Did you know that about four out of five adults keep their mouths completely shut when smiling, laughing, or having their picture taken? Many individuals are self-conscious about discolored, chipped, crowded, or uneven teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of solutions for these issues, but the most common option is veneers, a treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. Here at Germantown Dental Group, our doctors have everything necessary to give you a show-stopping smile! But while the look of veneers is something you may be familiar with, you may be wondering what exactly they are.
Let’s take a closer look at what veneers are and how they could benefit your smile!
What veneers are
Veneers are thin shells that are fixed to the front of your natural teeth in order to improve their appearance, instantly giving you a beautiful smile. These shells are made of porcelain compounds, a material that is incredibly thin and stain-resistant. Our porcelain veneers look incredibly natural, illuminating your beautiful smile.
Veneers are great for covering stains, chips, and cracks, and then can even improve the look of over-spaced or worn-down teeth. Veneers are custom-designed for each patient to match the color of their natural teeth and can be used to lengthen, reshape, and even change the size of the teeth! Our experienced team of doctors at Germantown Dental Group can give you the smile of your dreams using both traditional and prepless veneers.
What can veneers be used for?
Porcelain and prepless veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including:
Discoloration. Over time, teeth may lose their natural color due to issues like high-fluoride exposure, large resin fillings, or an extended round of antibiotics. Caffeine and nicotine can also stain the teeth.
Worn teeth. Teeth can be worn down through age or habitual grinding.
Broken or chipped teeth. Either of these can occur due to sports injuries, bad habits, or eating certain foods.
Misaligned or misshapen teeth. These are conditions that occur naturally.
Gaps in between teeth. These can also occur naturally, and veneers can be used to fill the spaces.
Whether you’re seeking veneers to boost your self confidence or help to improve the function of your teeth, they can be a great treatment option for many of our patients in Germantown and the surrounding areas. Our doctors are dedicated to giving you the absolute best experience possible, no matter what type of veneers you choose for your smile!
The first step in the process of getting veneers is an initial consultation with one of our doctors. At your consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and your dentist will create a plan that meets your specific needs. Then, you’ll be x-rayed in order to determine if your teeth are suited for the procedure ahead.
At your second appointment, your teeth will be prepared for the veneers to be attached. For porcelain veneers, this includes removing about one-half millimeter of tooth enamel. Your dentist will then take an impression of the area the veneer is being applied to in order to create a one-of-a-kind veneer to fit your teeth and enhance their beauty!
The final step in the process is bonding. During this final appointment, your custom veneers will be placed in the predetermined position to judge its fit and make any last-minute adjustments. A thorough cleaning and etching of the tooth will allow for the best bond once your veneer is glued in place, with a special light applied to cause the cement to harden quickly. Patients will typically return for a follow-up appointment in about 2 weeks for an evaluation of the veneer.
Prepless Veneers
Here at Germantown Dental Group, we’re also proud to offer DURAthin prepless veneers. The design of this innovative veneer system is so thin that it can fit directly to the front of the teeth without removing any layers of enamel. This gives patients who are worried about harming their natural tooth structure a whole new treatment option! With DURAthin veneers, if you opt to have them removed down the line, your natural smile will remain intact – a very attractive feature for our patients who want a less-permanent dental treatment.
How to care for veneers
On average, veneers can last from anywhere between twelve and fifteen years, but much longer if they’re properly cared for and maintained.
While veneers don’t necessarily require any type of specialized care, it’s very important to keep up a good, regular oral hygiene routine. We encourage all of our patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing once per day before bed. Using a quality antiseptic mouthwash is also highly recommended.
Although veneers are stain-resistant, we suggest our patients avoid red wine, tea, and coffee, as these beverages are still prone to cause some discoloration.
How much do veneers cost?
Because every case is different, the overall cost of veneer treatment varies from patient to patient. Veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment, so patients will need to check with their insurance provider to see if any percentage of treatment will be covered. At Germantown Dental Group, we’re dedicated to providing you the best care possible at an affordable price! This is why we offer payment plans to fit any budget, as well as financing options.
The doctors at Germantown Dental Group are here to help you with all of your veneer treatment needs. Our skilled team and expert doctors are happy to answer any questions you may have related to your veneer treatment.
If you’re ready to get the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted, contact our office to schedule your free consultation today!