Issue 29.12
An often asked question from my dental patients is, “How can I make my smile look better without crowning or veneering all my front teeth?” The answer depends onthecondition oftheir front teeth of course. Ifthey are riddled with fillings on every surface,then crowning istheonly option. Iftheir teeth are extremely crookedthen orthodontics isthereasonable approach. If, ontheother hand,they have a few fillings here orthere andthey are discolored, stained or mildly crooked,then a reasonable alternative is what I call a chair-side veneer. White filling material (composite) is bonded (adhered) tothefront side ofthetooth. Ithen sculptthematerial with my hand piece tothedesired shape. Generally no anesthetic is needed because I am not drilling intothetooth, but sculptingthesurface oftheadhered material just like a manicurist does when doing fingernails. The resulting new look can be dramatic. Crooked and discolored teeth can look perfect. The cost is about one thirdthecost of a porcelain crown or veneer. So what arethedrawbacks? Longevity, strength, and opacity are definite drawbacks to name a few. Although a chair-side veneer, as I have described it, looks quite good, it is not as stunning as finely fired porcelain withthelaboratory craftsman’s touch of color and translucency that copies nature. If you are looking for a cosmetic change that might last five to ten years and costs a lot less than crowning, direct bonding (chair side-veneer) istheway to go. Make sure your dentist does this procedure. Not all dentists are comfortable in doing multiple teeth. Some offices are willing to give a complimentary char side consultation and estimate as I do to help you make your decision.
Phillip Hall is a practicing general dentist in St. George. He is also head of the St. George Craniofacial Treatment Center, and operates St. George Dental Careers, a successful dental assisting school. Board Certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Appointments for general dentistry or dentures call 656-1111. For sleep apnea appliances or TMJ problems call 634-8338.