Gapped, chipped, or discolored teeth can have a negative impact on your self-esteem and detract from your overall appearance. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that fit over the front surfaces of one or more teeth, bringing balance and symmetry to your smile. Drs. Cynthia Bailey and Tess Marie Finley place dental veneers at the Bailey Dental Group in Richmond, MI.
What are porcelain veneers?
Veneers offer both strength and beauty. These thin shells use lifelike materials like lithium disilicate, pressed ceramic, or stacked ceramic to mimic natural tooth translucency and create realistic results.
A versatile solution
Dental veneers from our Richmond team can conceal:
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Chips or cracks may result from trauma, excessive bite pressure, or eating hard foods like ice, nuts, or popcorn. Veneers can effectively conceal these imperfections.
Gapped Teeth
Wide spaces between your teeth can take a toll on the appearance of your smile. Dental veneers can close the gaps between each tooth and provide a boost in your confidence.
Minor Dental Misalignment
Veneers are often called "instant orthodontics" because they can give the appearance of a much straighter smile in just a couple of convenient visits.
Dental Discoloration
Intrinsic stains caused by genetics, trauma, or certain medications do not respond to whitening treatment. In these instances, veneers can be used to brighten your smile.
Leave Insecurities Behind With Natural-Looking Veneers
At our Richmond practice, we can improve your wellbeing with regular cleanings and refresh your appearance with veneers.
Curious about how we can refine your smile? If you would like to explore treatment options with dental veneers, all you need to do is schedule an appointment at our Richmond practice. Contact us or give us a call at (586) 800-2250.
How do porcelain veneers affect my natural teeth?
Because veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel from your teeth, the process is irreversible. Your tooth will always require a veneer or other restoration once the enamel has been altered. However, since the veneer gives your tooth a layer of protection, removing this layer is not harmful to your natural tooth. You'll be able to enjoy your veneers for around a decade before they will need to be replaced.
Am I a good candidate for Dental Veneers?
While veneers are usually a great choice for anyone who is not satisfied with their smile, there are a few things that can affect your candidacy, like:
Poor Oral Health
Because they serve as a base for your porcelain veneers, your natural teeth need to be healthy and free of decay and your gums must be free of periodontal disease before veneers can be placed. If needed, we can help improve your oral health to restore your candidacy for veneer placement.
Bad Oral Habits
Veneers may not be for you if you are unable to break the habit of grinding your teeth, biting your nails, chewing on hard objects like pen caps, or using your teeth to open packaging. Like many cosmetic dentistry treatments, a veneer can be worn down, dislodged, or even chipped due to bad oral habits.
Poor Oral Care
While veneers do not need special maintenance, in order to be a good candidate you must be willing to keep up your oral hygiene. This means brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and visiting your dentist every six months. The healthier your natural teeth and gums are, the longer your veneers will last.
The porcelain veneers treatment process:
1. Initial Consultation
To determine if you qualify for porcelain veneers, your Richmond, MI, dentists will perform a complete oral examination. During this appointment, we will discuss your cosmetic goals to determine if veneers are right for you.
2. Preparation
Before your new veneers can be placed, the affected tooth or teeth must be prepared. During this step, your dentist removes a thin layer of dental enamel, which will help your restorations look natural among surrounding teeth.
3. Dental Impressions
Next, impressions are taken to capture your unique tooth anatomy and oral dentition. This step may be completed with traditional alginate or a handheld digital wand. The impressions are then sent to a dental lab, where your veneers are created.
4. Temporary Veneers
In many cases, temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth and enhance your smile while the dental lab creates your final restorations. This step may not be necessary, depending on how much of your tooth enamel was removed.
5. Fabrication
Generally, it takes the lab at least one to two weeks to create your veneers. A ceramist creates a model of your teeth using the impressions taken by your dentist. Next, porcelain is layered to create natural-looking veneers.
6. Placement
Once the dental lab has completed your veneers, we will schedule you for another appointment at our Richmond, MI, practice. During this appointment, your temporary restorations are removed and your new porcelain veneers are bonded permanently into place.
