Today's Cosmetic Dentistry

Today’s dentistry has evolved from the “drill and fill” restorative practice to a combination of art and science. Modern day dentists have had to evolve into artists. It is truly amazing what beautiful smiles these dentists can create.

In the past, a person with crooked, discolored teeth could only dream of having a beautiful smile. Today, that same person can collaborate with their dentist to turn their dream into reality with porcelain veneers. In most cases, patients can have their desired new smile done in as little as two weeks. Veneers are very thin “porcelain covers” for the teeth. These “porcelain covers” are designed in many different ways depending on the situation, but usually just cover the front surface of the teeth. Veneers can be used to change the size, shape, color, and alignment of the teeth to result in a very pleasing smile. 

This transformation is usually done in two stages. In most cases, the first stage is to “prepare” the teeth for the new veneers. Many women compare this to getting their nails done. An impression is then made to duplicate the modified teeth. A prescription with details on the patient’s ideal result is then sent to a lab to have the actual porcelain veneers made.

The 2^nd stage would be approximately 2-4 weeks later. This stage would be to remove the temporaries and place the new veneers. If needed, all final adjustments are made at this time. After getting them delivered and polished, the patient leaves with a gleaming new smile!

It has been very gratifying to be able to allow someone to smile again, who may have been too self-conscious to do so before. This is an exciting time to be in dentistry and I’m sure it will only get better.