What is a Dental Veneer?
A veneer is a thin shell that is made out of porcelain or ceramic. The shade of the veneer, along with its shape and size will be made to match your surrounding teeth so that it blends in perfectly.
How is a Dental Veneer Used?
We can accomplish a variety of things using dental veneers. By placing veneers on top of the teeth, we can close gaps, make teeth even in length, cover dark stains and create a uniform looking smile. In this way, veneers can create a smile that rivals the most famous Hollywood stars. The nice thing is that you do not have to be famous to improve your smile. You simply need to call 540-808-1303 and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Cottrell and Dr. Martin.
King George, Virginia Veneers
We also use dental veneers for restorations. When teeth become cracked, chipped or broken, a veneer can restore the tooth to its full functionality. As long as the tooth structure is intact, we can restore the appearance of a tooth while making it possible to eat and speak without feeling any discomfort.
The Procedure
When patients visit our Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates offices, we will take an impression of their teeth to create the veneers in a lab. The veneers will match the size, shape, and color of your teeth, taking a week or more to create.
In order to place dental veneers, we will first prepare your tooth by removing a portion of the enamel. This helps the veneer lay flat and in line with your gum tissue. After preparing the tooth, we will secure a temporary veneer using removable glue. While wearing a temporary veneer, it is important to brush your teeth gently and avoid eating any foods that may push it out of place. Since it is secured by removable glue, it can be moved fairly easily.
When your permanent veneers are ready, you will come back into our Richard Cottrell, DDS & Associates offices so that we can remove the temporary and ensure that the new veneer is a perfect fit. It is typically attached using a water based solution to see how it looks. If any adjustments need to be made, it will be done at this time. Otherwise, the tooth will be cleaned, and the dental veneer will be bonded to the tooth. Patients will enjoy how the results look. They are instant, and you can start flashing your smile right away.
After the Procedure
Your teeth will typically be sore for a few days after the preparation phase and after placing the permanent veneers. During this time, you can take pain medication to help you stay comfortable. Patients can also benefit from getting rest and using a cold compress to reduce any swelling. We recommend that patients watch what they eat for a few days and stick with foods that are soft. While there is a short recovery time when getting veneers, the procedure is entirely worth it because in the end, you will have a beautiful smile.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
One main benefit of veneers that patients enjoy is how the veneers make their teeth look. This procedure is an excellent solution, since the veneers can transform your smile into one that looks perfect and beautiful. The veneer uses your natural teeth, so there is no need for surgery, and the recovery time is reduced. Since the veneers are made to match your other teeth, they will look natural, and no one will be able to tell that you had any cosmetic dentistry work completed. Another benefit is that they are made out of a stain resistant material. This means that your teeth will stay whiter and brighter, even if your favorite beverage is a hot cup of coffee. We can use dental veneers to transform your smile.