of the veneers or the cement can be adjusted. Sometimes the veneer will need to be sent back to the laboratory to get the ideal shade.

Once you're satisfied with the veneers, Dr. Bologna will clean your teeth thoroughly and cement the veneers with bonding agents, which are hardened with a blue light.

Follow-Up. It can take time for you to get used to the appearance and feel of your new teeth, but you won't have to do anything special to care for them. You should be careful not to bite your nails, chew on pencils, ice or other hard objects, or otherwise put unnecessary pressure on your teeth, because the veneers can come off. You won't have to change the way you floss or brush. Dr. Bologna will probably ask you to come back in a few weeks so that she can check the Veneers.

One Hour Whitening and Cosmetic Services

Fresh & Fast, Designed to Last ‹
Looking to have a whiter, brighter smile? In today's world, you've probably seen all kinds of methods that claim they'll accomplish this. However, if you're not interested in investing several weeks of treatments, dealing with cumbersome mouth trays, and achieving relatively limited shade improvements, consider the revolutionary, safe, easy 'One-Hour Rembrandt®' process. With just a one-hour treatment session, this system can lighten your teeth an average of 8-10 shades, without sensitivity problems and with long-lasting results!

Safe & Effective, A Worthwhile Elective ‹
If you¹re interested in having your smile lightened, we recommend that you first talk with us regarding your specific goals, so that we can evaluate how teeth whitening might impact your particular situation. Some people are simply better candidates than others for a successful whitening treatment. For example, if your teeth are darkened to a yellow, brownish or orange tinge due to age, coffee, tea, or smoking, chances are very good that teeth whitening will bring satisfactory results. However, if your teeth are a dark gray tone from fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline use, whitening results may be a bit less dramatic; plus, whitening does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants or porcelains. Finally, teeth with periodontal disease or worn enamel typically do not respond well to whitening. And in any case, after whitening, your new, brighter smile will be preserved the longest if you're willing to forgo such habits as smoking, drinking coffee and drinking tea.