Computer Imaging in Cosmetic Dentistry
Porcelain Veneer Dentistry - An Alternative
This young man wanted to have a nicer smile. Many people want a picture perfect smile. In our office we want to provide a cosmetic effect that is so significant, that we can add to his overall attractiveness, remove the self conscious feelings he has about his present smile and most of all, increase his self confidence so he can face the world and feel good about himself.
Extensive procedures that could include oral surgery, implants, crowns and orthodontics were not a workable solution for the patient. Time is a factor for everyone these days and this patient was no different. His desire for that "hollywood smile" was significant. "I want straight, evenly sized and pearly white teeth but I am not waiting forever because I have suffered for so long." "Doctor what can you do for me?"
The important question arises; how can we understand what this patient wants without guessing? Also how does the laboratory know what the doctor and patient has decided upon for the ultimate cosmetic solution?
After a through comprehensive evaluation, we determined that this patient would be an excellent candidate for an alternative procedure that could deliver the results he wanted, within a very comfortable time frame. The procedure that would produce the bright white, straight, gap free and balanced smile was the precision application of custom porcelain veneers.
The patient expressed a concern about how "he" would look. He had seen the usual pictures of other patients with their "before and after" results... but the information was not enough and not convincing that it would be "his smile" We wanted our patient to feel completely comfortable in his decision to have custom porcelain veneers and that his smile is the one that he had in mind not just our guessing at what he wanted for his "perfect hollywood smile."
Computer Imaging for Porcelain Veneers
The patient was introduced to a modern technology that enabled him to view his overall appearance with a computer generated "after" photo that is created by the porcelain veneer lab specialists.
The patient's teeth and smile line are graphically enhanced through specialized software that produces the technical data required for the fabrication of the custom veneers.
Although the work is tedious and extensive, the outcome is quite phenomenal and provides the patient with the information he needs to make the decision to move ahead to starting the procedure. As seen from the photo here, the patient's teeth are digitally reshaped, balanced and contoured, producing the desired appearance.
Unsurpassed Accuracy
The information provided to the patient enabled him to make the decision that this unique "instant orthodontic" procedure was just what he needed. He now knew how his smile would look and what the overall impact would be on his appearance. The porcelain veneer lab had the bulk of the information needed to craft the veneers which reduced turnaround to just a few days. Application was performed in one session.
As you can see from the photo of our young man here, the application of custom porcelain veneers crafted from a computer generated model of the desired effect was demonstrated to affect his entire appearance.
Dr Jeffrey Hoos, DMD
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