Do you admire the breathtaking smiles of movie stars and models, wishing you could enhance your own teeth? Often, people with brilliant images have improved Mother Nature’s handiwork through porcelain veneers. If stains, chips, or gaps make you want to hide you smile, porcelain veneers can mask imperfections to reveal a gorgeous, new image. Learn more about porcelain veneers with the following question and answers.

Why would I need porcelain veneers?
Many people opt for veneers if they want to update their smiles. Made from thin shells of fine dental porcelain, these restorations cover the teeth in your smile zone, changing the color, size, or shape of your teeth.

What is involved in getting veneers?
Usually, your dentist will schedule a consultation to discuss your goals for smile enhancement and show you examples of different veneer styles. At your next visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth for placement and take impressions to send to the dental lab. A skilled ceramist will handcraft the custom restorations. During your final appointment, your dentist will cement the porcelain veneers into place.

What types of veneers are available?
When considering porcelain veneers, your dentist will help you choose between custom veneers and minimal-prep veneers. Typically, your doctor will make recommendations based on what will look most natural and produce lasting beauty. Custom veneers are created to the dentist’s specification for your teeth. Minimal-prep veneers are contact-thin wafers that are placed over front teeth without enamel removal.

Are veneers permanent?
Custom veneers require removing a thin layer of enamel, so you cannot have them removed after placement. However, minimal-prep veneers are reversible.

Schedule a consult at dental office of Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry to see if porcelain veneers are right for you!

Did you know that healthy teeth and gums contribute to overall health and longevity? Not only will you look and feel your best with a gorgeous smile, but your risk of certain diseases and health issues may decline. If you want to achieve optimal oral health and a truly amazing smile, think about the following helpful hints:
Ask about sedation

Many patients avoid dental visits because of anxiety or fear from a bad experience, strong gag reflex, or apprehension about drills. With sedation options such as nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, you can rest peacefully while your dentist renews your smile.

Don’t live with pain

Often, people live with facial pain, headaches, and other symptoms cause by TMJ dysfunction. This condition occurs when the jaw joints, or TMJ, become misaligned, which throws off the whole chewing system and causes discomfort. Talk with your dentist if you suspect TMJ disorder.

Get a mouth guard

If you play sports, you need to purchase a mouth guard. Activities like football, basketball, soccer, and even horseback riding can cause serious damage to the face, teeth, and gums. You should also think about a mouth guard if you clench and grind your teeth, an often subconscious habit that can result in cracking and breakage.

Practice home care

Daily brushing and flossing are critical to protecting your smile. Brush twice a day and floss at least once daily to remove bacteria and plaque from your mouth.

Schedule routine appointments

Without professional cleanings and regular checkups, your dental health will suffer. Even if you don’t notice any problems, issues such as decay and gum disease can develop with few, if any, symptoms. Your dentist can evaluate your whole mouth and address any concerns before they escalate.

Creating healthy, beautiful smiles at Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry Richmond, VA Cosmetic Dentist