Dr. Stephen P. Gilmore, DDS

                            7655 Five Mile Rd. Suite 121  Cincinnati, OH 45230

Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

• Close Spaces between the teeth
• Rebuild broken or chipped teeth
• Replace unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
• Lighten discolored teeth
• Reshape crooked teeth
• Whiten dark yellow or stained teeth

Veneers are very thin and are bonded on the front of your anterior teeth. They have an advantage over bonding alone because the porcelain will not stain or discolor over time. These veneers are about 0.3mm to 0.5mm in thickness but are very strong once bonded to your teeth. They have a "life like" appearance with the strength, beauty, and durability only porcelain restorations can afford. Veneers also have the advantage of not requiring the same degree of grinding of tooth structure that  crowns do, yet, they can accomplish a lifelike esthetic result.

Some facts you might want to know about Porcelain Veneers:

• Since they require approximately .5mm of tooth reduction, porcelain veneers are NOT considered a reversible form of treatment.
• Occasionally the preparation of a Porcelain Veneer does not require the use of a local anesthetic. However, for those patients that are particularly sensitive or anxious, a local anesthetic is advisable.
• The laboratory time required for the fabrication of a Porcelain Veneer is approximately ten working days.
• Between your preparation visit and the insertion visit, you can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold. This is normal and is due to the removal of a small portion of the enamel covering of the tooth. This sensitivity should disappear after the placement of your Porcelain Laminate Veneer.

Your second visit is when the veneer is placed. This visit is usually longer in length. The laminates are seated with a light sensitive resin which is hardened by using a special light.

Once placed your laminates are very strong and will resist most of the forces placed upon them by a normal diet. Porcelain has great crushing strength but poor tensile strength. Therefore, you should avoid anything that will tend to twist the laminate. Opening pistachio nuts with your teeth or chewing on bones is probably not a good idea. As with most things, common sense should prevail.

Maintenance of Your New Porcelain Veneers
The maintenance of your Porcelain Laminate Veneer is relatively simple. A few suggestions, however, are in order:

1. Please brush and floss as you normally would to prevent oral hygiene problems. Do not be afraid that you will damage your veneers by either flossing or brushing. Any non-abrasive tooth paste is acceptable. A good home care regimen will insure the esthetic success of your restorations for years to come.
2. Some sensitivity to hot and cold may be experienced after the placement of your veneers. This relates to the amount of enamel left on your tooth after preparation, the proximity of the nerve as well as several other factors. Some sensitivity is absolutely normal and usually dissipates after one-two weeks. If this sensitivity should remain or concern you at all, please call Dr. Gilmore.
3. As mentioned before, a normal diet should pose no problem at all. Please avoid anything that will tend to bend or twist the laminates.
4. If you are known to be a grinder or clencher, please let Dr. Gilmore know. He can fabricate a soft night guard for you to wear to minimize the stresses placed upon your teeth while you sleep.

With proper home care and scheduled evaluation visits, porcelain veneers can provide you with a beautiful smile for years to come.

• Bonding
• Bleaching
• Porcelain Crowns
• Porcelain Veneers
• Esthetic Reshaping
• Tooth Colored Fillings
• Porcelain Inlays & Onlays