What Are Dental Veneers?

One of the hottest topics discussed in dentistry today is the use of Dental Veneers in the restoration of an individuals smile.  Interestingly enough, veneers have come full circle in technology and aesthetic ability over the last 30 years and it seems that with Hollywood and the media's ability to hype a product they are here to stay and hopefully continue to improve smiles everywhere!  Here at Rigby Advanced Dental we often hear the questions, "What are dental veneers?", "How long do they last?", "Can I get them?" and "How much do they cost?".  To better inform our dental friends about veneers we will address these questions and more in this post.

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates) are very thin, custom-made covers of tooth-colored materials designed to mask the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.  These coverings are bonded to the front of the teeth often changing their color, shape, size, and length.  Individuals often elect to have these restorations done to address aesthetic concerns and to customize their smile in a minimally invasive way.  

Dental veneers can be made from Porcelain or from Resin Composite dental materials.  Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.  Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement, but they are more prone to staining over time and on average do not last as long as the porcelain veneers.  You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with Dr. Rigby.

When are Veneers Indicated and What Problems Do They Address?

Veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, uneven, irregularly shaped, or to close spaces (gaps) between them.  The indications for when dental veneers are appropriate is a very controversial and debated topic in the dental field today.  At the center of the argument is the ethical debate of whether or not the veneering procedure is harmful to their patients and if cosmetic concerns should dictate the procedures performed by dentists and specialists alike.

Here at Rigby Advanced Dental, Dr. Rigby firmly believes and upholds the American College of Prosthodontists stand that each and every case is unique and that these types of decisions are best made on an individual basis, after everyone involved has been informed of the pros and cons of restoration.  Veneers are a wonderful thing for our patients and can help improve overall aesthetics, but not everyone is an ideal candidate for them.

What is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist......one for a consultation and two to make and deliver the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

• Appointment #1 --- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• This first step involves active participation between the patient and Dr. Rigby.  The purpose of this visit is for the patient to explain what they are attempting to achieve and their expectations with dental treatment. 
• During this appointment Dr. Rigby performs a clinical examination to make sure dental veneers are appropriate and discusses what the procedure will involve and its limitations. Dr. Rigby will then gather some diagnostic information about your mouth by taking X-rays (radiographs) and making impressions of your mouth and teeth.  

• Appointment #2 --- Tooth Preparation
• A local anesthetic will be applied and time allowed for it to take affect.  Dr. Rigby will then prepare the teeth for veneers by removing approximately ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. 
• Dr. Rigby will then make a final impression of your prepared teeth and this model is sent to a dental laboratory, which in turn fabricates the veneers.  On average it takes 1 to 2 weeks for the veneers to be completed and ready for final delivery to the patient.  While the veneers are being fabricated Dr. Rigby can make custom temporary dental veneers and place them on the teeth until the permanent ones are completed.

• Appointment #3 --- Veneer Placement and Bonding
• Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, Dr. Rigby will evaluate them on the teeth for fit, contour and color.  He will then remove and trim the veneers as needed to achieve the proper fit and contour.  A permanent cement shade will be selected for a final custom touch and the teeth will be prepared for bonding.
• To prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, the teeth will be cleaned, polished, and etched which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bond between the teeth and veneers.  A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. 
• Once properly position on the tooth, Dr. Rigby will apply a special light to the dental veneer, which activates the bonding chemicals in the cement.  
• The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating the bite and making any final adjustments to the veneer as necessary.  Dr. Rigby may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check the how the gums (gingiva) are responding to the presence of the veneers and to again examine their placement on the teeth.
  
  

Upper Anterior Porcelain Veneers

What Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?

• Patients ability to customize their smile to meet their expectations.
• They provide a natural tooth translucency and appearance.
• Porcelain veneers are stain and plaque resistant.
• Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
• The color of a porcelain veneer can mask an underlying cosmetic concern.......making dark or stained teeth appear whiter, brighter and more appealing.
• Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s shape, contour and color.

What Are the Limitations and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?

