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cosmetic veneers

Case Presentation: Cosmetic Veneer Transformation!

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Case Presentation: Cosmetic Veneer Transformation!

Check out this awesome veneer transformation! This patient came to us with anterior teeth that were cosmetically compromised but structurally sound. The patient's left lateral incisor had an aging composite filling, the two central incisors were chipped and all the teeth had uneven staining and decalcification. In cases like this, we like to use zirconia veneers to enhance aesthetics while altering the original tooth as little as possible. 

Teeth are prepared for veneers by removing a small amount of enamel to compensate for the new dimension of zirconia. Once the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and sent to our lab. You will spend two weeks in temporary veneers while the technicians hone in the ideal dimensions and shade to match your other teeth. The result, as seen above, is a beautiful transformation that looks entirely natural. Modern veneers can make you look younger and create a more vibrant smile with minimal changes to your existing teeth. If you would like to know more about veneers, how we place them and why we use them, please give our office a call!

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Case Presentation: Anterior Veneer Replacement

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Case Presentation: Anterior Veneer Replacement

ThousandOaksFamilyDentistry.com

Today's patient came to us with a set of porcelain veneers on their two front teeth, where one had become cracked along the gum line. Defects in this location are particularly problematic, as they create an easy place for bacteria to enter the tooth and are cosmetically unpleasing. After discussing options with the patient, we decided to replace both veneers with new Emax lithium disilicate units. Lithium disilicate is an engineered dental material that is about five or six times stronger than porcelain, along with having more "natural" cosmetic properties. By replacing both veneers, we were able to repair the defect, add length to the teeth (the original veneers were short of optimal) and create overall more natural contours. The result is a beautiful and more youthful smile. If you are interested in veneers or any other cosmetic dental procedures, please give our office a call!

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Cosmetic Reconstruction With Emax Crowns and Veneers

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Cosmetic Reconstruction With Emax Crowns and Veneers

thousandoaksfamilydentistry.com

Today's case is a great example of the importance of color and translucency when designing a crown or veneer in the anterior region. This patient came to our office dissatisfied with their current dental restorations and overall smile esthetics. The crowned teeth appeared unnaturally opaque and presented with a sharp change in color where the teeth met the gum tissue. These crowns were created using porcelain fused to metal (PFM), a classic technique for fabricating tooth colored crowns. While they make very functional restorations, PFMs take away from the natural translucency of teeth due to their solid metal underpinnings. This patient's condition was exacerbated by gingival recession, which revealed contrasting natural tooth structure underneath the crown.

To create a completely natural smile, we utilized Emax lithium disilicate crowns and veneers across the maxillary and mandibular teeth. These crowns are made of a single type of translucent material, and thus transmit light like natural enamel. Similarly, the single piece construction makes these crown very strong, allowing us to replace the PFMs in the posterior region as well. By working closely with our dental lab, we created a set of crowns and veneers that are uniform in shape, color and shade. The final product is a natural and youthful smile designed to stand the test of time! If you would like to know more about crowns, veneers or any other esthetic service offered by our office, please give us a call. 

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Case Presentation: Anterior Smile Perfection

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Case Presentation: Anterior Smile Perfection

Another Great veneer case from Dr. Kari Ann Hong! 

Another Great veneer case from Dr. Kari Ann Hong! 

This patient came to our office wanting to restore the esthetics and proportions of their smile. The maxillary anterior teeth appeared jagged and uneven due to a combination of grinding and dietary acid wear. The unnatural sharpness in tooth structure lends itself to an older appearing or "worn down" smile. Additionally, old composite (tooth colored) fillings had begun to show contrast against the natural tooth structure. As teeth age, they tend to pick up stains and wear at a rate different from composites. Over decades, these small differences can become very evident, particularly in patients who consume lots of dark liquids (coffee, soda, red wine, etc.).

In recreating this smile, Dr. Kari used a series of eight lithium disilicate veneers. These restorations give the teeth a uniform shape and color, while mimicking the natural opacity of dental enamel. In just two weeks, this smile looks years younger! If have any further questions about veneers and what they can do for your teeth, please give our office a call!

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Case Presentation: Special Veneer Restoration

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Case Presentation: Special Veneer Restoration

This case is a great example of the more complex esthetic procedures performed at our office. Today's patient came to us with discoloration and decalcification on their anterior teeth. Additionally, their left lateral incisor (the lightest colored tooth in the before pictures) had an existing crown over a root canal. It had a poor long term prognosis and could not endure any more trauma. With this in mind, Dr. Kari created a set of five veneers that restored symmetry to the patient's teeth while incorporating the esthetics of the previous crown. The result is a more natural and youthful smile that does not compromise the existing dental work. A true win-win!  

