Dental Veneers in Greensboro, NC
Greensboro's best Dental Veneers
There are countless reasons why you should flash your pearly whites. One of them is that smiling just makes you feel good. It may sound cliché, but we typically think more optimistically when we show the world a big old-fashioned grin. It even helps us walk away with a little more pep in our step.
However, not everyone’s teeth are created equal, and some people may want to hide their teeth rather than show them off. This can be especially hard for professionals who work in the public eye such as musicians, journalists, and salespeople. If you want to smile, but are used to always hiding it, our cosmetic dentists can give you a smile makeover with the help of veneers.
Friendly Dentistry provides efficient and painless dental services in Greensboro, NC and will answer all of your questions and take all of the precautions to ensure that you are entirely comfortable with your minimally invasive veneer procedure. Healthy teeth are possible, and veneers can be a cost-effective alternative to more expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. Don’t put off that perfect smile you know you’ve always deserved. Contact our dentist office in Greensboro for a consultation or schedule a veneer appointment today!
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, ultra thin, super strong, slices of porcelain bonded to fit your unique tooth structure. The porcelain has a lifelike appearance, and it’s made to match the luminosity, color, and features of your natural teeth. The cosmetic procedure for installation is painless, and no one will be able to tell you’re wearing them!
Porcelain veneers, also known as dental veneers, resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic light reflecting characteristics of your natural teeth as well. This means a beautiful smile and natural looking teeth without the hard work of significant maintenance and tiresome cleanings.
How Does the Dental Veneer Procedure Work?
For your dental veneer procedure, you can expect about three trips to the dentist: one for a consultation and most likely two to create and apply the veneers.
At Friendly Dentistry, you have an active role in the dental veneer procedure. We will listen carefully to your objectives for your smile. What are your preferences about the shape, length, color, and shape for your new smile? If you’re unsure, our smile guide of photos can help you make important decisions about how your new grin should look.
Step 1
Provided that everything looks healthy, we will take impressions of your teeth and work closely with a lab to give a simulated outcome (also called a wax-up) of the veneers. This way, you can visualize the outcome before committing to anything!
Step 2
Getting to view the simulated wax-up is an exciting visit. Not only can you see it, we are able to mock up the veneers on your teeth before ever touching your teeth with a drill. We will be able to talk about what you like and what you don’t like, and we can make modifications right there on the spot. Adjustments will be made until it’s precisely the way you envision it. After you approve the wax-up, we will record the details for translucence, color and other characteristics that will help make your veneers look entirely natural.
Step 3
The third visit involves getting the teeth prepared to accept veneers. In some cases, there is very little that needs to be done to the teeth (commonly referred to as no-prep veneers), and in other cases, the teeth need to be modified in shape, size and thickness in order to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome. At the end of the visit, we will take an impression of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit, and you will leave with temporary veneers that day. The cosmetic change is immediate at this visit!
Keep in mind that the temporary veneers are a close replication of how your porcelain veneers will look and feel. They will be secured to your teeth with temporary cement. You will need to wear them, look at them carefully, and ask friends and family how they look. It is important to use that you love your new smile and are entirely convinced that it compliments your facial features and personality, so that you can be as confident as possible. Let us know if you ultimately don’t love the look, so that we can make proper adjustments.
Step 4
After you approve of your temporaries, we will send detailed instructions and likely a lot of photos of your face, smile and teeth to our dental lab ceramist, who will be crafting your porcelain veneers. At this final visit, we will remove the temporary veneers and fit the final veneers in position. Note: the veneers will not be bonded to your teeth until you are thrilled with your new smile! Lastly, you will always want to continue to return to Friendly Dentistry for check-ups and cleanings to ensure the veneers look and function like healthy, natural teeth.
Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons
Everything has a positive and a negative and it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t tell you about dental veneer pros and cons.
Dental veneer pros include:
Instantly improves the appearance of teeth (color, shape, size, alignment).
Provides a natural, realistic look that blends with surrounding teeth.
Stain-resistant surface helps maintain a bright smile longer.
