As we age our teeth begin to show wear and tear. This is true for even the most dedicated brushers and flossers and for those that see their dentist every 6 months as recommended our teeth begin to show wear and tear. These signs include minor cracks, gaps, chips, discoloration, and misalignments — may not be too harmful to us physically but can make us feel self-conscious about our smiles. We may find ourselves being shy when it comes time to smile. Our smile is a big part of making a good first impression so you’ll want to smile your best. Porcelain dental veneers can address all these, refreshing your smile with one simple procedure instead of multiple.
Refresh Your Existing Smile With Dental Veneers
Williamsburg, VA dentist Dr. Stacey Sparkman Hall of Williamsburg Center Dental Health can use porcelain dental veneers to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Veneers can alter the color, shape, and spacing of your teeth. A porcelain veneer is a very thin shell that covers the front and sides of a tooth that has cosmetic issues.
Porcelain is very similar in appearance to natural tooth enamel so your veneers will seamlessly blend into your smile while restoring its natural beauty. When placed by a skilled professional like Dr. Sparkman, veneers should feel completely natural in your mouth and you won’t even notice them when you are talking or eating. Dental veneers are highly stain resistant and can reduce the chance of your teeth yellowing over time although they should still be brushed, flossed and regularly inspected by a dentist. Although veneers are very strong and durable,they can be broken or cracked if too much force is applied.
Dental veneers can also be used to give misaligned teeth a straighter appearance, allowing for a quicker, simpler and less expensive resolution than orthodontic treatment. Porcelain veneers are custom-created for each patient’s mouth and placed over your existing teeth, so Dr. Hall can design your veneers with any cosmetic issues your smile may have in mind.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
- Comprehensive Evaluation: A comprehensive dental exam and evaluation is the first step in the creation of your custom porcelain veneers. This will include a physical examination of the teeth, gums, jaw joints, and other support structures of the mouth by Dr. Hall. In the course of the exam, she will determine if your natural teeth and bite will provide a stable foundation for your veneers.
- Treatment Planning: Dr. Hall will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. At this time he will discuss your desired results and your choice in materials to reach your dental goal.
- Design & Fabrication: Dr. Hall will prepare your teeth and take molds that will be used to create your veneers.
- Final Restoration: At the final visit, Dr. Hall will place the porcelain veneers on your teeth, checking for proper fit and coloration. Any minor adjustments can be made at this time before they are permanently adhered to your teeth.
Although porcelain veneers do require some special care, Dr. Hall will instruct you on how to properly maintain them for the longest-lasting results possible. Although routine dental cleanings and examinations are vital to ensuring the long-term health and stability of your veneers, with conscientious care, they can last you many years.
To learn more about whether porcelain veneers are right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall and her team at Williamsburg Center Dental Health. Call 757-216-9873 or schedule a complimentary consultation online today.