What is Instant Orthodontics Treatment?
If you were to hear or read the term "instant orthodontics," what would you think of? You most likely have some sort of special braces technology in mind. While that's a good guess, that's not what instant orthodontics refers to. In reality, instant orthodontics is a nickname for porcelain veneers, one of the most versatile and effective options for advanced cosmetic dentistry care.
Why the term "instant orthodontics"?
Traditional orthodontic care usually requires several months to perform. This is because the teeth and the dental arch cannot be shifted overnight. With porcelain veneers, issues with various dental problems can be addressed immediately after the veneers are in place. In other words, the porcelain veneers can achieve the aesthetic results of traditional orthodontics in far less time. Hence the nickname "instant orthodontics."
What are porcelain veneers?
So that covers the nickname, but what are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain dental veneers are thin, semi-translucent, tooth-colored shells that are affixed to the front portions of a person's teeth. When in place, the porcelain veneers mask aesthetic problems from view. Since the veneers are semi-translucent, both natural light and artificial light will affect them just like normal tooth structure. They blend in seamlessly with your smile.
Dental Problems That Porcelain Veneers Can Address
Porcelain veneers are ideal for addressing the following dental problems:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Discolored/stained teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Tooth misalignment
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people who differ from the aesthetic problems mentioned above. Patients should be in good overall dental health and have realistic expectation about what can be achieved through the use of dental veneers.
Our dentists want to stress that porcelain veneers are a cosmetic procedure in nature. If a patient suffers from a serious dental problem rather than one that is predominantly aesthetic in nature, it is a better idea to look into restorative care, such as inlays, onlays, or dental crowns.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
During the porcelain veneers procedure, a small amount of tooth structure is carefully removed from the front portion of the tooth. An impression is then taken of the prepped tooth from which the final porcelain veneer is crafted. Once the veneer is ready, it is checked one last time for fit and appearance before being adhered in place.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
There are a number of different alternatives to consider for people who are poor candidates for porcelain veneers. To address aesthetic issues with teeth, the most common solutions are teeth whitening treatment and dental bonding. For cases of serious tooth misalignment/malocclusion, traditional orthodontic care tends to be better.
During your dental visit, we will be sure to discuss all of these matters in great detail, providing you with the information that you need to make the best dental health decisions possible.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care Treatments
If you would like to learn more about advanced dental care treatments, be sure to contact our Lake Jackson cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve excellent dental health in the process.
