Every time you open a magazine or turn on the television, you see people with perfectly aligned, brilliantly white smiles. You may think it’s good genetics, but the truth is most people are not born with their vision of an ideal smile. Whether your concerns are purely cosmetic or strictly functionality, in just two visits, Dr. McKinney and Dr. Putnam can transform your smile.

​Dental porcelain can be sculpted to closely replicate the look of natural tooth enamel, while providing desirable

strength and resilience. Porcelain Crowns are an excellent choice when recreating the form and function of a damaged tooth, because a crown basically replaces the entire external portion of the tooth down to the gum level. Crowns are not limited to simply replacing the original tooth, but can be designed to create an even better esthetic appearance​.

​Porcelain crowns replace the exterior portion of a tooth to re-establish its original function and to create a natural appearance. Crowns are the treatment of choice in situations where tooth decay has destroyed most of the original tooth, when a traumatic event has caused damage, or in cases of severe enamel erosion. While porcelain crowns are very durable, they do not have the flexibility of natural teeth, so avoiding certain foods may be necessary. Chronic tooth-grinders and jaw-clenchers will need to be fitted with a nighttime mouth guard to protect the porcelain from unnecessary and excessive pressure and use.

Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel. To apply a veneer, a very small amount of the original tooth enamel must be removed, usually less than a millimeter. This is essential as it creates room for the porcelain veneer to fit within the mouth and most accurately restore natural tooth function while creating an even better appearance than the original tooth.

Veneers are a very successful option in many situations where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option.

Crowns and Veneers are situated and secured in the mouth in a similar fashion, using a light-sensitive resin placed between the original tooth and crown, and then hardening that resin with a special curing light.

Porcelain crowns and veneers do require some laboratory time to be created and times vary according to the laboratory, during this time you be fitted with a temporary, or provisional, crown for approximately two weeks. Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after porcelain crowns or veneers are attached, this is normal and will subside with some additional time.

Smile Consultation

It’s never to late to begin enjoying your smile! The first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. McKinney or Dr. Putnam. Contact us today at (480) 488-0686 to discuss your options.