• The process is not truly reversible as some will claim.
• Porcelain veneers are more costly than composite resin bonding.
• Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.
• Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Avoid eating and drinking substances that are highly staining......like red wine and grape juice.  
• Veneers may not exactly match the color of your other natural teeth not restored.
• The veneer’s color cannot be altered once in place.......if you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to consider doing this beforehand.  Dr. Rigby follows a strict protocol to avoid any guessing or surprises in shade when delivering a final prosthetic restoration.
• Veneers are not indestructible and can be dislodged or debonded with improper care.  Avoid activities like biting your nails, chewing on pencils, ice, or other hard objects.  Avoid putting excessive pressure on your teeth whenever possible.
• Teeth with veneers can still experience dental decay and cavity formation.
• Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth, weakened teeth, or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.
• Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause the veneers to crack, chip, or debond.
  
  

Porcelain Veneers Smile

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

This question is relative to what dental material is used for the final restoration.........as mentioned earlier, either Composite Resin or Porcelain can be used.  On average, Porcelain Veneers last between 5 to 10 years......with some lasting longer and others shorter, depending on personal hygiene and routine dental care. Composite Resin Veneers have an average life span of 3-5 years......often requiring replacement sooner than the dental porcelain alternative.  The most common reasons for repair or replacement of veneers is recurrent dental decay, staining around the margins of the existing restorations, gingival recession, and accidental damage.

Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?

Here at Rigby Advanced Dental we will say ABSOLUTELY YES!  Especially when it comes to your at home use and dental hygiene visits.  Veneers should only be cleaned with specific dental abrasives to ensure their long term luster and brilliance.  One thing to always keep in mind is veneers are dental restorations and by nature are not impervious to damage just like your natural teeth.  Special care should be taken to avoid chewing hard foods and drinking substances that are stain-causing (coffee, tea, red wine, or grape juice).  Please continue to follow good oral hygiene practices including brushing and flossing as you normally would. 

What Are the Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

Alternatives to veneers include resin bonding (composite) and crowns.  Veneers offer a nice intermediate option that is a minimally invasive procedure.  Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit......as is done with bonding......but not enough to require a crown.

If you have an questions or are considering dental veneers please do not hesitate to call (512) 992-2822 or stop by Rigby Advanced Dental to schedule a FREE prosthodontic consultation.

Another Implant Case!

This case was started in January of this year that was evaluated this week for implant integration (bone growth onto the implant surface) and stability.  From the clinical testing and x-ray exam Dr. Rigby was able to give it a thumbs up and recommended proceeding with treatment.  Dr. Rigby placed the dental implants in our office located in the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, TX in about an hour under local anesthetic.  The patient and Dr. Rigby had a fun chat about his Ohio State Buckeyes and their recent win..........Dr. Rigby firmly believes, "There is always time to talk college football in my practice, especially when it's about my Buckeyes".

The patient came to us in a last chance effort to find someone who was willing to work with his insurance and be able to fabricate a CUSTOM set of complete dentures the OLD SCHOOL way.  After wearing dentures for over 30 years the patient recently had a new set made and found them to be "inadequate" compared to others he had had over the years.  The patient said, "They handed me these dentures after 2-3 appointments and I knew then that something was wrong with their philosophy of making custom dentures."  After some research and looking into the backgrounds of several practitioners he choose Rigby Advanced Dental to not only make a new set of custom dentures, but also upgrade the situation in the lower arch with two dental implants. 

Before Implant Placement

After Implant Placement (3 month)

One of the best treatments we offer here at Rigby Advanced Dental is being able to place two dental implants in the lower arch (mandible) for an experienced denture wearer.  They truly experience a world of difference in the stability and retention of their lower denture and they love us for what we've been able to do for them.  I can't tell you how many times I hear "this is the best thing I've ever done for my mouth and I have no idea why I waited so long".  In my opinion these are often the happiest friends I have in our dental family.  Of all the treatments and therapies available in dentistry I honestly believe this is one of the best life changing procedures we can provide. 
                                                                                ---Brent Rigby DDS, MS---

If you live in the Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Barton Creek or other Lake Travis, TX areas and are in need of a dental specialist please contact us for a Free Prosthodontic Consultation.  Dr. Rigby will personally sit down with you and discuss your concerns regarding your dentures, implants, partials, and other dental esthetic/cosmetic needs, Rigby Advanced Dental (512) 992-2822.

