Porcelain Veneers
Ferndale, WA
Porcelain Veneers provided by Kelsey Ullsmith, DMD
in Ferndale, WA at Dentistry with Smiles
 Your smile is one of the first things that people see when they look at you, but if you are hiding it due to shame or embarrassment about the appearance of your teeth, you may be holding yourself back without even realizing it. For our patients who may feel insecure about the appearance of their teeth due to discolorations or uneven size or shape, we here at Dentistry with Smiles believe that dental veneers may be exactly what they need to restore both their confidence and improve how their teeth look.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a type of dental restoration that can greatly benefit many of our patients. They are comprised of a thin sheet of porcelain or composite resin material, which is then affixed directly to the surface of the teeth. Unlike more invasive restoration options, dental veneers can be completed in as few as just two dental appointments, making them a great choice for busy patients who may want lasting results with little fuss or effort.
Dental veneers can help address many different dental concerns that you may have. For instance, for patients who struggle with serious dental stains that have been resistant to teeth whitening, dental veneers can help conceal these stains. They can also help improve the appearance of teeth that are uneven in size or shape, may have uneven gaps or spaces between them, and teeth that have been chipped or broken.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for dental veneers are patients who have healthy gums and teeth. An ideal candidate for veneers do not have advanced tooth decay, as we would need to treat the decay first before we could place the veneers. Patients who are missing teeth may also not be a good candidate, as the veneers do need to be attached to your teeth to be fully functional.
We recommend patients who suffer from bruxism (grinding your teeth, especially at night) to be advised of the risks to their veneers if they continue to grind their teeth. A nighttime mouth guard may be necessary to protect the veneers from chipping or breaking as you sleep.
What are the Steps for Getting Veneers?
It typically takes two appointments to get dental veneers. During your first appointment with us, we will start by preparing your teeth for the veneer. We will provide you with local anesthetic to help prevent you from experiencing any discomfort throughout the procedure. We will then shape your tooth by carefully removing a small amount of your enamel. Next, we will take impressions of your teeth, which will go to our lab.
While our lab is creating your permanent veneer, we will fit you with a temporary one. It may take up to two weeks for your veneer to return to us. Once it is finished, we will have you come back for a final fitting of your veneer. We will check to confirm it is a good fit and comfortable in your mouth, then we will bond it to your teeth with dental cement. Finally, we will cure it with a special ultraviolet light to ensure that it is secure and durable.
Just because you have dental veneers does not mean that you can start neglecting your teeth. You will need to maintain your veneers by practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding anything that can cause them to break or chip (such as biting down on hard foods or candies). We also recommend that you continue to schedule regular checkups (every six months) with us.
If you would like to learn more about dental veneers, or you are ready to set up an appointment with Dr. Kelsey Ullsmith at Dentistry with Smiles, please give us a call at (360) 647-1715 today! |
