Planning Your Porcelain Veneers

In the field of cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile treatment options available. Used to conceal aesthetic imperfections, veneers can transform your smile and deliver dramatic results.

Here, Kansas City, MO dentist John Goodman discusses everything that goes into planning your porcelain veneers, from the initial consultation to fabrication.

Your Initial Consultation

Before patients have porcelain veneers placed, Dr. Goodman will perform a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums during an appointment at our office. X-rays and scans may also be necessary during this visit, as well. This allows Dr. Goodman to check for decay or damage and assess the underlying roots and jawbone.

If you are a candidate for this treatment, Dr. Goodman will speak with you in detail about your cosmetic goals and the type of smile you wish to achieve. In addition to the aesthetics of your smile, he will also evaluate your bite so that your new veneers will not interfere with proper dental function.

Once your initial consultation is complete, we will schedule you for a second visit so that Dr. Goodman can prepare the teeth and take impressions.

The Importance of Accurate Impressions

Impressions are the single most important aspect of treatment planning. These are taken immediately after the teeth are prepared. Impressions are taken with either traditional dental putty or a digital capture wand. It is important to obtain accurate impressions, as these will be used to pour up a model of your teeth and gums and design your custom veneers. If the impressions are not accurate, the veneers could appear quite unnatural once in place.

Tooth Shade

During the same visit, Dr. Goodman will work with you to determine the shade of your new porcelain veneers. With the help of a shade guide, he can demonstrate varying colors until you find one that accentuates your smile and blends in with your surrounding teeth.

Diagnostic Casts

Once the impressions and tooth shade have been taken, a dental mold will be created of your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. These will be sent to our dental laboratory facility.

There, a skilled ceramist will use them to craft your new veneers according to your unique oral anatomy. To do this, he or she will carefully layer several thin sheets of high-quality porcelain until the desired effect is achieved.

Final Assessment and Placement

Once your new porcelain veneers are complete, the lab will send them back to our office. We will then schedule you for another appointment to try them in. Dr. Goodman will assess the fit, the color, and your bite before bonding them permanently in place.

Contact Our Practice Today

When it comes to treatment planning for your porcelain veneers, you are just as much a part of the process as Dr. Goodman. That is why we take time to understand your aesthetic goals and your expectations of treatment.

If you are interested in enhancing your smile with porcelain veneers, schedule a visit at our practice. You can contact us online anytime or give us a call at (816) 842-8585.