Page 33 - Amazing Smiles

figure 29 Cosmetic Dental Procedures
figure 30
changed or replaced the entire outer surfaces of
the anterior teeth with bonded composite resins.
This changed the way teeth looked when the
patient smiles. Although the results were dramat-
ic, many times the bonded material for full smile
makeovers did not withstand the test of time.
Often, the bonded surfaces would break or wear
down. Other times, they would absorb stains lead-
ing to discoloration. (figure 28)

A stronger and more permanent material
had to be developed; hence the porcelain veneer
was created. Porcelain veneers are very thin
pieces of porcelain (they can be made as thin as a
contact lens), which fit directly over the outside
existing teeth. (figure 29). They are permanently
fused to existing tooth structure with a liquefied
bonding adhesive which is cured by a special cur-
ing light. (figure 30).

In order to avoid creating teeth that look too
bulky, (caused by layering too much material on
top of the teeth), a small amount of tooth struc-
ture must be removed. Doing so makes the final
result look and feel more natural.

There is much publicity about drill less thin
veneers today. However, experience shows that
this application has limitations. Most patients
requiring porcelain veneers need some tooth
reduction to obtain a natural and realistic result.

When teeth do not have enough natural tooth
structure to support a porcelain veneer, a crown
must be fabricated. The entire tooth surface must

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