Below is some information about dentures along with its advatages and disadvantages. If you have any questions regarding dentures please feel free to give us a call at (801)355-2202.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth typically made out of an acrylic resin which at times incorporate porcelain or metal for additional structural support. There are two main types of dentures. Both Complete Dentures and Partial Dentures are finely crafted, custom-fitted. If you properly maintain your dentures they will appear natural and provide a perfect smile. Additionally, dentures help strengthen muscles controlling your expressions that require the support of your teeth, rid you of pronunciation problems caused by missing teeth and aid with chewing.

Who is a candidate for dentures?

If you’ve lost, or are losing, all of your teeth a Complete Denture is something to discuss with your cosmetic dentist. If some of your teeth remain and are healthy, a partial denture may be your way to a great smile.

This procedure should be thoroughly discussed with your dentist as there are several personal and medical factors to take into consideration. You may instead be a candidate for dental bridges and dental implants as optional procedures.

Types of Dentures

Complete Dentures

These replace all of your teeth, upper or lower. Their comfort depends on muscle, bones, tongue, and saliva. Patients begin wearing conventional dentures after healing the teeth that were pulled.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate Dentures are placed all at once, and may require additional adjustments after the healing process. It can take months for your bone and tissue to stabilize after tooth extractions.

Upper Dentures

Upper Dentures, tend to be a bit easier to adjust to. These are made of the same materials as a Complete Denture, but are designed to provide you with upper teeth only.

Over Dentures

Over Dentures are a type of conventional denture similar to Complete Dentures. The difference is that not all teeth are extracted and they use one or more natural teeth for their support. This type provides greater stabilization during chewing. Over Dentures cost more and typically require more preparation dental appointments until the procedure is fully complete.

Partial Dentures

Designed to correct the gaps in your smile when only some of your teeth are missing. Metal attachments anchor the dentures to your natural teeth. Partial Dentures maintain tooth alignment by preventing your remaining teeth from shifting. Partial Dentures can also help prevent your loss of more teeth due to decay or gum disease.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Dentures

Pros and Cons of a Dentures

Advantages:

Dentures definitely provide a great smile with a very natural appearance. They’re made of very durable materials and last very long when properly taken care of. Typically dentures last from five to ten years. They also correct several problems, from speech to chewing, for many patients.

Disadvantages:

There’s no doubt that dentures take a little getting used to. There is maintenance involved, and initial speech issues to overcome (these are temporary and last only a couple of days). Mouth irritation or sores may occur, but are usually caused by poor dental hygiene, and not removing your dentures when needed. It is common that your mouth changes over the life of your dentures, so even though they last long, they may need to be replaced to achieve a better fit before they are worn out. With a denture a person typically chews at only 15-23% efficiency compared to a person chewing with their natural teeth. In the case of a full upper denture, the upper palate is covered which can reduce taste of foods you’re chewing.

Before                                                                      After

What is a Crown? 

A crown is like a cap that goes over a tooth preparation. Sometimes, when a tooth is very heavily restored, its multiple fillings may not look good or last long because even the strongest filling materials have their limitations. The most durable solution for restoring badly damaged teeth is to prepare the tooth for a crown. The crown not only protects remaining tooth structure, but also restores the original appearance of the tooth.
 

Procedure

Unlike fillings, crowns cannot be constructed in one visit. The dentist must first take impressions of your mouth to make some study models and also to construct temporary crowns, usually made of resin. Study models help the dentist plan the case. Every tooth is unique and will require the dentist to exercise judgement on where to trim the tooth and how much to trim. For cosmetic cases where tooth positions are changed by crowning, the dentist may have to discuss his plans with the patient before proceeding to the preparation stage.

Teeth which are still vital will feel sensitive when trimmed, so a local anaesthetic is usually given. This is to make space for the crown and adequate clearance is absolutely necessary. The thicker the crown, the stronger it is. Once the preparation is complete, the dentist takes an impression of the prepared teeth with a rubbery material. The final crowns will be fabricated on this impression. At the end of the crown preparation visit, temporary crowns are cemented to protect the remaining tooth structure.

