What Is the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Like?
Veneering involves shaping the teeth, selecting a shade, and then making an impression. A dental lab makes the veneers and sends them back to our cosmetic dentist. There are a number of techniques that can be utilized to shape and make the veneers. The original technique was developed in the early 1980’s by the late Dr. Robert Nixon. It requires the removal of .5mm from the front of the tooth and 1mm from the biting edge. This compensates for the thickness of the veneer so the resulting tooth will be the same thickness. The dental lab builds layers of differing colored porcelain to the desired shape and shade. A technique many dental laboratories use is known as “stacked porcelain.” Its main advantages are that the veneers look more natural in color and shape. However, with this method, more of the tooth structure needs to be removed than the no-prep technique and the veneers require a highly skilled ceramicist and dental laboratory, like daVinci™ Dental Studio.
The “LVI” (Las Vegas Institute) technique is another way to create dental veneers. This option requires the most removal of tooth structure – 1mm on the front and 1mm on the biting edge. This is called a “Pressed Ceramic,” where the lab presses the porcelain onto the mold of the patient’s teeth and then stains it. This is an easier technique for the lab technician and the additional space created from grinding allows for a very natural shaped veneer. With the LVI technique, there is more tooth grinding than other approaches, and the color is not as natural as “stacked porcelain.”
During your initial consultation, our dentist will talk with you about your needs and goals and help you determine the type of veneer that can best meet your expectations. Once the tooth has been properly prepared and the veneer has been created, our dentist will apply it to the tooth and make sure it fits comfortably. The veneer is specifically designed to look natural, and it is color-tinted to ensure a seamless blend with surrounding teeth.
Porcelain veneer treatments are some of the most commonly performed dental procedures available. During treatment, a local anesthetic is typically all that’s necessary to maximize comfort; however, our practice offers a number of advanced sedation dentistry options for patients who would like to ensure the most relaxing experience possible.