Tooth crowding, misalignment of the bite, spaces between the teeth… These dental problems have traditionally been corrected with orthodontic appliances such as metal braces or clear plastic aligners. But for many patients, especially those with minor to moderate orthodontic issues, porcelain veneers can be used to mask such flaws in far less time. At the Manhattan cosmetic dentistry practice of Dr. Clifford Degel and Dr. Carmen Every-Degel, “instant orthodontics” can be achieved with porcelain veneers. In this blog post, we explain what instant orthodontics is, and what patients can expect during the treatment process.
What Is Instant Orthodontics?
Instant orthodontics refers to the use of porcelain veneers to cover up orthodontic imperfections. Rather than moving the teeth into their desired position over a period of several months, as is done with braces and clear aligners, the orthodontic flaws affecting the smile are hidden behind tooth-shaped fabrications made of porcelain; the porcelain material resembles the look of natural teeth. With porcelain veneers:
- Crafting veneers that are wider than the actual tooth can close gaps between the teeth
- Fabricating veneers in a greater length or width can produce a uniform and balanced look by treating misshapen or disproportionate teeth
- A twisted tooth or tooth that juts out can be trimmed down to accommodate a veneer that will sit flush with adjacent teeth
The Instant Orthodontics Procedure
For our Queens porcelain veneers patients, the instant orthodontics treatment process is completed in three stages; in most cases, each phase is completed during a separate appointment.
Stage One – The Planning Phase
The planning stage of the porcelain veneers treatment process is important because it is at this time that we will decide on the final look of the veneers. Our cosmetic dentists will discuss what you like and dislike about your teeth and smile to gain a clearer understanding of your goals. We can then use advanced computer imaging technology to show you what you would look like with veneers in varying sizes, shapes, and shades. Together, we will decide on a look that complements your surrounding features and addresses your cosmetic goals.
Stage Two – Tooth Preparation and Mold
Most patients will return home after the planning appointment to give them time to think about their decision to undergo treatment and the look of the veneers. When patients return to our office, we will begin to prepare the teeth to accommodate the custom veneers that we have designed for you. This may involve the removal of some of your natural tooth structure. Once the teeth have been prepared, an impression is made. The impression, along with the design specifications, is sent to a dental lab that fabricates quality porcelain veneers, a process that will take about a week. In the interim, we will place temporary veneers to protect the teeth and improve the appearance of the smile.
Stage Three – Placement of the Veneers
During your final porcelain veneers treatment appointment, we will check the appearance and fit of the fabrications before bonding them to the teeth with a strong dental adhesive. After a final polish, you can leave our office with beautifully straight and symmetrical teeth.
To schedule a porcelain veneers consultation with Dr. Clifford Degel or Dr. Carmen Every-Degel, contact Astoria Dental Group today.