When the permanent crown is completed in the laboratory (usually takes about a week), the temporary cowns are removed from the mouth to be replaced by the porcelain crown which is then permanently cemented over the prepared tooth. The crowning process is thus completed.

Crowns can be very simple or complex, depending on the condition of the mouth and the needs of the patient. Mobile teeth are not suitable for crowning. Teeth with bleeding gums will also affect the accuracy of the impression. For cosmetic realignment, a considerable amount of skill and experience are required.

Pictures:

If you have other questions you need answered or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment, you may contact Dr. David Duke of Dental Designs of Salt Lake City, Utah at 801-355-2202.

Brush. The first and most fundamental rule for sound dental health is to brush your teeth. Minimally, you should brush twice a day, morning and night; but optimally, you should brush three times a day. When you purchase a toothbrush and toothpaste, look for the ADA (American Dental Association) stamp. The ADA has certain standards that assure minimum quality for dental products. By choosing ADA approved dental products, you can be assured that you are getting the quality your teeth require. When you brush your teeth, visualize every surface of your teeth, top and bottom, including the nooks and crevices and your gums. Brush in a gentle, circular motion, moving slowly across all of the surfaces and crevices you visualize to ensure that your brushing action is reaching and thoroughly cleaning all the surfaces and nooks and crannies in and around your teeth where bacteria exist.

Floss. After brushing, the most important habit for maintaining the best dental health is flossing. While you may brush thoroughly and regularly, nothing beats flossing for removing plaque and other remaining bacteria that lingers on your teeth, in between your teeth, or on your gums. Also, flossing helps prevent gum diseases, which if unchecked can lead to much more serious health issues. To help you floss more thoroughly, look for floss that has a waxed coating. This helps the floss move through your teeth more easily. Floss every day.

Mouth Rinsing. The third rule for great dental health is to rinse out your mouth with either water or mouthwash after meals when you can’t brush. Swishing or gargling water or mouthwash after meals helps to remove food debris and other bacteria that is likely to remain after the meal. Food debris and bacteria cause an acid to form on your teeth that causes plaque and eats away at enamel. If plaque is not removed it can turn to tartar. Once plaque has turned to tartar only a dentist can get it off. The rinsing action minimizes the build up of plaque in your mouth.

Fluoride. The fourth rule for maintaining good dental health is to rinse your mouth with mouthwash that contains fluoride. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth, and the harder the enamel on your teeth is, the tougher it is for plaque to stick and for acid to eat through it.

Dental Check-up. The fifth rule for great dental health is to see your dentist on a regular basis. Usually dentists like you to come in every 6 months for a cleaning. Going to the dentist every six months is important for your dental health because they will do a detailed check up of all your teeth. Your dentist will also clean off any tartar build up that has occurred. Getting all of the tartar off of your teeth is crucial for avoiding gum disease.

To learn more about dental hygeine, contact Dental Designs of Salt Lake City or Call us at 801-355-2202.

Below is an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign orthodontia. If you have other questions you need answered or if you are interested in a free initial consultation, you may contact Dr. David Duke of Dental Designs of Salt Lake City, Utah at 801-355-2202.

Invisalign Advantages

The most obvious advantage of the treatment is cosmetic: the Invisalign aligners are completely transparent, which makes them far more difficult to detect than traditional wire and bracket braces. This makes the method particularly popular among adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional metal braces, which are commonly worn by children and adolescents. In addition, the aligners are marketed as being more comfortable than braces. Due to the removable nature of the device, food can be consumed without the encumbrance of metallic braces.

Clinically, aligners avoid many of the side effects of traditional fixed appliances; for example, the effects on the gums and supporting tissues. Almost all types of orthodontic treatment will cause the roots of teeth to shorten for most patients, and demineralization or tooth decay occurs in up to 50% of patients because they cannot be removed for eating and cleaning, and because they prevent accurate x-rays from being taken.