Today's Implant Placement

Check out this dental implant placement Dr. Rigby just completed for one of our outstanding patients!  The procedure took approximately an hour and the results are "FABULOUS"!  Both the client and Dr. Rigby were pleased with the outcome and look forward to completing the treatment soon. 

Before Dental Implant Placement

After Dental Implant Placement

After Implant Placement Close Up

At Rigby Advanced Dental a set clinical protocol is followed for all of our dental implant patients, doing this ensures our best possible effort has been made to achieve success.  Through his extensive training as a Prosthodontist, Dr Brent Rigby has been able to master the many aspects of dental implant therapy.  Rigby Advanced Dental not only offers complete implant care, but also offers a variety of other dental services.  Please visit our website Rigby Advanced Dental for details.  We enjoy being able to provide top notch dental care from start to finish for our extended dental family! 

What are Dental Implants?

A question we get here at Rigby Advanced Dental is, "What are dental implants?" and "How do they work?".  Luckily, Dr Rigby is chalk full of great information, experience and loves to talk and teach about dental implants.  Dr Rigby can often be heard telling implant candidates, "There is no better way to restore your smile and fulfill your expectations with treatment........implants are AWESOME!"  If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from tooth loss, you know what a disconcerting problem it can be. Thankfully, whether you are missing a single tooth or several, dental implants may be an option for flawlessly natural-looking tooth replacement.

Here is a brief description of dental implant therapy:

• A dental implant is a small titanium cylinder surgically placed into the jawbone in the same area where the root of a natural tooth has been lost. 
• Over a short period of time (approx 3-4 months), bone integrates into the grooves of the titanium implant, making it strong enough to support a porcelain restoration that is a perfect aesthetic match for a natural tooth. 
• Implants may be used to replace a single missing tooth.
• Multiple implants can be used to support a bridge.
• In some cases, dental implants may also be used to securely anchor a full arch denture.



Different types of dental implants that are used to support dental crowns and prostheses


Because they function like natural teeth, many patients who once suffered the embarrassment and discomfort of tooth loss are able to regain their confidence with dental implants.

Who is a candidate to receive dental implants?

• In order to place a dental implant, there must be adequate bone support as well as healthy surrounding tissues.......Dr Rigby says, "Bone is King!" when it comes to adequate alveolar (jaw bone) support.
• Candidates must be committed to excellent oral hygiene in order to ensure long-term success of the prosthetic, and if necessary a change of a daily habit. 
• Placement of the implant is a surgical procedure, so it is important that implant patients are in good physical health.  Acurratly reporting of your medical history and medications taken or prescribed is a necessity to avoid any underlying complications.
• There are very few circumstances when dental implant therapy is contradicted.  Some patients may need extra precaution, but usually find success.
• Each patient seeking care is evaluated by Dr. Rigby, a Prosthodontist, who is specialty trained to ensure our best efforts are being made to make the implant placement a success.

What if there isn’t adequate jawbone to support the implant?

• In some cases bone replacement grafts can be performed to build up the height of the jaw to support an implant. Doing so adds time to the implant process, cost, and may not be an option for everyone.

The dental Implant in the bone supports the overlying abutment and crown.

How long is the implant process from start to finish?

• Again, each case is different, and there is no hard-and-fast rule to determine the duration. It can take several months and multiple visits to ensure the best end result! In most cases, Dr. Rigby and his expert staff are able to offer temporary tooth replacement options during this time, so there is no reason to fear being toothless for several months!
• If the situation is right, some individuals are able to have the implant(s) placed and immediately restored with a temporary crown or prosthesis the same day.  Dr Rigby will be happy to discuss this option and provide more information on immediate placement and restoration.

What will my dental implant feel like?

• Your dental implant should function like a natural tooth. 
• It can be brushed, flossed, and chewed on like any natural tooth in your mouth. 
• One of the most attractive features of dental implants is how indistinguishable they are from natural teeth, in function as well as appearance!

When can I get started?

• Contact your friendly, local implant specialist today to schedule an appointment!

Dental implants are truly a wonderful option for patients that desire the look and function of natural teeth.  Don't hesitate to call Rigby Advanced Dental (512) 992-2822 with questions.