Try veneers to improve the look of chipped, stained, crooked, or worn teeth. Dr. Maria Benefield provides porcelain veneers at Sandy Springs Dentistry in Atlanta, GA. She is eager to help you achieve a beautiful, natural smile and will do all she can to put you at ease. Veneers are cosmetic dentistry treatments that cover one or all the teeth in your smile line. They change the shape, size, and shade of teeth for a brighter and more even-looking smile.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells, typically made of porcelain or resin, bonded to the front of teeth to enhance the beauty of your smile. Our dentist may recommend dental veneers to correct several types of smile imperfections.
Porcelain veneers are a great way to improve your smile because they look similar to natural teeth. The color and shine of porcelain match well with your tooth enamel. Porcelain is also stain-resistant, so your smile will stay bright for years. We can match veneers to your natural tooth color. With dental veneers, you can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile that you will love to show off.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Our dentist may recommend dental veneers to improve your smile’s appearance. Custom-made veneers can be used for just one tooth or your entire smile. We may suggest veneers to:
- Close large spaces and gaps between teeth
- Whiten teeth that are severely stained or discolored
- Improve the appearance of irregularly shaped teeth
- Correct slightly crooked teeth
- Restore teeth that are broken, chipped, worn, or fractured
Dental veneers are an excellent option for many people looking to improve their smiles. However, they are not suitable for patients with significant tooth decay, gum disease, or insufficient enamel. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, we will recommend treatments to improve your oral health.
Because of the tooth preparation process, you also need enough healthy tooth enamel for veneers. We will remove a small portion of your enamel, about 0.5 mm, before we take impressions of your teeth. With a simple dental consultation, we can determine if veneers are the right choice for you.
Getting Porcelain Veneers in Atlanta, GA
Getting dental veneers involves a few steps. First, we’ll have a consultation to discuss what you want and check your teeth and gums. We’ll also take X-rays to help create a detailed plan for your veneers. During this consultation, we will determine how many veneers you need to meet your cosmetic goals.
Preparation
To begin treatment, we will clean your teeth. Then, we prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneers. We will numb your teeth, so you do not feel pain during treatment. Our office provides conservative tooth preparation so your veneers fit comfortably without looking bulky.
After that, we will make impressions of your teeth, which are used to create custom veneers. Our office sends these impressions to a dental lab, where a ceramicist will create your custom veneers. We will place temporary veneers while you wait for the permanent ones.
Temporary Veneers
Because temporary veneers don’t last long, we place them with an adhesive that is less strong than other adhesives. For this reason, you have to be careful with your temporary veneers.
Brush and floss carefully to avoid pulling on the temporary veneers. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could loosen or damage them. Also, avoid chewing on ice, popcorn, and hard candies.
Final Veneers
You’ll come in for a second visit when your veneers are ready. Our dentist will try on the veneers to ensure they fit properly and look good. They’ll check the color, shape, and fit to make sure everything is just right. Once you and our dentist are happy with how the veneers look, they’ll clean and prepare your teeth for bonding.
Your dentist will then use a special adhesive to attach the veneers to your teeth. After placing them, they’ll use a curing light to harden the adhesive so the veneers are securely in place.
You won’t have to worry about your veneers slipping or shifting. However, you will likely need a follow-up appointment to ensure they are in good shape and fit perfectly.
How to Care For Veneers
A good oral hygiene routine is essential to keeping your veneers bright and intact. You can clean your veneers like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth and veneers twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently around the edges where the veneers meet your natural teeth. You can also floss daily between your teeth and around the veneers. This helps remove food particles and plaque that can build up in the mouth.
While veneers are strong, we recommend that you avoid biting on hard objects like ice. or using your teeth to open packages, as this can damage the veneers. Also, limit foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, and red wine. Veneers are stain-resistant but not completely stain-proof.
Come to our dental office for regular check-ups and cleanings. We’ll check your veneers to make sure they’re still in good condition. If there are any problems, we’ll take care of them and help keep your smile looking great.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers usually last between 10 and 15 years with proper care. They offer enough durability to give you a beautiful smile for a long time. Minimal or no-prep veneers are thinner and require less tooth preparation. They typically last 5 to 7 years. Because they are not as thick, they may not be as strong as traditional porcelain veneers.
Get Veneers Today
Treat your teeth to porcelain veneers in Atlanta, GA. We invite you to call 470-999-6489 or visit our office to learn more about custom dental veneers and how we can enhance your smile. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.
If you have questions about the treatment, let us know at your next visit. We look forward to hearing from you.