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Porcelain
Veneers
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Veneering
a tooth means to cover its facial, or front, surface. It is actually
very similar to placing acrylic fingernails on top of natural
nails. Veneers are used to enhance the shape and color of teeth,
as well as to close spaces between teeth. Veneers can also cover
up significant stains such as those caused by tetracycline. As
we age, wear of the front teeth may affect the aesthetics of our
smile. Porcelain veneers may be used to lengthen worn or short
teeth and restore the smile of older patients.
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There are
two types of veneers: direct and indirect. Direct veneers are
completed in a single visit using composite or plastic material.
Since indirect veneers require a dental laboratory to fabricate
the final restoration, these type of veneers are placed in two
separate visits. The indirect veneer can be made of either a composite
material or, more commonly, a porcelain material. Veneers are
often used in place of crowns and are more conservative and look
more natural. Setting Dr.Rex Hoang
apart and making the veneers so special is the working relationship
with the ceramist. The ceramist is the technician that will actually
fabricate your porcelain veneers. There are many different types
of porcelain veneers, however, the most aesthetic veneer is still
the opaque porcelain veneer. This veneer is hand-painted and glazed
by the ceramist which makes Dr.Rex Hoang
veneers the most beautiful anywhere.
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During the
first visit, a local anesthetic is used and the tooth (teeth)
are reduced by approximately 0.5 mm - 2.0 mm. An impression of
the teeth in this state is taken and sent to a dental laboratory
for fabrication of the veneers. Depending on the amount of reduction
necessary, a temporary veneer may be placed. Between the time
of the impression and the placement of the final restoration,
a patient may experience slight sensitivity to hot and cold.
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At the second
visit, a local anesthetic can be used for the patient's comfort.
After thoroughly cleaned and preparing the teeth, the veneers
are placed with a resin material and cured, or hardened, with
a special curing light.
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Typically,
the porcelain veneers should last about 15 years. However, with
proper care and maintenance they can last longer. Porcelain veneers
resist staining, reflect light and are among the strongest and
most natural looking restoration available.
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Also
there are other uses for porcelain in dentistry.
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Ceramic
fillings, like composites, come in several different types
that can be used for different situations. Ceramics are
typically used for the larger and more broken down areas.
In these cases, an inlay or onlay to cover more of the tooth's
surface may be indicated. These restorations are indirect
because they require two visits and fabrication by a dental
laboratory. The ceramic restorations are considerably more
expensive and therefore simple, one-visit composite fillings
are typically used instead. Ceramic restorations are much
more durable and will not stain.
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A bridge
is a fixture used to replace missing teeth. While removable
bridges are available, most bridges are permanent or "fixed."
They can be used to replace one tooth or nearly all the
teeth in your mouth, thus having both functional and aesthetic
importance. Gaps from missing teeth can cause other teeth
to shift or move out of their sockets encouraging further
tooth loss. Bridges provide an alternative to more expensive
dental implants or even dentures. A dentist installs a fixed
bridge by first cutting down the adjacent teeth and fitting
them with crowns. Temporary crowns and spacers will be used
until the custom made crowns and bridge can be installed.
The space between the crowns is then filled with the appropriate
amount of artificial teeth, which are attached to the crowns
for support. Correctly installed fixed bridges are virtually
indistinguishable from your natural teeth. These appliances
can be very expensive, but dental insurance will often cover
a large part of the cost.
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This
health article is made available by Dr. Rex Hoang DMD a
Dentist. DC Dental Spa office at 1325 18th St. Northwest,
Suite 203 Washington, DC 20036. Dr. Rex Hoang DMD is easily
accessible from Glen Echo, Ft Myer, Fort Washington, Brentwood,
Falls Church, Dunn Loring, Garrett Park, Kensington, Cabin
John, Chevy Chase, Riverdale, College Park, Alexandria,
Oxon Hill, Arlington, Bethesda, Bladensburg, Washington.
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STATE
OF THE ART DENTAL CARE
ONE PATIENT AT A TIME |
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