With Invisalign, patients “graduate” to a new set of aligners in their treatment series approximately every two weeks. The aligners give less force per week and less pain than do fixed appliances (traditional metal braces). Fixed appliances are adjusted approximately every six weeks and apply greater forces.

Aligners should be removed to eat, drink, to clean the teeth, or to have them checked by the clinician. Because you remove the aligners, you are not limited to what you eat, which is not the case with traditional metal braces. Computerized treatment planning is necessary as part of the Invisalign protocol. As with other forms of orthodontic treatments that incorporate a computerized plan, this allows the prospective patient to actually visualize the projected smile design. The patient will also learn how long the treatment is likely to take, and they can compare different plans and make a more educated decision about whether or not to use Invisalign.

Invisalign treatments have been claimed to be quicker than traditional orthodontics. A large-scale study of 408 patients with traditional appliances in Indiana took an average of 35.92 months with a maximum of 96 months, while Invisalign took between 12–18 months.

Invisalign Disadvantages

As with all orthodontic treatment options, Invisalign also has potential disadvantages. The very fact that the aligners are removable means they are not continually correcting the teeth. Traditional fixed braces correct constantly; yet Invisalign braces are largely dependent on a patient’s habits and their consistency in wearing the aligners. The success of the Invisalign aligners is based on a patient’s commitment to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20–22 hours per day, and only removing them when they are eating, drinking, or brushing their teeth.

The system is also somewhat expensive, as conceded by the Align Company, and can be more expensive than traditional wire and bracket systems. The aligners must be removed before eating, which might be perceived as an advantage or disadvantage, depending upon the person. The aligners and the teeth should be cleaned before re-inserting them afterwards.

Certain teeth are slightly problematic for Invisalign aligners to rotate. Some lower premolars have a rounded shape, which can make it difficult for the aligners to grasp and apply a rotational force to the tooth. Teeth grinding or clenching during the day or while sleeping can sometimes damage the aligners. In practice, however, this problem is very rare and a new aligner can be ordered. Also, similar to traditional metal braces, aligners may cause a slight lisp at the beginning of treatment, but this usually disappears as the patient becomes used to the treatment.

The aligners are constructed of implantable-grade polyurethane, and the Align company acknowledges that with a few patients there may be cases of allergic and toxic sensitivity reactions to Invisalign. There have also been a few reports of minor symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and nausea.

Treatment

Invisalign treatment begins with a dentist or orthodontist taking dental impressions, x-rays and photographs of the patient’s teeth. These impressions and photographs are sent to Align Technology. The impressions are put through a CT scan and a computer creates a three-dimensional model. Technicians then individualize the teeth in the computer model and move them to their final position as prescribed by the dentist or orthodontist. Custom Align software then simulates the movement of the teeth in stages. The orthodontist reviews the simulation online via a web browser and approves or modifies the treatment. Once approved, a plastic resin aligner is manufactured for each stage of the computer simulation and shipped to the doctor.

Average treatment time is about one year, again depending on the complexity of the treatment. Simple treatments (minor crowding, minor spacing) may be as short as twenty weeks—this is known as the “Invisalign Express” program. Although the aligners are removable, they must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours per day to avoid delaying the treatment process. If they are not worn consistently, treatment time will increase.

After the regular aligner or braces treatment is complete, retainers composed of a similar plastic material are usually required to be worn, at least at night.

The final position of the teeth is not completely determined by the last aligner. If the patient wants to change the end position because the actual position is not optimal, new aligners are ordered, which are usually included in the originally quoted cost, called a ‘Refinement.’

Dental Implants are a wonderful way to replace missing teeth. It can be used for replace one tooth or many. Dental implants may be slightly expensive but there is a noticeable shift in dental insurance and many insurance carriers now cover 50% of the cost.

