Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Would you enjoy getting your teeth refurbished with a treatment that looks natural, provides a measure of durability and covers an impressive number of flaws? Porcelain veneers from your Fayetteville, GA, dentist, Dr. Jeff Kendrick, could be just what your smile needs. Whether disguising a chip or hairline crack, spanning a small gap or covering deep stains and surface irregularities, porcelain veneers improve a number of cosmetic dental problems in just two visits to Heritage Dental Associates. Read the details on this popular treatment here.

Just what are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped shells of natural-looking dental ceramic. Individually made by a skilled ceramist, veneers cover the front of teeth right in the smile zone (the teeth that show prominently when you speak, laugh or smile), disguising:

• Cracks
• Chips
• Stains from tobacco, food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals
• Irregular shape and uneven size
• Mild overcrowding and gaps

Through oral examination and X-rays, your Fayetteville dentist can help you decide if veneers are right for you.

Who can get porcelain veneers?

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says that many teens and adults with healthy teeth and gums qualify for veneer placement, but the key to the success of the treatment is careful consultation between dentist and patient. The patient should have a good idea of how he or she would want their smile to change, and realistically, the Fayetteville dentist must determine if the idea is doable and if it would truly look good. Factors to consider are the patient's age, smile width, size and length of teeth and more.

If it's decided to go ahead with veneers, the dentist removes a small portion of enamel from the front of the teeth to ensure a good bond with the veneers. He takes oral impressions and can even give the patient a preview of what his or her remade smile will look like. The doctor also places temporary veneers to protect the teeth while the permanent veneers are constructed.

The treatment plan is then sent to the lab. When the veneers are ready, he takes off the temporary ones, and bonds the new ones in place. He adjusts the veneers for color and bite so the smile looks great and functions well.

Making veneers last

Veneer patients have a brief period of adjustment--a week or so. Then, their veneers feel very natural.

Day to day care is simple, too, as patients brush twice daily and floss as the American Dental Association recommends. The doctors ask to see all their patients semi-annually for check-ups and cleanings to keep ahead of plaque and tartar and to ensure teeth and gums free of decay and gingivitis. In addition, they always assess the condition of restorations such as fillings and crowns and cosmetic improvements such as porcelain veneers.

Are you a candidate for veneers?

Start enjoying a bright, new smile! For a consultation regarding porcelain veneers, contact Heritage Dental Associates in Fayetteville, GA. Call (770) 460-9795 today.