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Case presentation: Full Anterior Veneers

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Case presentation: Full Anterior Veneers

thousandoaksfamilydentistry.com

Take a look at this beautiful transformation performed at our office! In the before pictures, notice how the biting surfaces of this patient's anterior (front) teeth are worn down and uneven. Flattened and discolored teeth create an older appearing smile, regardless of age. The new veneers allowed Dr. Hong to develop a uniform and well rounded smile, while correcting the tooth shade. The results are absolutely stunning! If you would like to know more about veneers or any other cosmetic services offered at our office, please let us know!

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Case Presentation: Acid Erosion Repair

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Case Presentation: Acid Erosion Repair

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we offer an entire range of treatments and services for our patients. From pediatric exams to esthetic reconstructions, we have the knowledge, skill and equipment to handle any dental concerns. Today, we would like to highlight a recent case where we restored the esthetics and functionality of a patient with severe acid erosion.

Acid erosion affects many patients in one form or another. It can be linked to dietary habits such as sucking on lemons or certain types of medications that turn the saliva acidic. Most commonly, it is the result of a gastric disorder, such as acid reflux or bulimia. In rare cases, it can be attributed to genetic conditions that prevent dental enamel from "maturing" and becoming resistant to low pH. No matter what the origin, the results are always the same: decreased enamel thickness and tooth anatomy due to constant bathing in an acidic environment. 

 

Treatment

 Here, the patient needed their lower arch of teeth rebuilt from years of acid wear. When approaching a case like this, we have to be mindful of both esthetics and function. Close cooperation between our office and the dental lab assures that we deliver a final product that both looks great and respects the patient's jaw and chewing function. 

Pretreatment photograph

Pretreatment photograph

Stone modelwork of the patient before treatment

Stone modelwork of the patient before treatment

Here, we see the patient's pretreatment condition.  In order to best treatment plan for esthetics and function, stone models of their teeth were sent to our dental lab. The lab used wax on the models to mimic an ideal outcome. We were then able to show the patient what to expect when we treat the teeth. This waxed up model is also used to make temporary acrylic crowns, which hold space while the patient awaits the final crowns. 

 

Initial waxup of patient’s left side

Initial waxup of patient’s left side

Initial waxup of patient’s right side

Initial waxup of patient’s right side

After reviewing the wax models with the patient, we decided to do a combination of minimal preparation composite onlay crowns and lithium disilicate full coverage crowns.  Also, note the gap on the photo left (patient's right). Here, we added a bridge to replace the missing second premolar. After the teeth were readied for crowns, we sent impressions, previously waxed ideal models, pictures and instructions to our dental lab.

Picture of the patient’s teeth, after being prepared for final crowns

Picture of the patient’s teeth, after being prepared for final crowns

Our lab then took all of this information and fabricated crowns for the prepared teeth. This process took two weeks. Special attention was paid in matching color, texture, tooth bulk and biting function to the patient's needs. 

The final crowns on a stone model

The final crowns on a stone model

The crowns were then sent back to our office, where we checked them for color, fit and size. Once we determined the crowns were a perfect fit for the patient, we permanently adhered them with crown cement.

 

Results

Overall final product

Overall final product

Closeup of patient’s right side

Closeup of patient’s right side

Closeup of patient’s left side

Closeup of patient’s left side

The finished product!  Not only did we restore the cosmetics of the patient's lower teeth, but we added back functionality and tooth structure. Both our office and the patient are ecstatic with the results!

As mentioned before, this patient represents a small portion of the services offered at our office. Every day, we treat a wide spectrum of dental problems, from fillings and cleaning to implants and full mouth veneers. If you would like to know more about the types of cases we treat and what they involve, please give us a call. We are always ready to meet all of our patient's dental needs!

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Video Blog on Teeth Veneers

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Video Blog on Teeth Veneers

 

Greetings, my name is Dr. Kari Ann Hong, and I have a family dentistry practice here in Thousand Oaks, California. Frequently, my patients will ask me if I do cosmetic dentistry. This is an interesting question, because cosmetic dentistry defines every treatment that I provide. In fact, cosmetics are intrinsic to the very nature of dental procedures. My ultimate goal is to provide you with long term dental solutions that are both functional AND beautiful.

The most common procedure associated with the term “cosmetic dentistry” is teeth veneers.  Veneers can be used to change the color, shape, and size of the teeth.  They are an excellent solution for teeth that have been chipped in the past or that have had extensive fillings.  Also, they can be used to fill in gaps or to correct the alignment of teeth.  The process of making a veneer involves lightly removing about 0.3-1.5mm of tooth structure. Then an impression is taken, temporaries are made, and the dental lab takes about two weeks to fabricate the veneer.  

Veneers are made out of either feldspathic porcelain or lithium disilicate.  Both materials are known for their translucency and life like appearance.  Patients are often concerned that their veneers will look fake.  I work very closely with my dental lab to ensure that the final result is both natural and esthetically pleasing.

If you are interested in teeth veneers, please fill out the contact us page at the bottom of this page.

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