Veneers can do a lot for a smile. Dental veneers are thin
shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. Typically made of porcelain,
veneers have a translucent appearance that mimics dental enamel, but they cover
imperfections for a more aesthetically appealing smile. Our cosmetic dentist can
use veneers to correct many cosmetic flaws and transform a smile.
What Can Veneers Do?
Our cosmetic dentist can use veneers to improve the shape, color and other
aspects of teeth. They can conceal chips, cracks, uneven enamel and other
common flaws, and they can cover stains, close gaps and make teeth look
straight. Veneers can even be used to strengthen a weak tooth. Once a veneer is
applied, it can last 15 years or more with good care.
Benefits of Veneers
Little preparation is required to place veneers, and some require no
preparation at all. The porcelain is carefully matched to teeth for a natural
appearance, and once they are applied, they are indistinguishable from natural
enamel. They have an attractive translucency that reflects light just like
teeth do, but they do not stain or discolor.
The Process
Candidates for veneers will begin by having a small portion of their outer
enamel removed. This is to make room for the veneers, which are about the same
thickness as a contact lens. By removing the enamel, a better, more comfortable
fit is ensured. Once the tooth has been prepared, an impression is made to
serve as a model for crafting the veneers. The porcelain is matched to
surrounding teeth for a flawless look.
Two visits are needed: the first to prepare the teeth and the second to fit the
veneers. The veneer is bonded into place using a special adhesive that will
keep it secure for years. To maintain the veneers, patients only need to brush
and floss as directed and schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups. They
should also avoid using their teeth as tools, a habit that could crack both
veneers and natural teeth.
Contact our veneers dentist in San Francisco today to learn more about how veneers
can transform a smile.
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Our
many years of experience with Invisalign allows us to help our patients achieve
their best smiles. It also gives our staff a great look at all of Invisalign's
advances and improvements over the years. One such development that many of our
patients’ love is the Invisalign Express treatment.
While the majority of our patients get excellent results with the Invisalign
full treatment, we have many patients that our orthodontist in Rocklin believes
would benefit from the Invisalign Express system. We typically advise a patient
to use the Express treatment when they have slight imperfections or misaligned teeth.
Invisalign Express works the same way that the full Invisalign treatment works.
See-through plastic alignment trays fit over your teeth and will progressively
move your teeth into their ideal position. As with the full course of
Invisalign, in order to get the best results, you should wear your alignment
trays for 20-22 hours every day. Also, express patients need to follow the
hygiene protocol prescribed for traditional Invisalign patients. Our Invisalign
Express patients have their progress checked at regular intervals so that they
can get their new alignment trays. The guidelines for using the full Invisalign
and the Express Invisalign are the same. The beautiful results are also the
same for each type of Invisalign.
The most significant distinction between the original Invisalign system and
Invisalign Express is that an Express patient finishes their treatment in as
little as three to six months. The typical amount of time spent using the full
Invisalign system is 12 to 18 months. It is important to remember that these
are averages and your personal treatment time may be somewhat shorter or
longer. Occasionally, our dentist may add to the amount of time using the
express treatment. This typically only happens when our Invisalign dentist does
not see the projected amount of progress.
If you think that you may be a good candidate for the Invisalign Express
treatment or would like to learn more about all the ways Invisalign can help
you, do not hesitate to call our office right away. Our staff is always happy
to answer your questions and meet your dental needs.
