May
Our neighbors in and around Costa Mesa, California, have great confidence in the talents and expertise of influential cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joyce Kahng. When in her skilled hands, veneers complement your unique smile and facial features.
Often, Dr. Kahng starts with a free “virtual” visit. Send a photo that showcases your entire face/smile. Tell us what you like and don’t like. From this info, our dentist creates a personalized video. She’ll review whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure, cost estimates (and financing/payment options), and treatment time frame.
There is only so much we can do virtually. During the initial in-person appointment, Dr. Kahng will order x-rays to confirm that there is no decay or other conditions that could prevent veneers from being placed. If we move forward, photos and scans will be collected.
Behind the scenes, Dr. Kahng partners with a master ceramist to develop a blueprint of the proposed final result made of wax based on what she thinks will look good in the framework of your lips, mouth, and facial features. This represents one of the most critical parts of the process; we do not want to alter the teeth without knowing the desired results. The photos that you provide also serve as inspiration for your unique smile transformation. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. So, Dr. Kahng wants to know what looks beautiful to you while also designing a smile that looks good on you.
During your second in-studio appointment, dress comfortably because the session is long! Dr. Kahng gathers more photos of your teeth and collects records. We communicate details about characteristics like tooth color to our lab. All of these little details must be accounted for in the porcelain. More impressions and scans are taken. Toward the end, your “temporaries” are applied to numbed teeth. That way, you can see what the design looks like on your face. This step lets you take your smile for a “test drive.” We can even make changes directly to the temporaries; for instance, veneers may be adjusted if they look too long. We’ll also provide instructions on how to care for the temporaries. You must return to us with crisp, healthy, pink gums!
Return for the “install” around three weeks later. Here again, dress comfortably. Dr. Kahng removes the temporaries. Before cementing the permanent veneers, she applies a try-in paste, rather than a permanent cement, to see if the colors and shapes look good. This is an opportunity for the patient to confirm that they love them before they are permanently installed. With the green light, Dr. Kahng secures the veneers. X-rays are taken to confirm they are fully seated, sealed, and stunning. Scans are also taken to guide the fabrication of your new protective retainers or night guards. Before you leave, excess cement is removed, veneers are polished, and we check that your bite is right.
Now is the time for your new teeth to shine! Wear a favorite outfit or try a fun lip color. We will be taking full-face photos that showcase your new smile. Of course, we won’t post those anywhere without your consent. We provide you with your retainer or guard and adjust as needed. This oral appliance protects your veneers and tooth structure from damage caused by behaviors like chronic teeth grinding. We also discuss any questions or concerns that you may have about transitioning to your new veneers and smile. It can take some getting used to, but patients often wish they had veneers applied sooner!
Dr. Kahng recommends at least annual visits to Orange And Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, CA. Cosmetic dentistry is her specialty. She can ensure that your veneers are looking fabulous and holding up well. It all starts with a virtual or office visit. Contact our team via this website or at (949) 867-4346.