Are you constantly smiling without showing your teeth because you are embarrassed by your imperfect smile? At Chestnut Family Dentistry in Asheville, NC, we take great care in giving you a smile to be proud of. With dental veneers, we can cover any chips, gaps, overlaps, or stains that may have you hiding your teeth.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made covers that fit on top of your tooth. They are bonded to the front of the selected tooth to create an entirely new look. This process makes an imperfect tooth look nearly perfect!
Modifying the color, shape, size, and length, our dental veneers are made specifically with your smile in mind! Typically created at a dental lab or in our office, depending on the needs of our patients, we take great care in making sure your dental veneers are a good fit for you. If patients are only covering a few teeth, we will match the color of the veneer to the existing teeth so they appear as natural as the other teeth.
Resin Composite VS. Porcelain
Before jumping into getting dental veneers, it is important to determine what type is right for you. Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS can help with your decision at your first appointment, but there are some things you should know about resin composite vs. porcelain veneers:
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are a strong, natural-looking option. These are specifically created based on the shape and color of your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and can last 10 to even 20 years!
Composite
Composite resin veneers are typically done in one visit. Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS will select a shade and sculpt the veneer directly on to your tooth. Compared to porcelain veneers, composite resin does not last as long as a porcelain veneer, but it can have a longer lifespan if cared for properly. Composite resin veneers can last 5 to 7 years.
How Do I Make Composite Resin Veneers Last Longer?
If you decide to go with composite resin veneers, there are ways to increase their lifespan just by caring for them properly. Many habits are hard to break, but some habits may break your veneers. To reduce the likelihood of chipping, avoid chewing ice, nail-biting, and opening objects with your teeth.
It is important to have a regular routine of brushing and flossing. Though this is a necessary component to the health of any tooth, being especially faithful to maintain regular dental hygiene can help with the longevity of veneers. When brushing with composite resin veneers, make sure it is with an ultra-soft toothbrush twice a day.
Since composite resin veneers are not as stain-resistant as the porcelain selection, avoiding drinks that may stain your teeth is important. This includes coffee and tea. Consider cutting back on these beverages to improve the longevity of your veneers.
What Is the Process of Getting Dental Veneers?
Depending on the type of veneer selected, the process can be done in one single visit or broken up. Dr. Willoughby will meet with you to discuss the entire process and answer any questions you may have. After this, a mold will be made of your mouth and the colors for the veneers will be selected.
There are technicians at Chestnut Family Dentistry that will create custom veneers to brighten and enhance your smile. If you are selecting composite resin veneers, they can be placed in one single visit. Since porcelain veneers are carefully sculpted out of a durable material, the waiting period is a little longer. This means the process must be done in more than one visit.
What Can I Expect After Application?
After your veneers have been bonded, your lips and tongue will notice an immediate change to your teeth. Since there is a change to the shape and size of your teeth, this can impact your speech in the beginning. The feeling may be exaggerated at first, but in a couple of days, your tongue and lips will get used to the veneers.
Who Are Dental Veneers Recommended For?
Veneers are a permanent choice, so it’s important to discuss your choices before deciding if this is the right choice for the needs of your smile. We recommend veneers for patients looking to:
- Brighten their smile to cover discoloration
- Repair any chips or cracks that appear in teeth
- Create a more uniform smile
- Fill in spaces that occur between teeth
If you find yourself falling into any of these categories, dental veneers may be a good fit for you!
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
The type of veneer selected, composite resin or porcelain, depends on the specific needs of your smile. Dr. Wendy Willoughby, DDS at Chestnut Family Dentistry in Asheville, NC is here to discuss your options and help answer any questions you may have. We want to help with your smile goals and find the solution that is best for you.
If you are ready to turn your imperfect smile into one you can be proud of, contact us today at Chestnut Family Dentistry in Asheville, NC to set up an appointment!
