15
Nov
Elevating your smile while retaining its unique beauty: FAQs about porcelain veneers
Few procedures take your smile to new heights of beauty quite like porcelain veneers do, and at Alpine Family Dental of Kalispell, Montana you can rest assured that your veneers will look natural and fit your unique features to a “T.”
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of dental ceramic (porcelain) prepared and designed by dentists. Once each veneer has been perfectly prepared, it is applied to the front surfaces of cosmetically “imperfect” teeth. After the veneers are secured, these cosmetic imperfections are covered up and no longer visible when you smile.
What imperfections can you treat?
Tooth enamel is stronger than skeletal bone. However, it can become worn or damaged over time due to the aging process, chronic teeth grinding, and smoking. This damage can show up on our teeth as chips, cracks, stubborn discoloration, ever-growing gaps and spacing issues, and irregularities in the shape and size of the teeth. These flaws can be effectively camouflaged with veneers; however, some cracks and wear may require treatment if they weaken the affected teeth. In these cases, we can treat vulnerable teeth with restorative dentistry procedures and interventions.
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How do you design and prepare veneers?
Our dentists spend a lot of time getting to know your smile and its unique features. We will also discuss your personal preferences and goals. All of this information is accounted for when planning your veneer treatment. In order to create veneers that look natural and blend in beautifully with the rest of your smile and face, we must identify the right color/shade as well as other characteristics and nuances of your teeth.
In addition to preparing the veneers, we must prepare the natural tooth structure. A very small amount of natural enamel is removed to ensure today’s ultra-thin veneers fit on top of the tooth properly. Any time tooth enamel is altered in some way, there is a risk of sensitivity; however, we minimize these risks due to the highly conservative and tooth-preserving nature of modern veneers. So, little[ML3] to no anesthesia may be required to support your utmost comfort.
How do you secure the veneers?
While every patient’s experience with treatment is unique, we generally apply temporary veneers to support the health, safety, and appearance of your teeth while our lab prepares your permanent veneers. Once the permanent veneers have been expertly made to your precise and unique specifications, you return to Alpine Family Dental. The temporaries are removed, and the permanent veneers are secured using advanced techniques and bonding agents to ensure the strongest grip between the teeth and porcelain. During this visit, we will also make even the slightest adjustments and evaluate for things like your bite or how your treated teeth come together when you close your mouth.
The journey to a more beautiful smile doesn’t end there; it is a process. Our team in Kalispell, MT works closely with you to keep your teeth and dental work in top shape. To find out more, and to have your specific questions answered, schedule a consultation by calling us at (406) 393-8877 today.
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Dr. Evan Olson, D. ABDSM, followed in his father’s footsteps and became a dentist. He completed his degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Montana State University in Bozeman and then attended The University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Olson then practiced in a Community Health setting for five years treating all types of dental emergencies. He then ran a private practice in Central Oregon for seven years before moving back to Montana to take over Alpine Family Dental.
Dr. Olson was recently named a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, which signifies extensive training and knowledge in treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea and snoring. He is a Fellow of The Implant Pathway Surgical Program, a Member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Academy of General Dentistry, and a Mentor for the CEREC Doctors training program. He has completed significant continuing education in many areas of dentistry including with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine Mastery Program, training on dental implants at Implant Pathway, Misch Institute, and Pikos Institute, an internship on root canals at the University of Iowa, cosmetic dentistry courses at CDOCS and Spear Education, and further studies on infant frenectomy and CAD/CAM techniques.
Dr. Autumn Chapman received her degree in physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She worked alongside her grandfather, Dr. Gerald Olson, in Havre, MT, before moving to Flathead Valley. Dr Chapman has been able to focus on education and training in facial esthetics and cosmetic dentistry. She has Training in orthodontics using suresmile clear aligners with CDOCs in Scottsdale and Training in Botox and filler with the american academy of facial esthetics.
Dr. Greg Eller obtained his degree in Aeronautical Maintenance and spent six years as a Skydiving Instructor. He then attended the University of Oregon where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in Pre-Medicine and the Oregon Health Sciences University Dental School. He is a member of the American Dental Association and Montana Dental Association and has IV moderate sedation training. After 14 years at Alpine Family Dental, Dr. Eller has now transitioned out of full-time practice.
