What is an LVI Smile?
Smile Makeover Professional of North Alabama
What is an LVI Smile?
What are veneers?
What is the LVI Smile process like?
Am I a candidate for an LVI Smile?
How much does it cost?
What about complications?
What can I expect?
What is an LVI Smile?
An LVI Smile is a procedure which uses veneers and crowns to close gaps and correct overlapping teeth for a beautiful, even, white smile. An LVI Smile is a replacement for traditional orthodontics. Instead of wearing braces for years, the same results can be accomplished in a little as a month!
What are veneers?
Veneers -- usually called either ceramic veneers or porcelain veneers -- are thin shells of ceramic material which are permanently bonded to the front surface of teeth. They can be applied to multiple teeth on both the top and bottom rows.
They are very natural looking when placed correctly. They have the same durability as a natural tooth, and can be colored to match the shade of the real teeth surrounding them. The exactness of the color matching is based largely upon the skill of your cosmetic dentist. Be sure and ask questions beforehand regarding your dentist's experience with veneer placement and color matching. It's often best to ask for references and photos of the dentist's previous work.
What is the LVI Smile process like?
The average duration of the LVI Smile process is four dental appointments over the course of about a month.
In the first, initial appointment, your cosmetic dentist will discuss what procedures are best for your specific situation. It's important for you to ask questions regarding your dentist's expertise in cosmetic dentistry -- what cosmetic dentistry organizations they belong to, what cosmetic dental training they've received, how often they've done procedures similar to what you'll be having done, and what the rates of complications are. By the end of this appointment you should have a thorough understanding of your dentist's level of expertise, as well as a thorough understanding of what procedures will be done to you.
In the second appointment, the procedure is started. Most LVI Smile procedures involve the placement of veneers onto the damaged teeth. First, the real teeth are lightly buffed down. This prepares them for the slight additional thickness of the veneer. Approximately a millimeter of tooth is removed. Often, a local anesthetic is used during this buffing procedure. A mold is then taken of the teeth. The mold is sent to a laboratory, and used to create the permanent veneers. While these are being created, sometimes temporary veneers are placed until the final veneers are ready.
In the third appointment, about two weeks after the first, the laboratory-created permanent veneers are bonded to the teeth. First, the dentist uses either water or glycerin to place the veneers onto the teeth. This non-permanent attachment is to check the veneers fit, shade and color. The color of the veneers can be adjusted based upon the shade of dental cement used. However, the color cannot be altered after the veneers are cemented. Once the correct color is determined, the veneer is ready to be attached permanently with dental cement. The cement is sandwiched between the veneer and the tooth, then a special light beam is applied. This light initiates the release of a catalyst, which hardens the cement and permanently affixes the veneers. It is painless.
Placing veneers is a meticulous and delicate procedure. Each porcelain veneer must be fitted individually. As a result, this third appointment can last several hours.
The final appointment is a check-up, and takes places about one to two weeks after the veneers have been affixed.
It is very important to have a qualified cosmetic dentist when undergoing this procedure. In the wrong hands, your veneers can end up looking too large, too small, or oddly colored when compared to the rest of your teeth. In the right hands, your veneers will be so natural looking they will be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Am I a candidate for an LVI Smile?
In order for an LVI Smile to work, your bite must be healthy. This is something which your dentist will determine during your initial consultation. If your bite and/or jaw are not healthy, your dentist will discuss other options with you.
If your bite is healthy, you are a candidate for an LVI Smile if:
- You dislike the appearance of your smile.
- Your teeth are crooked.
- Your teeth are uneven.
- You have gaps between your teeth.
- You have excessive crowding of your teeth.
Even if you have had braces or other, more traditional orthodontic work, and still do not like the appearance of your smile, an LVI Smile can be for you!
How much does it cost?
An LVI Smile can involve just the upper teeth, or the upper and lower teeth combined. Costs range from about $10,000 to $12,000 for just the upper teeth to $30,000 to $40,000 for both uppers and lowers. Most cosmetic dentists offer third party financing to make monthly payments reasonable.
What about complications?
Complications from dental procedures are rare. Sometimes bacterial infections can occur following the procedure, but they can easily be treated with antibiotics.
What can I expect?
Realistically, you can expect a very nice, very natural-looking smile. It is important, however, to have a qualified cosmetic dentist perform this procedure.
Contact Us
Decatur Center for Cosmetic, Laser, and Sedation Dentistry,
Center for Dental Sleep Medicine
Dr. Randall Sandlin
1318 Stratford Road
Decatur, AL 35601
Professional model, individual results may vary. See your sleep clinic for follow-up testing.