Feb 01, 2013

Reprinted from OK Magazine

CELEBRITY CERAMIST JASON KIM EXPLAINS WHY HIS PORCELAIN VENEERS ARE SO SOUGHT AFTER IN THE SHOWBIZ WORLD

THE NEW HOLLYWOOD SMILE

Celebrities like Catherine Zeta Jones and Scarlett Johansson have dazzling white teeth thanks to experts like Jason Kim, who is one of the world’s leading veneer ceramists.  One of the most respected teachers of advanced ceramic techniques, he’s crafted natural-looking porcelain veneers for a host of famous faces.  Here, Jason Kim, who is based in New York and lectures at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry, tells us how he creates that showbiz smile…

How long have you been a master ceramist?
For 30 years.  I’ve been a member of the Oral Design International Foundation for 13 years.

Which celebrity do you think has freakishly white over-the-top veneers?
Denzel Washington.

What are your veneers made of?
A high-quality custom blended porcelain.

Your veneers are said to be very natural looking; how do you create that effect?By using a layering technique, which creates depth and personal characteristics found in natural teeth.   I customize each and every set of teeth so they suit the individual I’m working on.  I take facial features and personality into consideration.

If a patient comes to you with a good set of teeth, would you still recommend veneers?
There are people with good teeth that simply want to make minor changes to enhance their smiles.  Many things can be accomplished with minimal tooth preparation.

How much skill does it take to craft custom-made veneers?

A high level of both knowledge in dental science and artistic ceramic skills.

How strong is the porcelain you use?
The porcelain we use in our lab is actually stronger than the enamel of a natural tooth.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
To see a patient more comfortable and confident in the way they look.

If you take care of your veneers, how long should they last?
Approximately 15 years.

What’s the best part of having your veneers?

The best part about the veneer work I do is the natural form it takes.  We use premium feldspar to achieve the highest quality and comfort – part of a process that only a master ceramist understands.  The result is a truly organic colour and brilliance that looks like the real thing.