Free Consultation

The first step is to schedule a FREE consultation with our Salt Lake City Dentist, Dr. David Duke. He will access the bone and surrounding tissues to determine if the missing tooth site is suitable for a dental implant.

Pre-approval of Dental Insurance Coverage

We want to ensure that there are no surprises when it comes to paying for a dental implant. We submit pre-approval claims to all insurances to make sure we understand the patient’s coverage. While there may be restrictions and exclusions on your dental plan, we do our best to apply insurance coverage to the treatment.

Placement of the Dental Implant and Healing Cap

This procedure is done in a completely sterile environment with the best technology available. Dr. Duke uses titanium implants and expert training to provide the gentlest placement possible. A cap is placed on the implant, which allows the gums to heal over the next few weeks.

Removal of the Cap and Impression for a Crown

After several weeks, the bone and implant will be examined for stability and strength. If it is approved, an impression will be made for a Dental Implant Crown.  Our dental labs take an average of 1-2 weeks to make the final crown.

Placement of the Dental Implant Crown

The final visit will consist of placing the Implant Crown on the fully healed, permanent Dental Implant. Oral hygiene routines, speaking, and eating are not impaired or altered. Dental Implants offer the best tooth replacement option available. It is the best aesthetically pleasing, gentle, permanent solution!

We are located in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. Dr. David Duke offers free consultations to all those interested in receiving information about the procedure and meeting our staff. Check out our website for before and after photos and call us today!

Brush your teeth at least TWICE daily. 

Everyone has grown up with constant reminders to brush your teeth, once in the morning and once before bedtime, yet our lives can be so busy that we fall into bed without remembering that little toothbrush!  There are many different toothbrushes available today. The traditional toothbrush has had many improvements in bristles and shapes that allow for easier access to the hard-to-clean spots. The newer battery-operated toothbrushes can be very effective in cleaning if they are used correctly.  For those who need a refresher course on tooth brushing, this is a great video from Colgate that shows the correct tooth brushing techniques.  http://www.colgateprofessional.ca/patienteducation/How-to-Brush/video

Floss your teeth at least ONCE daily. 

We remind our patients that flossing prevents tooth decay and gum disease.  Gum disease can lead to serious health problems if allowed to exist without a proper dental cleaning and treatment.  Throughout the day of eating and drinking, small pieces of food or bacteria can clamp onto your teeth. While tooth brushes clean the sides of the teeth that are visible, flossing is a necessary tool to pulling and scraping that bacteria and food off of the interproximal, or non-visible, surfaces of the teeth. The interproximal surfaces of the teeth are the MOST COMMON surfaces to have decay, simply due to the fact that they are the hardest part of the tooth to keep completely clean.

6 Month Dental Cleaning and Exam

So many people have a hard time finding or making time to go to the dentist for an hour every 6 months, but it is one of the best ways to prevent tooth decay. The hygienist has special tools and cleaning materials that allow for her to fully clean your teeth. Bacteria, plaque, or calculus can build up in between teeth or along the gumline over 6 months. These buildups must be removed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. A regular cleaning and exam can also catch a very small cavity before it becomes large, painful, or causes your tooth nerve to become infected. These small cavities are typically going to be less costly in comparison to the larger cavities, especially if the decay enters your tooth’s nerve.

With all the new food and beverage products in today’s market, it is even more important to take care of your oral health. Simple home care and 6 month dental cleanings are the best and easiest ways to prevent dental decay or other oral health problems.  Call our Salt Lake City Dental Office today to schedule a cleaning and exam at 801-355-2202, or check out our website for more information. We look forward to hearing from you and love helping all our patients maintain perfect oral health.

Types of periodontal diseases in children

Chronic gingivitis is common in children. It usually causes gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is both preventable and treatable with a regular routine of brushing, flossing and professional dental care. However, left untreated, it can eventually advance to more serious forms of periodontal disease.

