Procedure
Before you decide on Emax veneers, it’s essential to educate yourself on the ins and outs of the fitting procedure, so you know exactly what to expect. The Emax system is relatively new to the dentistry world, and not all dentists will be able to provide you with the best results, so finding one that you trust and that has experience in the area is very important. Make sure your surgeon outlines everything clearly for you, and addresses your concerns adequately. If you’re not sure about the treatment and you would rather not make an appointment until you’re more aware of the fitting procedure, take a look at some of these frequently asked questions and learn a bit more about how Emax veneers could change your smile for the better
What happens at the initial consultation for Emax veneers?
The first stage of your treatment will be made up of x-rays, dental impressions and a thorough examination, to make sure your teeth are suitable for Emax veneers. Typically, if you have very crooked teeth you will not be a candidate for treatment right away, it’s possible that you may need to undergo a short orthodontic course to improve their alignment. This is usually the point at which your dentist will go through everything with you; what to expect when you begin treatment, how long the process will take, how to take care of your new teeth, and what sort of price range you’re looking at. You can also bring up any worries or fears you have; an experienced surgeon will be used to nervous patients and should be able to put your mind at ease.
Furthermore, most skilled dentists will have kept a detailed record of their previous patients’ treatments, so you can take a look at other people’s results and judge whether the standard of the work is high enough. If you come across a dentist who doesn’t have any other work to show you – or they just refuse to hand over any photos – you won’t get an idea of what your own teeth will look like, and it’s not a good idea to go ahead.
The first consultation is also used to form a plan of action, regarding tooth shape, size, and colour. The overall outcome is generally a mixture of the dentist’s recommendations and your own personal requests, which should result in a natural looking, perfectly proportioned smile.
What happens at the second appointment for Emax veneers?
The second appointment will be used to re-shape the teeth so that the veneers can fit over the top, without looking too bulky. This is not always necessary with Emax, because they are so thin and durable, but it’s probable that a small amount of re-shaping will need to be done, if you don’t want your teeth to look over-sized. With normal veneers, there is often quite a lot of re-modelling required because the porcelain is too thick to sit over the teeth, and a temporary veneer is needed during the second and third appointments, to protect the filed down teeth and allow the patient to see what their new smile might look like. Because Emax veneers are made out of stronger porcelain, a temporary veneer is not always supplied and there is no need for invasive drilling. Another impression is taken after any changes are made, so that the veneers can be created to fit your teeth perfectly.
While you wait for your next appointment, your dental impressions will be sent to the laboratory for the technicians to use when manufacturing your veneers. Some dentist use an in-house computer system to create the veneers on the spot, but Emax veneers are much more specialised and require a technicians eye to make sure they are produced to exacting standards – you can’t rush this type of artistry! After about seven to ten days, your veneers should be ready for fitting and you can attend another appointment.
How are the veneers finally fitted?
During the cementing process, it’s important to place the veneers over the teeth and make sure they fit properly before they are bonded permanently in place; there may be some rough edges that need smoothing out, or some tiny overlaps that reach over the gum line. The veneers are held in place temporarily for your approval, if you’re happy with the results, your dentist can go ahead and start bonding them to the enamel.
Using strong dental cement, your dentist will fix the veneers in place one by one and leave them to set for a few minutes. Some clinics also like to use a curing light to activate the bonding agent, but not all dentists will do this. Once the veneers are firmly set, there may be some further adjustments, such as smoothing the edges, but generally a good polish is all they need to look their best.
Do I need a check-up after my veneers are fitted?
You might not feel that there’s any reason to go back to the dentist after your Emax veneers are fitted, but it’s always a good idea to get a check-up a few weeks afterwards. It’s helpful for both you and your dentist, they can make sure everything’s going ok, test for tooth sensitivity, and check that each veneer has bonded correctly with the tooth beneath it. If you have had any problems with your new teeth, this is the ideal opportunity to make your dentist aware and they will be able to provide further treatment to deal with the situation. It’s unlikely that you will have major long-term issues with Emax veneers, and if you decide you don’t like them for whatever reason, the minimal re-modelling means that the process is reversible. For more information on your individual circumstances, call the Pearl Dental Clinic and book a consultation, the team members are fully qualified and trained to get the best out of your smile with Emax veneers.