Veneers

Consider veneers if you have chipped, discolored, or oddly shaped teeth that keep you from smiling confidently. At Village Dental, cosmetic and general dentist Nils Anderson, DDS, uses porcelain veneers to correct minor oral imperfections. To see if veneers can transform your smile, make an appointment by calling the office in Richmond Hill, Georgia, or booking one online today.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that Dr. Anderson bonds to the front of your permanent teeth. After the bonding material dries, you can’t tell the difference between the veneers and your natural tooth enamel — you can bite, chew, and smile confidently without anyone knowing you’ve had cosmetic work done.

What types of cosmetic issues can veneers help correct?

At Village Dental, Dr. Anderson uses veneers to correct various cosmetic issues on the front teeth, including:

• Pointy teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Stained and discolored teeth
• Gaps between teeth

You might also benefit from veneers if you have crooked or cracked teeth.

What does getting veneers involve?

At Village Dental, getting veneers takes three visits.

Diagnosis and treatment planning

Dr. Anderson reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes a series of digital X-rays. If you have healthy teeth and gums, you qualify for veneers. Dr. Anderson asks about your goals and develops a treatment plan.

Veneer preparation

At the second visit, Dr. Anderson numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic and prepares your teeth to receive the veneers. He uses special tools to remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth and then takes a series of digital impressions. Dr. Anderson sends your impressions to a dental lab that designs and manufactures custom veneers.

Veneer bonding

When the dental lab finishes your porcelain veneers, you return to Village Dental for the last time. Dr. Anderson bonds the veneers to the front of your teeth, trims away any excess material, and polishes them. Dr. Anderson also provides care instructions to help you keep them in optimal condition.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers usually last between 10 and 12 years, but you can extend their use by practicing good oral hygiene. Dr. Anderson recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, visiting Village Dental every six months for professional teeth cleaning, and protecting your veneers with a mouthguard if you play contact sports.

Dr. Anderson recommends taking several other precautions as well, including:

• Not biting or chewing on hard objects, like pen caps or your fingernails
• Never opening packaging with your teeth
• Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
• Chewing food with the teeth at the back of your mouth

To learn more about achieving a more balanced and symmetrical smile with veneers, request an appointment at Village Dental by calling the office or booking online today.