Charleston dentist discusses what to expect before and after veneers

Within a visit or two, you can get a whiter, chip-free, gap-free, and more uniform-looking smile, just like the beautiful patients featured in Mouth Carolina Dentistry, PA’s Smile Gallery did! You can see these fellow Charleston area patients’ veneers, and their before and after photos, right on this website.

With a unique combination of artistic talents and dental training, Dr. Greenberg skillfully applies a thin layer of material to the tooth as a corrective treatment. This dental material may be applied either directly to the surface of the tooth or indirectly using other material. The direct method is also known as composite veneers or dental bonding, while the indirect technique is also known as porcelain veneers.

With an eye for aesthetics, Dr. Greenberg will select and prepare the putty-like composite resin so it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. After the tooth is also prepared to receive the veneer, it will be applied, shaped, and bonded directly to the enamel surface. You can imagine the level of finesse required to create and shape artificial tooth structure, so it looks and feels like a natural, healthy tooth.

Depending on your needs and goals, you and the doctor may determine porcelain veneers are best. While the process of getting an indirect veneer is slightly more involved than the process of receiving a direct veneer, this porcelain counterpart has long been admired for its natural appearance.

Dr. Greenberg will prepare the tooth to receive its thin, tooth-like porcelain covering by trimming a small amount of natural enamel. Thanks to advanced materials and techniques, even the thickest veneers require very minimal reduction in natural enamel. “No prep” or “low prep” veneers, refer to the thickness of this type of restoration. While there may be some brands of veneers marketed as “low prep,” these options are not considered a completely different type of veneer.

After the tooth is trimmed, Dr. Greenberg applies his artistic eye to match a shade of available porcelain to natural teeth. Sometimes, the doctor will select different shades for different portions of the tooth. He will also make note of any areas of the tooth that are more translucent.

An impression will be made. This impression and notes about the features of your tooth, such as colors and translucency, will be sent to an outside lab. A lab technician will use this information to make your veneer.

Since it may take a few weeks for the technician to make a porcelain veneer, Dr. Greenberg will place a temporary veneer. Made from resin, this temporary is often recommended for patients who have a greater amount of enamel removed. Anytime this protective covering is altered, there is a risk of developing tooth sensitivity. If relatively more enamel is trimmed, the prepared tooth can also look strange when compared to surrounding teeth.

Call (843)751 4262 to schedule a consultation and find out what options are best to improve your smile.