Michigan Cosmetic Dentist – Dental Porcelain Veneers in Shelby Township, Michigan

The use of Cosmetic porcelain veneers is a very common way that many Michigan residents choose to enhance their smiles.  Porcelain veneers are thin shells of beautiful porcelain that is fabricated in a dental laboratory.  They are about the thickness of a credit card and are very fragile when handled.  When they are bonded to the natural tooth they become incredibly strong and are about as strong as your natural teeth.  Every attempt is to keep the shaping of the teeth as conservative as possible.   Lumineers are a name brand for a type of porcelain and placing them on teeth gives a natural look.

The following is an example what laminate veneers are used for:

  • Straightening crooked teeth by filling in the areas that are pushed in and in areas where the teeth are protruding slightly more tooth reduction is necessary.  The idea is to get the teeth to look uniform when looking at someone straight on or to the side.
  • Darkened teeth can be made whiter.  This is done by reducing some of the thickness of the natural tooth and thickening it up with whiter porcelain.  The same principle applies when Formica is placed over a kitchen top.  Any malformations are covered up by this thin film so no one will know the difference.
  • Missing teeth can be filled in with a fixed bridge made of the same porcelain as the veneer.  This is a very natural and conservative approach to a beautiful smile when a tooth is missing.
  • To close spaces between teeth.  This is very common and by making the tooth slightly wider the spaces can be closed up, giving a beautiful result.

Porcelain veneers last many many years, are conservative, keep the teeth the same bright white color and don’t stain like bonding.  Call Shelby Township, Michigan Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Antolak at (586)247-3500 for a free dental consultation to see if porcelain veneers are right for you.

Economical Smile Makeover in Michigan

Snap on Smile- an instant Smile Makeover

Question:  I really don’t like my smile!  I had an estimate on some dental procedures to help me out, but I can’t afford it.  They recommended some caps and lumineers and sounds great, but even with their financing this is out of my reach.  I heard of something that I can take out of my mouth that snaps over my teeth.  Have you heard of this device?

Answer:  I have been using thin plastic dental veneers that press fit over the patient’s teeth to determine what a new smile might look like.  We would determine if longer or more protrusive teeth would look better in their mouth and look pleasing to their appearance.  Because of the popularity of shows like Extreme Makeover and the Swan  there has been an increased demand for cosmetic dental procedures. (See last months edition of Ask the Dentist).  Some of our patient’s want this Hollywood smile, but can’t seem to fit it into their budget.  A new reversible procedure is now available for short term use.  It is called the Snap-On-smile.  It is made from a durable material that memorizes its shape and snaps over the natural teeth without adhesives.  Teeth need to be decay free and infection free to do this procedure.  It is ideal for those who can’t afford long term cosmetic dentistry, but want to look nice particularly for an important occasion such as a wedding.  The cost for this procedure is between $950-$1400 and according to the manufacturer it can last up to 3 years if maintained properly and used carefully.

There are 18 categories of tooth shapes and 23 colors to choose from.  To be fabricated, an accurate impression is taken of the teeth and in a couple of weeks your new snap on smile is ready.  This has been referred to quick fix dentistry by some and does have its limitations but is good for those financially or medically challenged who want an attractive smile.

Limitations considered are:

  • Protrusive upper teeth, it will look worse if thickness was added to them.
  • Since the teeth are made to snap over the entire existing teeth they tend to feel bulkey.
  • Patients who grind or clench their teeth will usually wear them down quickly.

The only way to see if you qualify for this procedure you can ask your dentist.  If they don’t do this type of procedure we would be happy to discuss the procedure to see if you are a candidate.  We can be reached at www.TheGentleDentist.com.  You can also visit their web site at www.SnapOnSmile.com.

To submit your questions please e-mail me at DrAntolak@TheGentleDentist.com or call (586)247-3500.