At Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry, we want you to have a beautiful smile, and dental veneers are a quick way to achieve that. The treatment is aimed at people with stained, gapped or chipped teeth. However, they are irreversible, so this will be a permanent decision.

Veneers are a thin piece of porcelain that recreates your teeth’s natural appearance and also provides strength and resilience that resembles natural tooth enamel. They are custom made so they fit your teeth and are bonded to them in our office.

They are much less intrusive than crowns and braces. They can also be used to reduce or eliminate gaps between teeth, as well as correct misalignments. Veneers are a cosmetic solution for those who want to enhance the brightness of their teeth or improve the look of their smile.

Procedure

Typically, the veneer placement process takes between one and two appointments. If we pre-make the veneer, it will only be one, but to serve you better we prefer to create the veneer in our laboratory, and that takes two appointments.

When creating the veneer, we clean the tooth and decide which is the correct shade for it. We also shave off a very small amount of tooth enamel to make room to place the veneer on your tooth. Once we make the impression of your tooth we will send it to our dental lab, and place a temporary veneer on it.

When your permanent veneers are ready, we remove the temporary veneers and proceed to clean your tooth with water and pumice. Then we etch the veneer, rinse it thoroughly with water and let it air dry. We put the adhesive on the preparation and place the cement and the veneer for precise fit and contour.

We lightly cure the veneer on all sides for 60 seconds to help it get attached to the tooth structure. Finally, we remove any existing excess material and proceed to polish the margins of your veneer.

We often schedule a follow-up visit to make sure everything is still comfortable and in place. If any corrections or additional touch-ups need to be done, this is the perfect time for it. By checking that you are comfortable, we ensure a long-lasting veneer.

Veneer Care

Consider limiting stain-inducing foods such as coffee. Other than that, you’ll be looking after them the same way you’ll take care of your natural teeth, by brushing them daily, flossing, and using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.

Keeping good oral hygiene will make sure they last a long time. Porcelain veneers, which are preferred to correct shape and color issues, tend to last anywhere between 10 to 20 years.

To get more information about veneers and schedule your consultation, call the experienced professionals here at Gibson & Bartholomew Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry at (336) 283-2593 today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Veneers offer a transformative solution for dental imperfections like discoloration, gaps, or misshapen teeth. They provide a durable and natural-looking covering that enhances your smile's aesthetics. While veneers are effective, they may not be necessary for everyone. Minor issues may be addressed with less invasive treatments, like whitening or bonding. However, veneers offer a long-lasting solution for significant concerns. Consulting with a dentist can determine if veneers align with your goals and oral health needs. The decision hinges mainly on individual circumstances and desires for a radiant smile.

Types of Dental Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that provide a lasting remedy. Porcelain veneers are renowned for their durability and natural appearance and are meticulously crafted to match the color and shape of surrounding teeth. They are bonded to the front surface of stained teeth, effectively concealing tooth discoloration and enhancing dental aesthetics. On the other hand, composite resin veneers offer a more cost-effective option with similar aesthetic benefits, though they may require more frequent maintenance.

Choosing between traditional porcelain veneers and minimal-prep options depends on the severity of discoloration and personal preferences. Traditional veneers involve some enamel removal for a snug fit, which is ideal for significant discoloration or structural issues. Conversely, minimal-prep veneers like Lumineers require minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure, which is suitable for mild discoloration or for those hesitant about enamel removal.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Veneers?

Veneers are a part of transformative cosmetic dentistry solutions for stained teeth, improving smiles with their remarkable efficacy. Stains on teeth can result from various factors like age, smoking, or consuming staining substances like coffee or red wine.

Consulting with a qualified dentist is essential to determine the suitability of veneers and achieve the desired outcome, such as tooth whitening.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Veneers not only improve the appearance of stained teeth but also boost confidence and self-esteem by offering a smile makeover. With proper care and maintenance, they can provide long-lasting results, allowing individuals to enjoy a radiant smile for years to come.

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

Dental veneers are affixed permanently to your teeth. The procedure involves slight enamel removal, making it irreversible. However, advancements allow for ultra-thin veneers with minimal enamel adjustment, offering a more conservative approach and some potential reversibility. It's important to discuss this aspect with us before proceeding with treatment.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

When considering dental veneers, understanding their longevity is crucial. Quality materials and expert craftsmanship play key roles in ensuring their durability, offering enduring solutions for tooth discoloration.

Dental veneers typically last between seven to 15 years, with variations based on factors like oral hygiene, biting habits, and the chosen material. With proper care, including regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices, veneers can potentially extend their lifespan.