Durable and long-lasting with proper care.
Minimally invasive compared to crowns, preserving more natural tooth structure.
Can close small gaps and cover chips, cracks, or worn enamel.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem with a more uniform smile.
Dental veneer cons include:
- Teeth sometimes have to be modified first, meaning it’s not typically a reversible procedure.
- Some people also feel increased tooth sensitivity after getting dental veneers; however, it usually eventually goes away.
Why Do People Get Dental Veneers?
There’s always the simple reason of wanting a stunning smile, but many people choose dental veneers to address issues such as:
- Worn or weakened teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discolored teeth from root canal treatment, large resin fillings, or excessive fluoride
- Gaps between teeth, which veneers can help close
- Uneven, misaligned, or irregularly shaped teeth
- Noticeable imperfections that affect appearance
- Missing teeth, when paired with other restorative treatments
Dental Veneers for Missing Teeth
While veneers are most commonly used to improve the appearance of existing teeth, they can also play a role in addressing missing teeth when combined with other restorative treatments. For example, if you receive a dental implant or bridge to replace a missing tooth, veneers can be used on the surrounding teeth to create a seamless, natural look. This ensures the replacement tooth blends in perfectly with your smile. Veneers can also help balance spacing and improve the overall symmetry of your teeth, reducing the appearance of gaps left by missing teeth.
If you are missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a comprehensive treatment plan that includes veneers alongside other options like dental implants or bridges to restore both function and aesthetics.
Dental Veneers FAQ
How long do dental veneers last?
The lifespan of dental veneers can vary amongst patients and is dependent on each individual’s overall oral health. In some cases, they do require some special care. The dentists at Friendly Dentistry will be sure to review any potential risks and ensure you are making a well-informed decision.
Do veneers mess up your teeth?
How to Care for Your Porcelain Veneers: Essential Tips for Longevity
Brush and Floss Daily: Keep your porcelain veneers looking their best by brushing twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing is equally important to remove food particles and plaque that can build up around your veneers, which could lead to decay or gum disease.
Use a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth: If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, a custom night guard is crucial. This will protect your dental veneers from unnecessary wear and tear, helping to preserve their shape and function over time.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Hard foods, such as ice or nuts, can crack or chip your porcelain veneers. Sticky foods, like caramel or chewing gum, can cause your veneers to become dislodged or weakened. It’s best to chew soft foods and avoid using your teeth to break into hard items.
Limit Foods and Drinks that Stain: Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, but they are not entirely impervious. Drinks like coffee, tea, and wine can discolor the bonding material over time. It’s a good idea to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consuming these items to keep your veneers looking pristine.
Avoid Abrasive Products: Harsh toothpaste, such as those designed for whitening or those with abrasive agents, can damage the surface of your dental veneers. Stick to a fluoride toothpaste that is gentle on both your veneers and natural teeth.
Do Not Use Your Teeth as Tools: Using your teeth to open packages, bottles, or tearing into tough items can put unnecessary strain on your porcelain veneers. Always use scissors or proper tools to avoid risking damage to your dental work.
Schedule Regular Dental Visits: While porcelain veneers are durable, regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to ensure they remain in great condition. Your dentist will inspect both your veneers and your natural teeth, check for any damage, and clean your veneers to maintain their luster.
Fix Issues Promptly: If your porcelain veneers become chipped, loose, or cause discomfort, contact your dentist right away. The sooner you address issues, the easier and less expensive the fix will be. If you leave problems untreated, they may lead to more serious issues that could require replacement or extensive repairs.
By following these simple but effective care tips, your porcelain veneers will continue to shine brightly and function optimally for many years!
Choose Friendly Dentistry
for Your Dental Veneer Procedure
If you have any follow-up questions about dental veneers or would like to schedule your dentist appointment in Greensboro, give Friendly Dentistry a call today at (336) 272-4595, or take a virtual tour of our office right now. We know your time is essential and we strive to seat every patient within 5 minutes of his or her scheduled appointment.
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