ART x TECHNOLOGY

We embrace technology and believe that digital workflows can help us idealize aesthetics and create predictability. Our orofacial design process helps us craft results that are unique and customized for each individual case.

OUR DESIGN PARTNERS

We team up with talented technicians and software companies to deliver optimal care. Using a minimally invasive approach, we can generate lifelike results that emulate nature in form and function.

A SMILE IS THE BEST ACCESSORY YOU CAN WEAR.

This eBook was authored by Dr. Ryan Wallrich to help explain the restorative background and approach to dental veneers. We hope this helps give you more confidence and understanding of the process.

Feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more about our digital smile design process and see how we could help rejuvenate your smile.

FAQs

  • With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even longer. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help extend the lifespan of veneers.

  • Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent dental treatment, as a thin layer of enamel is usually removed from the teeth during the preparation process. However, they may need to be replaced over time due to wear and tear or damage.

  • Digital Smile Design (DSD) offers several benefits that can enhance the outcome of dental veneers:

    Improved Communication: DSD allows for better communication between the dentist and the patient. Using advanced digital imaging and software, dentists can show patients a preview of their potential smile makeover before any treatment begins. This enables patients to visualize the final result and provide feedback, ensuring that their expectations are aligned with the proposed treatment plan.

    Customization: DSD allows for precise customization of dental veneers to meet the patient's unique aesthetic preferences and facial features. Dentists can digitally design veneers that complement the patient's natural smile, facial proportions, and personality, resulting in a more harmonious and natural-looking outcome.

    Predictability: By digitally designing the smile makeover, dentists can accurately plan the placement and size of dental veneers to achieve the desired results. This improves the predictability of the treatment process, reducing the likelihood of unexpected outcomes or the need for revisions.

    Minimized Errors: DSD helps minimize errors in the treatment planning phase by providing dentists with detailed measurements and simulations of the proposed smile makeover. This reduces the risk of miscommunication or misunderstandings between the dentist and the dental laboratory, leading to more precise fabrication of the veneers.

    Patient Involvement: DSD empowers patients to actively participate in the treatment planning process. By involving patients in the design of their new smile, dentists can ensure that their aesthetic goals and concerns are addressed, leading to higher patient satisfaction with the final results.

    Efficiency: Digital smile design streamlines the treatment process by eliminating the need for traditional physical mock-ups or trial restorations. This saves time for both the patient and the dentist, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined treatment experience.

    Overall, digital smile design enhances the planning, communication, customization, and predictability of dental veneer treatments, leading to more successful outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

  • Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They are commonly used to improve the appearance of teeth by altering their color, shape, size, or length.

  • Porcelain veneers can effectively address various cosmetic dental concerns, including stained or discolored teeth, chipped or broken teeth, misaligned or uneven teeth, gaps between teeth, and worn-down teeth.

  • Porcelain veneers cover only the front surface of the teeth, while dental crowns encase the entire tooth. Veneers are typically used for cosmetic enhancements, while crowns are often used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes.

  • Porcelain veneers do not require any special care beyond regular oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, it's advisable to avoid biting hard objects or using teeth as tools to prevent damaging the veneers.

  • Porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, which means they will maintain their color over time. However, if adjacent natural teeth become stained, they may appear different from the veneers. Teeth whitening procedures do not work on porcelain veneers.

  • Suitable candidates for porcelain veneers are individuals with healthy teeth and gums who have cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, chipping, misalignment, or gaps between teeth. A thorough dental examination and consultation with a dentist will determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you.

  • If the existing teeth are not dramatically misaligned and the desired color change is not extensive, then Indisalign is likely not necessary prior to veneers.

    On the other hand, undergoing Invisalign treatment prior to getting porcelain veneers offers several advantages:

    Correcting Tooth Alignment: Invisalign treatment can effectively straighten misaligned or crooked teeth, which can improve the overall appearance and alignment of your smile. By aligning the teeth first, the veneers can be designed to fit perfectly over the newly aligned teeth, resulting in a more natural and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

    Conservative Approach: Invisalign treatment is a more conservative approach to addressing tooth misalignment compared to porcelain veneers. It involves gradually shifting the position of the teeth using clear, removable aligners, without the need for permanent alterations to the tooth structure. By aligning the teeth first, less tooth enamel may need to be removed during the veneer preparation process, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.

    Optimal Results: Aligning the teeth with Invisalign before getting porcelain veneers ensures that the final result is not only cosmetically pleasing but also functional. Properly aligned teeth provide a better foundation for veneers, allowing for more accurate placement and improved longevity of the restorations.

    Improved Oral Health: Addressing tooth misalignment with Invisalign can also improve oral health by making it easier to maintain proper oral hygiene. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Maintaining good oral health is essential for the long-term success of both Invisalign and porcelain veneer treatments.

    Cost-Effectiveness: In some cases, correcting minor tooth misalignment with Invisalign may eliminate the need for veneers altogether, resulting in cost savings. Even if veneers are still required after Invisalign treatment, aligning the teeth first can help minimize the number of veneers needed and reduce the likelihood of complications or revisions in the future.

    Overall, undergoing Invisalign treatment before getting porcelain veneers can lead to more predictable and satisfactory outcomes, providing patients with a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts for years to come.