
Dec
When “making over” smiles in Beverly Hills, California, our prosthodontist, Dr. Frank Vidjak, may encourage patients to bring photos of smiles that they like to their consultation. These smiles may be featured on popular websites, YouTube videos, or magazine covers.
The “secret” is that many of the smiles our patients want to replicate were “made” by specialists just like Dr. Vidjak. In fact, dental veneers present one of the most effective and efficient ways to dramatically boost the appearance of the smile. Many celebrities’ and familiar faces’ gapped, chipped, and otherwise “imperfect” teeth have been treated with veneers.
As with all procedures, Dr. Vidjak or our other specialist, endodontist Dr. Fanny Yacaman, will examine your teeth and mouth. They use advanced diagnostic imaging and other tools to inform recommendations for treatment.
Veneers are specially prepared dental materials. They are secured to the front surfaces of teeth that have been slightly reduced or conditioned. So, each veneer fits on top of the natural tooth perfectly. Once the veneers are placed, they cover up chipped teeth, gaps between teeth (and other spacing issues), and intrinsic discoloration or very dark stains on the teeth. Additionally, veneers may be applied to add length to a worn or short tooth, or to alter the contours of an irregularly-shaped tooth.
Veneers may be made from a type of dental ceramic: porcelain. Alternately, composite resin can also be used to make your veneers. Porcelain resists stains very well, is strong and durable, and looks like natural tooth enamel.
Veneers may be made skillfully via our onsite lab capabilities. Then, they are bonded or fixed securely to the front surfaces of the teeth that are visible when you smile. Modern ultra-thin veneers and advanced bonding techniques mean that very little enamel is removed to make room for each veneer. This characteristic also minimizes the risk of tooth sensitivity during the process.
Dental bonding is sometimes referred to as “direct veneers.” The resin is matched to the color of the natural teeth. Then, it is applied directly to the teeth by Dr. Vidjak. A pliable material, he precisely and skillfully shapes the resin to cover up excess spaces, “lengthen” a tooth, or otherwise address a cosmetic imperfection. The resin is then hardened and “bonded” to each tooth. No enamel is removed.
Veneers are true cosmetic procedures. They are applied to healthy teeth and are suitable for patients who do not have active gum disease or other conditions that warrant restorative treatment. Patients with more advanced restorative needs may require the expertise of our endodontist, Dr. Yacaman.
Questions? We encourage you to contact Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry at (310) 861-3955. Or, feel free to reach out to us via this website.