This treatment is exciting because it can be the starting point of a positive life changing process but care needs to be taken to ensure the ideal result.

A. Visualising the result with initial discussions

It is important that we discuss the options fully. Looking at what you would like to be changed about the present appearance of your teeth. Factors to look into include;

• Crowding can be decreased
• Spaces can be filled (or reopened)
• Midline shift can be corrected (several mm’s is acceptable provided the teeth are vertical)
• Rotations / Angulations / Tilting can be corrected
• Teeth levels can be altered to bring them to a consistent level
• Ideal tooth shade/ colour can be produced, hiding any imperfections (including mottling due to fluorosis, visible cracks, internal staining, dark shade due to loss of tooth vitality, stained filling margins). Orthodontics alone cannot correct this.
• Tooth shape and size can also be modified to match your personality OR perhaps made to match teeth in earlier years, perhaps using photos for guidance. Orthodontics alone cannot correct this.
• Stability of occlusion (relationship between your upper and lower jaws) can be achieved/ conformed to.

B. Smile Design

We can then design a fresh smile to your prescription and perhaps produce a “smile design” printout (aesthetic prediction) of what we believe can be achieved in your case. Clearly this is for guidance only and any alterations you wish to make can be added to the guide.

How many Veneers / Crowns should be considered?
As a general rule a much better cosmetic result can be achieved if a greater number of veneers are fitted this provides far greater control over the overall appearance of your smile and associated tooth shade. With fewer veneers, viewing your smile from the side could show where the Veneers ended and your own teeth began. In a nutshell, you may be able to “See the join”. However, it is a relatively easy matter to add two veneers to your smile at a later date if this is deemed necessary, and I would be happy to quote you a price for this at a future date.

C. 3D Diagnostic wax-up

Using the Smile Design as a guide my laboratory can use tooth coloured wax to create the ideal aesthetics upon the casts of your present situation. This “diagnostic wax-up” will thus give you a good idea of what we can achieve (but also what you want).

D. Prototype Veneers / Crowns

The (3D Diagnostic wax-up) models can be used to fabricate prototype (resin) veneers/ crowns (sometimes known as “mock-ups”). In ideal cases these can be fitted over your existing teeth and provide you with a clearer idea of what the finished veneers will look like in your mouth. Any alterations can then be made to these prototype veneers for your satisfaction.

We will need to review how any changes we are proposing will affect your appearance, your speech and your chewing power before embarking upon the final step of final Veneer production.
When we are happy a ‘mould’ is then taken, returned to the lab and used as a guide in the fabrication of your final veneers.

Which Shade (Colour)?
This is open for you to choose, but we must get the colour just right so that your veneers / crowns do not look false. We can look at some basic shade guides to help you choose, but I really feel that we should involve the technician in the final decision. Shade matching between natural teeth and veneers is extremely difficult as light colours will affect it (i.e. it may be possible to match the shades in normal daylight however this may be quite different when viewed indoors). For this reason multiple veneers are usually recommended.

E. Shade Taking and Production

In some cases the shade is taken by my ceramicist who makes the porcelain veneers/ crowns. His equipment and skill allows subtle shade variations to be added to the work, providing a superior natural appearance. The shape of your teeth can also be further optimized to compliment your smile. It is vital that the relationship with my ceramicist is maintained and a visit to their lab has always been appreciated by patients who can see the level of care and artistry that goes into creating their new smile.

F. Final Porcelain Veneers

The Final Porcelain Veneers are checked in position, then bonded to the teeth using tooth coloured wear-resistant resin. Very minor adjustments can then be made however this has not been required in any of our cases yet. A protective gum-shield is provided to ensure the restorations are not damaged during sleep etc.

G. Long-Term Maintenance

Long-term maintenance of the new Veneers / Crowns and of your teeth generally (and associated oral soft tissues). This is an absolutely essential part of the treatment to protect and optimise your investment.