Aggressive periodontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis may begin around puberty and involve the entire mouth. It is marked by inflammation of the gums and heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus. Eventually it can cause the teeth to become loose.

Periodontitis associated with systemic disease occurs in children and adolescents as it does in adults. Conditions that make children more susceptible to periodontal disease include:

• Type I diabetes
• Down syndrome
• Kindler syndrome
• Papillon-Lefevre syndrome

For example, in a survey of 263 Type I diabetics, 11 to 18 years of age, 10 percent had overt periodontitis.

Periodontal Disease Runs in the Family

Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to children and between couples. Researchers suggest that the bacteria which causes periodontal disease may be passed from one person to another though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.

Genetics may also play a major role in the onset and severity of periodontal disease. Researchers found that Up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease. Therefore, if one family member has periodontal disease, it is a good idea for all family members to see a dental professional for a periodontal disease screening.

Adolescence and oral care

Evidence shows that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene. Children who maintain good oral health habits up until the teen years are more likely to continue brushing and flossing than children who were not taught proper oral care.

Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for getting periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum’s sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. During this time, the gums may become swollen, turn red and feel tender.

As a teen progresses through puberty, the tendency for the gums to swell in response to irritants will lessen. However, during puberty, it is very important to follow a good at-home oral hygiene regimen, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental care. In some cases, a dental professional may recommend periodontal therapy to help prevent damage to the tissues and bone surrounding the teeth.

Advice for parents

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.

Many medications can dry out the mouth or pose other threats to oral health. Be sure to tell your dental professional about any medications your family members are taking.

Monitor your family to see if anyone has the habit of teeth grinding. Grinding can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, in addition to causing cracked or chipped teeth. Dentists can make custom-fitted night bite guards to prevent teeth grinding at night.

Researchers suggest periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. If one family member has periodontal disease, all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal evaluation.

The most important preventive step against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child. There are basic preventive steps to help your child maintain good oral health:

• Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.
• Serve as a good role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself.
• Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, periodontal evaluations and cleanings.
• Check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath.

If your child currently has poor oral health habits, work with your child to change these now. It’s much easier to modify these habits in a child than in an adult. Since your child models behavior after you, it follows that you should serve as a positive role model in your oral hygiene habits. A healthy smile, good breath and strong teeth all contribute to a young person’s sense of personal appearance, as well as confidence and self-esteem. Make sure to bring your child in for their regular 6 month cleaning and exam, where periodontal disease can be prevented and caught early. Call our Salt Lake City Dental Office to make an appointment or check out our website for more information.

Here is an article about tooth whitening from the ADA.  It might answer some questions you have about whitening.

What should you ask your dentist?

There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.

Bleaching solutions. These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically rely on percent carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%).

Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely. Currently, only dentist-dispensed home-use 10% carbamide peroxide tray-applied gels carry the ADA Seal.

You also may want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn’t fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

This month ONLY we are offering $49 tooth whitening kits that include whitening gel and custom bleach trays. Check out our website or call our Salt Lake City Dental office today for an appointment! 801-355-2202

Of course we don’t resort to those measures, but there is some reshaping done to achieve the looks that we desire.  Using “smile guides” we can choose over 30,000 different ways that a cosmetic dentist can create a new smile.  One of the most popular guides is one developed by Dr. William Dickerson, the founder of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.  I have had the privilage of studing there for the past seven years under his tutelage.  I have designed thousands of smiles using veneers and porcelain crowns to acheive the look we wanted.  Each smile style is a combination of the teeth shapes for the front six teeth.  For example, the four front teeth (incisors) could be either square at the corners, square at one corner and rounded at the other, or rounded at both corners. Similarly, the cuspids or eye teeth (third tooth back) could be pointed, rounded or flat. Combining these different shapes each produces a uniquely different smile style. Please note, this smile library below is only to choose the basic shape of the front six teeth, and in no way reflect the color, length, surface texture or translucency that the porcelain veneers or crowns will have. Those other things are addressed in other aspects of smile design and choosing the best combination for your “sensational new smile”.

