Questions about Instant Orthodontics
Encinitas & Coastal North County San Diego
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What is instant orthodontics?
Instant orthodontics uses porcelain veneers, and sometimes porcelain crowns, to improve the appearance of your teeth. Instant orthodontics provides the aesthetic benefits of braces in less time and without the necessity of metal wires and brackets.
Am I a candidate for instant orthodontics?
Instant orthodontics improves the appearance of the following cosmetic tooth issues:
- Gapped teeth
- Mildly crooked teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Teeth of different lengths
- Misshapen teeth
If you have any of these issues and do not want to wear braces, instant orthodontics may be the answer for you. Veneers also restore chipped teeth.
How does instant orthodontics work?
Porcelain veneers are thin, porcelain shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are extremely durable and can last many years with proper oral hygiene habits.
Porcelain crowns are “caps” fitted over your entire tooth. As an instant orthodontics treatment, crowns restore the structure and shape of your teeth. With porcelain crowns, your teeth can be evenly sized and shaped for a beautifully seamless smile.
How long will the porcelain veneers process take?
The porcelain veneer process typically requires four dental visits:
- Consultation. You and Dr. Mary Walsh-Cole discuss your desired outcome. Dr. Walsh-Cole determines if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers – mainly, she makes sure your teeth do not require restorations and there are no signs of infection.
- Preparation of the teeth. A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of the teeth. The enamel is removed to make room for the veneer to fit over your tooth, and to make the surface of the tooth rougher so the bonding material works. Impressions are taken to send to the veneers manufacturing lab, and you wear temporaries in the meantime.
- Application of veneers. Once Dr. Walsh-Cole receives your porcelain veneers from the lab, you return to the office for your third appointment. The temporaries are removed. Dental cement is used to bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth.
- A fourth follow-up visit ensures your porcelain veneers are bonded successfully.
The entire process is completely painless, but Dr. Walsh-Cole will address any sensitivity you experience.
How long does the porcelain crown process take?
Generally, a consultation and two dental appointments are required for tooth crowns. In the first visit, your tooth is prepared for the crown – teeth often have to be reshaped to a smaller size so the crown can fit over it. Your tooth crown is placed in the second visit.
If you live in San Diego, California, and are interested in porcelain veneers or tooth crowns, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Mary A. Walsh-Cole to schedule a consultation.
