Veneers
Murfreesboro, TN.

Am I a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

If you are concerned about cosmetic imperfections, dental veneers are an option to consider. Call Bluegrass Dental for an appointment to see if you would be a good candidate for Porcelain Veneers.

These restorations can address:

• • Chips
• • Hairline fractures
• • Cracks
• • Gaps and spaces between the teeth
• • Discoloration and deep intrinsic staining that won't respond to whitening
• • Minor dental misalignment

Candidacy Qualifications

To qualify for porcelain veneers, candidates should be in good oral health, free from extensive decay, periodontal disease, and other serious issues. If oral health problems are present, our dentist will recommend the appropriate restorative treatments. Once completed, we can explore cosmetic dental options specifically for your situation.

You may choose to have your teeth whitened before getting veneers so that the porcelain color can be matched to your new brighter tooth shade. By explaining your goals to Dr. Martin in detail, he can determine if one treatment or a combination of treatments is the best way to achieve your goals.

Dental veneer placement will require altering your existing teeth, and you must have enough enamel for us to perform this procedure. If you are considering porcelain veneers, you should be committed to proper oral hygiene and regular checkups. This will help make your veneers last many years.

The Porcelain Veneers Treatment Process

First Visit

Veneer placement procedures are usually completed in two office visits. During your first visit, our dentist will remove a very small amount of enamel from the front surfaces of the selected teeth. This procedure helps prepare the teeth for your new restorations, so they will bond properly and look natural. Next, impressions are taken and sent to our trusted dental lab. There, a skilled technician will handcraft your veneers based on your unique dental specifications. Since the fabrication process takes at least two to three weeks on average, temporary veneers will likely be placed in the meantime.

Second Visit

Once your veneers are returned to us, our dentist will assess the fit, color, and quality of your new restorations. If necessary, your veneers can be adjusted or reshaped so that they do not interfere with your current bite pattern. Only after you are satisfied with both appearance and fit will your new veneers be permanently bonded into place.

How to Care for Your Porcelain Veneers

On average, dental veneers last about ten years. However, they can last longer with proper care and maintenance – often upwards of 20 years.

It is essential to keep your porcelain veneers looking beautiful by practicing proper oral hygiene. Patients should brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste. You should avoid whitening toothpaste; it can damage the veneer surfaces over time. Our dentist also recommends flossing daily and rinsing with an alcohol-free fluoride mouthwash.

Porcelain restorations are not susceptible to tooth decay. However, the underlying tooth structure is still vulnerable to decay. Visiting our dentist regularly and practicing proper at-home dental hygiene can ensure that your veneers provide benefits for many years.