Advanced Technology Meets Comprehensive Treatment
Drs. Bailey and Finley use only the latest, most advanced technology in dentistry. We believe your smile should be both healthy and beautiful, so you can count on us to make certain that your teeth are free of any oral health issues before providing any cosmetic treatments. Our sophisticated laser cavity systems help detect decay that is not yet visible to the naked eye. This is just one way we help patients experience the best possible benefits of treatments like veneers.
In addition to porcelain veneers, we also offer advanced restorative options. Patients who are missing teeth can explore the denture and dental implant options we provide. Whether you need a cosmetic upgrade, a solution to an oral health issue, or both, you can depend on Bailey Dental Group to provide the treatment you need.
Explore Richmond's Secret To Lasting Smiles
With a combined 40 years of experience, mother-daughter duo Drs. Cynthia E. Bailey and Tess Marie Finley know how to design the smile of your dreams through porcelain veneers. Our goal is to give all our patients healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime and a beaming smile to match.
You can even return to our trusted team for your regular dental care, like cleanings and exams. That way, we can ensure your veneers and natural teeth are both in good shape.
Contact us or call our Richmond, MI, office to see how we can give you a smile you'll be proud to wear.
Caring for your veneers
Veneers made from porcelain can last upwards of 15 years with proper care. Here are a few dental care tips to keep your restorations in excellent condition:
Brush and Floss Daily
While a porcelain veneer cannot decay, the underlying tooth can. To remove bacteria and reduce the risk of cavities, practice good dental care at home every day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as hard bristles can damage restorations. You should also attend regular cleanings.
Choose the Right Toothpaste
To fight cavity-causing bacteria and strengthen your enamel, use a fluoride toothpaste. When shopping for products, choose nonabrasive tooth gels. Certain toothpaste formulas contain harsh ingredients which can scratch your veneers.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking is bad for your oral and overall health. Tobacco products may not stain porcelain, but they cause significant discoloration to the bonding material underneath. Keep your new smile bright and healthy by kicking the habit for good.
Protect Against Bruxism
If you are one of the millions of Americans who clench and grind their teeth, talk to your Richmond, MI, dentists about a custom oral appliance. These devices protect your veneers – and your natural teeth – from damage. They can also prevent the need for dentures or dental implants in the future.
Stop Bad Habits
You should never chew on ice, bite your nails, or use your teeth to open packages. Bad habits like these can cause irreparable damage to your teeth and dental restorations. If your veneers fracture, you will need to have them replaced.
Attend Routine Exams and Cleanings
Regular exams and cleanings allow our dentists to monitor your veneers and ensure they are functioning properly. Professional cleanings remove plaque and reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Routine dental care is essential.
Alternative and complementary cosmetic treatments
Dental veneer treatment is often performed as part of a smile makeover, which is a comprehensive aesthetic approach that combines two or more cosmetic procedures. Veneers are commonly combined with:
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile by several shades in a single office visit. If you are considering bleaching your teeth in addition to porcelain veneers, be sure to undergo whitening before your restorations are placed for best results.
Gum Lift
Excess gum tissue can make a tooth appear too small or "boxy." A gum lift – also referred to as cosmetic crown lengthening – raises the gum line, revealing more of the tooth crown underneath. You can combine a gum lift with veneers for a truly remarkable outcome.
Orthodontics
While veneers can address minor misalignment, orthodontic treatment is necessary to correct more complex malocclusion. Our dentists offer traditional braces and Invisalign® at our Richmond, MI, practice. Orthodontics must be completed prior to dental veneers.
Are Veneers Covered by Insurance?
Veneers are considered cosmetic, so they're not covered by insurance. We know how important confidence in your smile is, though, which is why we accept two different ways to alleviate the cost: financing and 5% discounts for select procedures paid in full.
Flexible Financing And Payment Options
At our Richmond, MI, practice, we believe that all individuals should have access to high-quality dentistry. In addition to accepting most major dental insurance, we also offer financing through CareCredit®. We accept all major credit cards as well.
No matter what your dental needs, our team is here to help you receive the care you deserve. Our financial experts are always available to discuss payment options with you.