Some of the most-used restorations in a cosmetic dentist’s collection are dental veneers. These ultra-thin shells of porcelain bond to the surface of the teeth to mask flaws and create a more stunning smile. They also have protective qualities and may prevent the need for additional dental restorations or treatment.
Natural looking porcelain veneers are available at the dental practice of Dr. Nancy Snyder, a trusted cosmetic dentist serving Fort Oglethorpe and the surrounding Northern Georgia areas. Dr. Snyder has helped an impressive number of people enjoy warmer and more approachable smiles with the help of porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dental treatments.
Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers may be the best way to restore your smile if you have any of the following teeth imperfections:
- Small chips and cracks
- Uneven tooth edges
- Stains or discoloration
- Abnormal tooth shape or width
- Exceptionally worn teeth
- Uneven tooth alignment
- Small spaces between the teeth
In cases where tooth damage is more serious in nature, another dental restoration like a dental crown, which encapsulates the entire exterior of the tooth, may be a better option.
Porcelain Veneer Process
The porcelain veneers placement process begins with an initial consultation to identify the aesthetic issues at hand and determine the goals of treatment. You will be asked to describe what you wish your teeth looked like and the smile you would like to have. Dr. Snyder will examine the teeth that bother you, and recommend whether veneers or another dental solution are likely to give you the results you need. Depending on your particular concerns, you may require a complete smile makeover.
If the recommended treatment involves porcelain veneers, Dr. Snyder may need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel from the affected teeth in order to create room for the veneers. She will also take impressions of your teeth and use them to create a mold of your mouth. Together, you will select the appropriate natural looking shade for your veneers. Along with information about the desired color, the mold of your teeth will be sent to the dental laboratory that Dr. Snyder uses for her veneers patients. The laboratory will craft your porcelain veneer or set of veneers using strong, durable and very lifelike materials. While your restorations are being constructed, temporary veneers may be placed over your prepared teeth to protect them in the interim.
Once your permanent veneers are ready (it usually takes a few weeks), you will return to Dr. Snyder for another appointment. She will remove your provisional veneers and install the permanent veneers, checking for fit and comfort. If you are happy with the look and feel of your permanent veneers, Dr. Snyder will bond them into place with a strong dental cement. Finally, she will polish them so they look translucent like natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain veneers can be brushed and flossed like natural teeth, and should be checked regularly by a dentist. With the proper care, veneers can last 10 years or longer.
Learn More about Porcelain Veneers
For more information about transforming your smile with porcelain veneers, please contact our Fort Oglethorpe dental office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Snyder.