Seattle and Bellevue Dentist

Following are the steps taken to create your beautiful smile with porcelain veneers:

Consultation:  During this 1 – 2 hour appointment, we discuss your concerns and desires and want to know what your image of a beautiful smile is.  We don’t assume we know what our patients want.  Often we do a “mock-up” which helps Dr. Samsavar replicate that image.  This participatory process provides much discussion and feedback.  This also helps him know how much work is required to provide the look you desire.  With that information, we provide options, cost and time required to restore your smile.

Models/Records:  During this 1 hour appointment we take necessary x-rays to make sure you have healthy roots.  We also take a series of pictures, both facial and intraoral, as well as models.  This is a good time for any last questions.  Over the next several days, Dr. Samsavar will do your case on your models.  Any problems he may encounter are worked out before your prep date.  Your models are also used to create your temporaries.  If we’re whitening your teeth prior to doing your work, please add 2 hours to this appointment.  Your teeth will need to “settle” for about 10 days before proceeding.

Color Match:  This 30 minute appointment is for those who will be having a limited number of teeth restored and need the restorations to match existing teeth, i.e. 2 to 4 front teeth.  Our Ceramist will be present for this appointment.

Preparation:  This prep appointment is the longest of your appointments – up to 4 or 5 hours.  We will get your teeth numb and shape them for your new restorations.  You’ll want to dress comfortably and bring a movie along, or watch one of ours, to help the time pass quickly.  Your temporaries will be placed and you’ll walk out the door with teeth that simulate the final restorations.  Your case is then sent to our Master Ceramist; it will take him from 1 to 2 weeks to build your restorations.

 Try-In:  This 1 hour appointment is mandatory in our office.  We will gently remove your temporaries with out numbing you.  We need your lips awake and functional.  We’ll then set your restorations in place.   Dr. Samsavar, our ceramic artist and you get to see the final product before it becomes permanent.  We’re looking for any small changes that will improve your case.  Usually the changes are just small “tweeks, but  make the difference between good work and brilliant work.  You are welcome to bring a friend along.  Our ceramist takes the restorations with him to make the changes needed and returns them 1 – 2 days later.

Seat:  Your second long appointment; 3 to 4 hours.  We’ll get you numb, tuck you in, give you a movie and begin to permanently seat your porcelain restorations.   You’ll leave with your beautiful new smile.

Check back:  This 1 hour appointment,  1 to 2 weeks after your seat appointment, is to check your restorations and your gums.  We’ll also take a series of pictures and records.  If we are whitening some of your teeth after your work, please add 2 hours to this appointment.