~ by Robert S. Leland, DMD

In my dental practice, I am often asked by patients who are not happy with something about their smile, whether it is tooth color, shape or alignment, “How can I improve my smile and can it happen for a wedding I’m attending next month?” Often the answer is, “porcelain veneers” and “yes”!

Today’s advanced dental materials allow me to provide not only beautiful smiles, but better function and, in turn, greater confidence for my patients.

Veneers are a dental procedure in which a covering is placed over the outside (visible area) of the tooth. Veneers generally fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create bright, white smiles with beautifully aligned teeth while enhancing better function. They also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Additional benefits of veneers include durability, an improved smile appearance, and the need for little-to-no removal of tooth structure when compared to crowns.

Veneers are often used to correct:

• teeth that are discolored — either because of root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other medications, or the presence of large bonded fillings that have discolored the tooth.

• teeth that are worn down — Over time, the thin, hard translucent substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become worn, dulled and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or result from a genetic predisposition. Often, however, the wear, dullness and discoloration are the result of staining and erosion from soft drinks, tea or coffee as well as smoking and the use of certain medications. Teeth may also naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance. Uneven teeth may also result from tooth grinding or general “wear and tear.”

• teeth that are chipped or broken

• teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped with craters or bulges

• teeth with gaps between them to close the space between these teeth.

Porcelain veneers are most often applied to the parts of the teeth that are visible when talking or smiling. The procedure involves the use of a laboratory for fabrication. This technique, which provides the most beautiful results, requires two appointments as the veneers are fabricated at a dental laboratory. We exclusively use world-class dental laboratories for this work. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken, and the teeth are given a temporary covering. In two to three weeks, the long-term veneers are received from the laboratory. The temporary veneers are removed at the second appointment and the long-term veneers are bonded to the teeth.

The laboratory fabricated veneers are usually made using porcelain. These look amazing!

There are a number of qualified dental laboratories in our country. My preference is to work with a laboratory that fabricates Elite porcelain veneers. These Elite restorations are truly unlike any other restoration. Their life-like natural appearance and exceptional fit make them my restorations of choice. I have made these my choice as they exceed all expectations in appearance and structure and excel in all aspects of quality. The veneers are handcrafted by highly trained and experienced ceramists who have extensive education and training in the field.

Porcelain veneers are some of the most exciting things that we do in dentistry. They allow a person to transform themselves not only physically with a reborn beautiful smile, but also to create new confidence that may have disappeared with a deteriorating smile.

We welcome inquiries regarding the option for veneers and the opportunity to speak to you about how veneers could transform your smile and enhance confidence in your appearance. Call us to see how we can help you.

Robert S. Leland, DMD, PC.

51 Mill Street • Hanover

781-826-8395 • www.LelandDental.com