Are Dental Veneers a Better Option for You?

Dental Veneers in Denver NC Area

More than one of our Denver Dental Arts patients has come to our Denver North Carolina practice resigned to the fact that they need dental crowns. Only to be relieved and amazed when Dr. Nathen Ellis or Dr. Spencer Stewart tells them they have another option — dental veneers and they don’t involve all the extensive prep work crowns do. Perhaps this is news to you as well.

What are Dental Veneers?

Like dental crowns, dental veneers are a type of restorative dental treatment available to individuals who are looking to correct structural problems or cosmetic imperfections of individual teeth, such as:

• Misshaped or worn-down teeth
• Yellowed or stained teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gaps between teeth

However, unlike a dental crown that covers or caps the entire tooth, a dental veneer consists of a very thin layer of porcelain shaped and affixed to the front of a tooth to cover or face it.

How Much Dental Work Do Dental Veneers Require?

The dental veneer procedure involves at least three visits to one of our dentists.

A consultation in which you explain what you would like to achieve, and after examining your teeth to confirm dental veneers are proper for you, the dentist will explain the procedure and its limits. If you choose to proceed, the appointment may include taking x-rays and making impressions of your mouth and teeth.

A preparation appointment during which the tooth (or teeth) surface(s) will be reshaped to closely match the thickness of the veneer that will cover it. If needed, the dentist may numb the area. Finally, an impression of the tooth will be taken and sent to a dental laboratory to serve as a model in making your custom veneer.

During the final appointment, the dentist will bond the veneer to the tooth’s front. But before he does, he will hold it up to the tooth to make sure it matches both size and color. If satisfied, he will trim it to achieve a perfect fit. Then, after he has cleaned and polished it, etching the back surface to provide a rough surface for bonding, he will cement it to the tooth. Finally, he will shine an ultraviolet light on it to activate the cement, and you are done.

Crowns are not out of the question, however, there are reasons dental veneers may be a better fit. Oops, no pun intended!

Dental Veneers

• Are ideal if you are looking to correct minor smile issues such as uneven tooth sizes or shapes.
• Require a less invasive procedure than crowns do
• Lay flush against the gums better than crowns
• Provide a natural look

Cautions to Keep in Mind

Although dental veneers are durable, you should avoid chewing hard objects like ice or lollipops and if you have habits like biting your nails or chewing on pencils, do your best to break them. No, dental veneers are not invincible. But then, neither are crowns.

We have tried to answer all your questions, but if you have more and live within traveling distance of Denver, North Carolina, you can call Denver Dental Arts at (704) 908-6969 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Spencer Stewart or Dr. Nathen Ellis.

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