What Are Dental Veneers?

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A dental veneer is an extremely thin, shell-like covering that is custom-tailored to fit an individual’s tooth. Using dental veneers, Dr. Travis Wilson can improve his patients’ smiles.

Enhancing a Patient’s Teeth with Dental Veneers

A dental veneer can consist of porcelain or composite resin.

Veneers are ideal for changing the size, shape, color and length of the teeth.

When veneers are used near a patient’s natural teeth, Dr. Wilson chooses a shade of veneer that closely matches the color of the remaining teeth.

What is the Difference Between Resin and Porcelain Veneers?

Resin and porcelain are the materials that are most frequently used to create dental veneers.

Veneers Consisting of Porcelain

Since porcelain veneers reflect light, they look more like natural teeth than those made of resin do. This light-reflecting characteristic typically makes porcelain veneers the most desirable material for tooth enhancement. In addition, studies show that veneers made of porcelain offer patients more durability than those consisting of composite resin.

When compared to resin veneers, the veneers made of porcelain are better at resisting stains. Furthermore, these veneers offer the patient a long-lasting solution with many patients enjoying their porcelain veneers for up to 20 years.

One drawback to porcelain veneers is that the process takes longer than is necessary when resin veneers are used. The entire porcelain veneer process usually requires at least two weeks, possibly three. However, while the patient waits for his or her custom-designed porcelain veneers to arrive at the office, the patient wears temporary tooth coverings.

Veneers Consisting of Composite Resin

Veneers that consist of resin are constructed using the same materials as those used while bonding or filling a tooth. Composite resin has tiny particles of a hard filler in it. Since these particles are extremely small, the resin should remain soft and pliable, thus, making it easier for Dr. Wilson to shape and mold the veneer.

Cosmetic Issues That Dental Veneers Are Used to Fix

Dental veneers offer individuals an easy, long-lasting solution for improving their smile.

Veneers are commonly used to address:

  • Tooth discoloration – may be caused by root canal therapy, excessive fluoride use, stains resulting from certain medications (e.g., tetracycline, etc.) or visible resin fillings.
  • Worn down teeth – this issue frequently occurs when an individual has bruxism (i.e., teeth-grinding while asleep) or has a habit of clenching his or her jaw.
  • Misaligned, irregularly shaped or uneven teeth – these issues can easily be addressed with dental veneers.
  • Gapped teeth – Dr. Wilson can use veneers to close the spaces between the teeth.
  • Broken or chipped teeth – since veneers cover the front of the tooth, chips and broken teeth are hidden behind the veneer.

If you reside in the Beaver Dam or Owensboro, Kentucky, area and you are interested in improving your smile with dental veneers, contact one of Dr. Travis Wilson’s offices today. Dr. Wilson’s Owensboro, Kentucky, phone number is 270-926-6040 and the phone number for his Beaver Dam, Kentucky, office is 270-274-3645.

 

Spring Is Near | Plan for a New Smile with These Options

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There is no time like spring to do some changes for the betterment of your self-confidence, and your smile is a good place to start. Find out about some of the ways the pros at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry can help transform your smile.

Consider Zoom Whitening for a Brighter Smile

Zoom teeth whitening is a type of teeth whitening that is only offered through qualified dentists. This whitening procedure can remove some surface stains and help brighten the shade of your teeth so you feel assured when you open your mouth and share your happiness. The procedure is simple and ideal for use on most patients who do not have issues with dental sensitivity.

Mend Small Imperfections with Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding involves using composite material to fix small imperfections. For example, if you have one tooth that is discolored or if you have a gap between two teeth, the composite material can be used to cover the imperfection to give you a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile. These procedures can take place in our office, usually within one visit, and the results can be incredible.

Replace Missing Teeth with Single-Tooth Dental Implants

Single-tooth dental implants are one of the most popular modern solutions for individuals who have lost a permanent tooth. We can help you fill the gap in your smile with a single tooth dental implant if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Consider a Crown or Bridge to Replace Multiple Teeth

Maybe you had to have a few teeth extracted, and you now have a large gap in your smile at certain points. If so, something like a bridge to replace those gaps could be possible. If you have teeth that have damage, a crown is also something to consider.

Contact Us to Get Your Spring Smile Ready

Your smile is a huge part of who you are as an individual. If you would like to see a smile you feel better about sharing with the world, talk to us at Travis Wilson Family Dentistry. We have a range of cosmetic treatment options available to help you build a more confident smile.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

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Am I eligible for cosmetic dentistry?

Most people are eligible for cosmetic dentistry procedures, as long as there is not currently an infection in the mouth. If you are unhappy with cracked, missing, or unhealthy teeth, there is a variety of cosmetic procedures you can choose from to reinvigorate your smile. Schedule a consultation to verify that you are the right candidate for cosmetic dentistry and to determine which procedure is best for you.

Are there any health benefits of cosmetic dentistry procedures?

Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic dentistry has both aesthetic and health benefits for patients. One of the primary benefits is dramatically decreasing the risk of infection in the mouth. Dental implants, bridges, and crowns fill the empty spaces in your mouth that often create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. Removing unhealthy teeth can also help keep your smile cleaner and additionally limit bacteria.

Older people hanging out

older people hanging out

Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

Although you will ultimately want to check with your insurance provider, many cosmetic procedures have health benefits (as outlined above) that allow them to qualify for insurance coverage.

What are veneers?

Veneers started as a popular Hollywood procedure but is now relatively common among everyday people. Veneers are placed over the front, side, and biting edge of your teeth to hide discoloration, cracks, and chips, in addition to changing the size and shape of your teeth. The procedure is simple, and the veneers should last for over 20 years with proper care. Veneers can be made of porcelain, composite, or similar material, with the costs similar to that of crowns.

How long does teeth whitening last?

The majority of whitening procedures will last between one and two years with proper maintenance and avoidance of teeth-staining foods and drinks. However, you can get touch-ups after your procedure to prolong your sparkling white look.

Will teeth whitening work for everyone?

Unfortunately, individuals with severe discoloration may need more advanced procedures to achieve a bright, white smile. If you have severe discoloration, consider alternative options such as composite bonding and porcelain veneers.