Dental Veneers
If you are interested in making significant improvements to the cosmetics of your smile, you may want to consider dental veneers. Dr. Rifkin has specialized in veneers for over three decades, making him one of the leading authorities not only in Beverly Hills but the entire country!
What Are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a razor-thin shell that we place over the front surface of a tooth to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Dental veneers are ideal for patients with chipped, misaligned, worn down, uneven, gapped, stained, or abnormally-shaped teeth. In many ways, they are a conservative alternative to full-coverage dental crowns, which require a complete reshaping of healthy enamel. Dr. Rifkin only has to remove a minor amount of enamel from the front of a tooth to place the veneer.
Before You Get Veneers
The veneer procedure is generally considered irreversible due to the new shape of your teeth. For this reason, there are a few factors you should consider before we proceed we treatment. Some of these factors include:
Which teeth do you want to cover? This is something we will discuss during your consultation appointment. Veneers can be used to correct a single tooth or an entire row depending on your desired results.
What color do you want your new teeth? The whiteness of your smile is a big component when choosing your veneers. Most people what their teeth to look as white as possible while maintaining a natural appearance. The color of your veneers is often dictated by the tone of your skin, so we can avoid teeth that look monochromatic, opaque, or false.
Are you a candidate for temporary Veneers? The procedure is typically broken up into two appointments: one to prepare the teeth and one to place the veneers. The fabrication process may take a couple of weeks. In the meantime, you may qualify for a temporary version that allows you to experience your new smile first hand. It also allows us to cater your final veneers to your individual taste, making any adjustments you deem necessary after wearing your temporary set.
Preparation for Veneer Procedure
Dr. Rifkin specializes in several different types of veneers, each one with its own unique procedure. However, each procedure usually follows the same basic steps. The most popular procedure involves the placement of porcelain veneers.
The first step for porcelain veneers involves your active participation. Be sure to explain your desired results to Dr. Rifkin during your consultation appointment. We will then use diagnostic tools to analyze the existing aspects of your teeth, smile, and surrounding facial structure. The most important aspects include:
The midline is an imaginary vertical line drawn between the front two upper teeth and the starting point for any smile design.
The smile line is created by the top of your lower lip. Ideally, the bottom edges of your upper teeth should be parallel to your lower lip when you smile.
Your gums are an important part of your smile. An aesthetically-pleasing smile strikes a nice balance between your gum tissues and your teeth.
We want the shape and size of your new teeth to enhance the natural beauty of your existing smile.
We use our technical and artistic abilities to create a smile that works well with your facial characteristics in order to provide an attractive and naturalistic result.
A high, medium or low smile refers to the classification of your smile line. People with a low smile line only show the biting edge of the tooth when they smile. A medium smile line shows most of the tooth and some of the gum tissue, while a high smile line shows the top teeth and a large amount of gum tissue.
The color of your teeth should complement your hair, skin, and eye color. We may use a shade guide to determine the optimal color of your new veneers.
The Veneer Procedure
Once we develop an appropriate treatment plan we can schedule your procedure. Thanks to Dr. Rifkin years of experience, your procedure will be safe, effective, and time-efficient.
During your first appointment, Dr. Rifkin will slightly buff the front surfaces of your teeth. With the exception of Lumineers®, most procedures involve a minor shaping of the enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. We will remove about ½ a millimeter from your teeth. Before we begin, we may apply local anesthetic to numb the area, especially if you have sensitivity issues. Next, we will take an impression of your newly reshaped teeth.
We may ask you to schedule a follow-up appointment in the weeks following your procedure. This allows us to check on the fit of your new veneers, and ensure your gums are responding well to your new teeth.
The impression is then sent to our dental laboratory, where we will use it to create a 3D model of your teeth. We will use this model to fabricate your final veneers. This process can take anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on the materials.
Once your final veneers are ready, we can schedule the second part of the procedure. During this appointment, Dr. Rifkin will remove any temporaries and examine the fit of your new veneers. This may involve some last minute adjustments to ensure the perfect fit. Once we are satisfied, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to allow for a stronger bonding process. Next, Dr. Rifkin will apply a special dental cement to each veneer and place them over your teeth. We will then use an ultraviolet curing light to activate the chemicals in the cement, and expedite the bonding process.
Which Type of Veneer Is Best for Me?
Advancements in technology and technique have led to the advent of several different types of veneers. With his advanced knowledge and expertise, Dr. Rifkin will be able to help you choose which type best suits your individual needs. The following types are our most popular options:
Porcelain is one of the most common materials used in cosmetic dentistry today, especially for veneers! The reason? Porcelain is both aesthetically-pleasing and durable. In fact, porcelain veneers can last for more than 15 years with proper care and maintenance. It is also stain-resistant and possesses the same light-scattering properties of natural enamel.
This relatively new option is extremely thin and translucent, allowing the natural tooth to show through. Because of their thickness, Lumineers® does not require a reshaping of the enamel. This allows for a minimally-invasive procedure that does not require a local anesthetic. However, Lumineers® are not ideal for everyone, especially patients with severe stains. Talk with Dr. Rifkin during your consultation to learn more.
Composite resin is a cheaper and faster alternative to traditional porcelain veneers. The putty-like material is applied and shaped directly to the tooth, allowing for easy placement. Unfortunately, the composite resin is easy to fracture or chip. A composite veneer is also susceptible to stains, unlike its porcelain counterpart. While they may be economical at first, you may end up spending more on upkeep in the long-term.
The Advantages of Dental Veneers
The advantages of dental veneers include:
Veneers can improve unsightly teeth with a naturalist approach. Most people will not even notice your new appliance.
Most veneers will last anywhere from eight (8) to fifteen (15) years. Under the proper care and maintenance, your veneer can last even longer!
Your veneers can be cleaned and maintained as you would your normal teeth. Be sure to avoid poor oral health habits such as teeth grinding and chewing on pen caps to improve the lifespan of your veneers.
With the exception of composite resin, your veneers should be resistant to future stains.
Conserving more of your natural tooth enamel is better for your overall oral health. Other restorations can put those teeth at risk for structural damage or decay.
The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require any downtime or recovery. You will be able to return to your daily life the same day as placement.
Making cosmetic improvements to your smile can actually affect your mental health. You may find yourself smiling more with your new veneers.
There is a reason Dr. Rifkin has treated some of the most recognizable faces in entertainment, sports, and politics. He’s simply the best! You too can experience the amazing benefits of dental veneers. Click here or call 310-596-7230. schedule your consultation now.