Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. W. Bryan Boak on Porcelain Veneers
Dr. W. Bryan Boak is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Porcelain Veneers.
Q. What are porcelain veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain coverings over the natural tooth. In most cases the procedure does involve the reduction or shaping of the natural tooth structure. After the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and the veneers are made at a certified dental lab. The patient wears temporary veneers for 2-3 weeks and returns to bond or cement the veneers.
Veneers can change the shade and shape of the teeth to improve the aesthetics and function of the teeth involved.
Q. How long do dental veneers last?
A. Dental Veneers usually last 10yrs or more with proper care including good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and exams.
Q. Do dental veneers require special care?
A. Veneers do require special care and it is advised to not bite into hard food items such as nuts or frozen foods and to always wear an athletic mouth guard if playing sports and have a night guard fabricated to protect the veneers while the patient sleeps. A fair amount of patients grind and clench their teeth at night so it is best to protect them.
Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A. If the teeth need straightening or the bite corrected, orthodontic treatment is recommended to place the teeth in proper position. The orthodontic treatment can be done with conventional braces or the patient may qualify to use Invisalign which is a great alternative to wire braces and more cosmetic and patient friendly. Once the teeth are straightened, professional whitening can be done to lighten the shade of the teeth.
Another alternative is cosmetic bonding which may cover all or a portion of the natural tooth to give the teeth a better shade and shape.
Q. Do veneers look natural?
A. The Veneers do look natural and can be dictated by the patient’s wants and desires for the shape and size they want. There are limitations to the extent Veneers can improve the look of the teeth.
Q. Does the veneer protect one’s tooth from decay?
A. The Veneer can protect the teeth from decay – BUT – it is extremely important to know that you must floss and brush regularly and maintain your regular cleaning visits with your dentist to be sure plaque and tartar is removed from the Veneer and the tooth as much as possible. The Veneer normally covers only the front and the bite edge of the tooth, whereas the backside and the portion of the teeth between the other teeth is natural structure and can still develop decay like any other tooth in the mouth.
Q. How much does veneer cost?
A. Cost can range between $800 to $1,200 per tooth depending on the material used and the condition of the underlying tooth. Preparing the teeth for the veneer and placing the veneer is very time consuming and tedious work and requires more time and lab costs than most conventional dental work.
Q. How to contact Dr. Boak if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1910 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
Phone: 412-381-3373
Fax: 412-381-2829
Email: office@boakdental.com
Website: http://www.boakdental.com/
