In the above photograph you can see that the patient’s teeth are discolored from taking tetracycline as a young child. This picture was taken as I was inserting the porcelain veneers on the lower teeth. The six front teeth are about to have their veneers placed. Porcelain veneers are very fine shells of porcelain produced by my laboratory. The veneers are bonded to the teeth. With care in preparing the teeth and inserting the veneers, these restorations are really trouble free. I have been doing veneers since they were developed(about 35 years ago), and have not had one crack or come off.
All the lower veneers are inserted at this point. Notice how beautiful the gums are where the veneers touch the gum lines.
Yes, I am also correcting her upper teeth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It doesn’t get better than this!
Porcelain veneers require a significant amount of concentration while performing the procedure. Some patients think that a dentist just slaps these porcelain shells on their teeth and says goodbye. The first visit requires the careful removal of tooth structure, paying close attention to the gum lines. After the teeth are prepared, I take an impresion of the teeth and select a shade for the final color of the veneers. I than send the impressions to my lab to fabricate the veneers. Before the patient leaves the first visit, I make a nice temporary for them to wear until the next visit. On the second visit I insert the new veneers. I’ve had quite a few patients take the hand mirror from me to see their new smile. There so happy with their new smile that they break down in tears.
A person’s physical appearance can have a profound impact on them psychologically. I understand this concept and try to deliver a result that will make the patient a happy individual. Too many people don’t understand that “cosmetic” treatments are sometimes the cure for low self- esteem and shyness. I’ve seen patients come “alive with a brightness” after their work is completed. I received more pleasure and satisfaction from this vision than the money they have paid me. When I taught dentistry at Mount Sinai I tried to teach the residents that their patients have feelings and emotions.