Veneers and Smile Design
Are you looking for a subtle enhancement or a total smile makeover? If so, you are in the right spot. Dr. Rinker can help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic treatment that can cover up a wide range of imperfections. Whether you are unhappy with stained or slightly crooked teeth, chips or discolorations, veneers can enhance your smile and give you a fresh, new look. These thin shells of porcelain fit perfectly over problematic teeth to improve their shape, size, and color.
Veneers are very thin, tooth-shaped dental prostheses that are crafted out of ceramic porcelain. This material is completely stain resistant, so once you have veneers you won’t need to worry about yellowing or discoloration. Veneers are designed to cover up the front chewing surface of your teeth and give you a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Once placed, veneers can easily last a decade or longer with proper care. The treatment process is non-invasive and typically only takes two appointments, making this an ideal option for people looking for an efficient, comfortable way to improve their smile.
Your first appointment will begin with a cleaning, and one of our dentists will start the procedure by removing a very small amount of enamel from any teeth that will be treated. The enamel is removed to make room for your veneers, and to ensure that they fit perfectly and look completely natural. After this, dental impressions will be taken and sent to a third-party dental laboratory where your veneers will be created. While this lab manufactures your custom veneers, we will give you a temporary to set to wear until your final appointment. When your permanent veneers arrive at our office, we will check them for perfect fit and finish, then permanently bond them into place using a special dental cement.
Good candidates for veneers must be healthy and free of issues like periodontal (gum) disease and tooth decay. Since veneers are strictly a cosmetic treatment, they cannot be used to treat a seriously-damaged tooth. If your tooth is cracked or damaged, you may need a dental crown to cover it up and protect it. Patients who grind or clench their teeth should get a night guard before receiving veneers, since clenching and grinding can crack or damage the porcelain. Non-smokers are also preferred. To find out if you’re a good candidate, contact the team at 307 Dental Studio in Cheyenne, WY for a free consultation.
No. No matter how old (or young) you are, you may be a good candidate for veneers as long as you have a healthy mouth. To get veneers, you must be free of major oral health problems like damaged and decayed teeth or periodontal (gum) disease. You must also not have any major issues with teeth alignment, and a healthy bite. As long as you meet these qualifications, you’re a good candidate for veneers.
In addition, your teeth must be finished growing if you’re a younger person. Veneers are typically not recommended if you are under the age of 16 for this reason. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you qualify for veneers as a teenager.
If you’re an older adult, you may want to discuss your options for treatment with your dentist, and go over past crowns and other restorative dental work that you may have had done in the past. This ensures that your dentist can create a customized veneer treatment plan that will meet your needs.
No matter your age, the team at 307 Dental Studio in Cheyenne, Wyoming can help you get the treatment you need for a better smile. So don’t wait. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule an online consultation in Cheyenne.
There are a few things you should keep in mind to prolong the lifespan of your veneers and avoid damaging them. First, make sure you don’t try to chew or bite extremely hard foods like hard candy, popcorn, ice, and nuts with your veneers, as this could chip or damage the veneer. Use your rear molars to chew hard foods.
You also should avoid chewing on non-food objects. This includes pencils and pens, as well as fingernails. Don’t use your teeth as “tools” either. Avoid ripping tape or opening packages with the help of your teeth, because this can damage both your veneers and natural teeth.
It’s also important to protect your new smile. If you have a history of teeth grinding, make sure that you get a new custom night guard to fit your new smile, and wear it at night to prevent damage to your veneers and your teeth. In addition, if you play contact sports, you should invest in a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard from Enamel Dentistry. Mouthguards help cushion and protect the teeth if you take a hard hit, preventing damage to your veneers as well as other oral injuries.
In most cases, dental veneers will last somewhere between 10-20 years before they wear out. Partially, the lifespan of veneers depends on how well you care for your new smile. Regular brushing and flossing can ensure they stay strong, and preventive dental care such as six-month visits at 307 Dental Studio will allow your dentist to regularly check on the condition of your veneers.
Veneers are not a reversible procedure, so if one of your veneers is damaged or dislodged by wear and tear, it will need to be repaired or replaced. The underlying tooth structure underneath your veneers will be more vulnerable to decay and damage, so it’s important to get your veneers fixed right away.