Your Summerlin dentist says your oral health is doing great. However, you would like your smile to look better. Wear and tear have created stains and chips, and there’s a gap right in the front of your mouth. What should you do? Investigate porcelain veneers at the Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry refurbishes marred teeth
Pamela J. West DDS and her dedicated team thoroughly enjoy smile aesthetics. She provides many cosmetic treatments for patients simply desiring a white smile to individuals who want a total smile makeover.
One of her more popular cosmetic dental services is customized porcelain veneers, or dental laminates. Either alone or together with professional teeth whitening, composite resin bonding or other services, Summerlin porcelain veneers add beauty and strength to teeth marred by:
- stains from black tea, cola, coffee, wine, cigarettes, medications, age or darkly colored foods
- chips, cracks and spacing issues
- odd shape or uneven length
- root canal therapy
- oral injury
- Crowding
- Congenital defect
Custom-made right in the office using ultra-modern CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology, these super-thin shells of dental porcelain bond right to the frontside of one or more selected teeth.
The veneer procedure with your Summerlin dentist
Dr. West does a comprehensive oral exam to determine health of teeth and gums. She also takes digital x-rays, other imaging and digital impressions. With this information, she uses CEREC computer software to design the dental laminates.
In addition, the Summerlin dentist removes a very thin slice of tooth enamel (½ mm) from the front side of each tooth receiving a veneer. This preparation allows adequate space for the veneers to function well within the mouth, without irritation or speech issues.
After the milling machine fabricates the laminates, Dr. West cements them to the prepared tooth surfaces with a special bonding adhesive. She adjusts the color of the veneers by varying the color of the cement, achieving perfect match to adjacent teeth. She works with the size, shape and bite for an excellent fit and look.
Caring for Summerlin veneers
As with natural teeth, patients with veneers must brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and floss daily as well. Patients should see Dr. West for follow-up and for their regular 6-month cleanings and exams as usual.
Besides beautifying teeth, veneers strengthen tooth enamel. However, patients should treat all their teeth gently. That means no chewing ice cubes, taffy or peanut brittle or opening packages or bottles with your teeth. Patients who grind their teeth avoid wear and tear with a night time mouth guard. With good care, Summerlin porcelain veneers last indefinitely, look great and boost self-confidence.
Learn more
Consult with Dr. West at her beautiful office in Summerlin. Discuss your cosmetic dentistry objectives and formulate a care plan tohelp your smile and your outlook. Contact the Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry to arrange your personal consultation with Dr. West.