For most females, the “Enhanced” smile style is one of our most popular designs. Note that the second teeth from the center are a little shorter than the front teeth. This is a youthful effect we call “the gull wing” that really looks nice on females. The “Hollywood” style above is a little more “toothy” and works well for males and especially those wanting to show off a little more teeth. The “Oval” style might look best on someone with a very round face. Notice how very round the edges of the four front teeth are? The “Aggressive” style has tooth edges that are flat almost straight across. We use it mostly for men and it simulates someone who might be a bit older and have a habit of grinding his teeth. The “Youthful” style simulates the shape of unworn teeth that might be seen in a 14 year old. Although many adults like this name because they think it might give them the illusion of being significantly younger, we almost always utilize this design in much younger individuals. The “Mature” style has squarish edges on the four front teeth and is another design that we frequently use for men. The “Softened” style is a very popular design that we use for those wanting their smile to help make them appear a little younger than their years. It is my preference to use smile designs that have the cuspids (also called canines, the third teeth back on each side) that are slightly round, not flat (too old looking) or pointed (too aggressive looking). It is important that both the patient and cosmetic dentist actively discuss the different smile styles at the beginning of the smile makeover process. Using our technique called “the trial smile” we’re able to make provisional veneers or crowns so that our patient can “test drive” their new smile prior to making any final decision regarding the smile design for their final porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns.

Call our Salt Lake City Dental Office today for a free consultation or check out our website for more information.

Actual Patient, Porcelain Veneers

1^st Step: Dr. David Duke offers FREE Consultations to everyone interested in dental veneers. Every patient must have an exam and discuss their cosmetic preferences with the Dentist. The oral health of the patient and any malocclusion (crowding and incorrect bite) must be addressed before veneers will be recommended. An impression is taken of the upper and lower teeth and the lab will fabricate a wax model of the future veneers. The patient will be able to choose the style of veneer desired from our photo examples. 

How many Dental Veneers do I need?

Many patients are interested in placing a veneer on one or two teeth to improve their appearance. While this can be done, we highly recommend placing veneers on each tooth seen when you smile. Some people have smaller mouths and may only have 4 or 6 teeth visible when smiling or talking. Others may have a “Julia Roberts” smile and need 6 to 10 veneers made. We use the best labs in Salt Lake City, Utah and we make our veneers as natural looking as the patient desires.

2^nd Step: The patient will return to review and revise the wax model of the veneers.  This is absolutely necessary to review with the patient because it provides a physical, visual example of the final result.  Wax-ups, as they are called, provide the patient with a chance to review and change any part of the veneer that they don’t like. The size, shape, length, texture, or color will all be considered and the patient will be able to make educated decisions for their permanent veneers. 

3^rd Step: Once the look of the veneers is chosen, the patient will return for the veneer preparation visit. The Dentist will slightly reduce the chosen teeth and take the final impression for the lab. Temporary veneers are made in the office to replicate the permanent veneers. The patient will wear these for a few days while the lab creates the permanent veneers.

Note: Some patients may require Laser Gum Recontouring.  When preparing for veneers, the gumline can be moved or re-shaped to prevent a “gummy smile” and the veneers will be made to sit perfectly along the gumline. We use a very gentle laser that promotes quick healing and little to no discomfort.

Actual Patient, Porcelain Veneers

4^th Step: The temporary veneers are gently removed, the tooth is cleaned from any cement, and the Permanent Veneers are placed on the teeth with permanent cement. Any slight or small adjustments will be made by the dentist to ensure correct bite and esthetics of the teeth.

We welcome you to visit our office, meet our Dentist and Team members, and enjoy freshly baked cookies. Our FREE Consultations allow patients to discuss all treatment options with the Dentist and help us understand your unique desires. Feel free to check out our website for before and after photos and more information. At your convenience, call our Salt Lake City Dental Office at 801-355-2202 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!