Did you know that nearly four out of five adults keep their mouths completely shut when smiling, laughing, or having their picture taken? Many individuals are self-conscious about discolored, chipped, crowded, or uneven teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of solutions for these issues, but the most common option is veneers, a treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. Dental veneers, which are just one of the cosmetic dentistry services offered at the offices of Scott Edwards, DDS, can help you eat, laugh, and smile with confidence again! Let’s take a closer look at using dental veneers to improve your smile!
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are affixed to the front of your natural teeth in order to change their shape and appearance. These shells are made of porcelain compounds or incredibly thin and stain-resistant materials that blend in with your tooth color and smile. Whatever material our doctors recommend for you, your veneers will look remarkably natural and will help illuminate your beautiful smile.
Veneers are great for covering stains, chips, and cracks, and can even improve the look of over-spaced or worn-down teeth. Veneers are custom-designed for each patient to match the color of their natural teeth and can be used to lengthen, reshape, and even change the size of your teeth! Our friendly, skilled team can give you the smile of your dreams using both traditional and prepless veneering techniques.
What can veneers be used for?
Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including:
- Discoloration. Over time, teeth may lose their natural color due to issues like high-fluoride exposure, large resin fillings, or an extended round of antibiotics. Caffeine and nicotine can also stain the teeth.
- Worn teeth. Teeth can be worn down through age or habitual grinding.
- Broken or chipped teeth. Either of these can occur due to sports injuries, bad habits, or eating certain foods.
- Misaligned or misshapen teeth. These are conditions that occur naturally and genetically.
- Gaps in-between teeth. These can also occur naturally, or may result from certain lifestyle choices.
Whether you’re seeking veneers to boost your self-confidence or to help improve the function of your teeth, they’re a great treatment option for many of our patients in Memphis and the surrounding area. Dr. Scott Edwards and Dr. Julia Prince are dedicated to giving you the absolute best experience possible, no matter what type of veneers you choose for your smile!
How are veneers applied?
The first step in the process of getting veneers is an initial consultation with one of our doctors. At your consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and your dentist will create a plan that meets your specific needs. Then, you’ll be x-rayed in order to determine if your teeth are suited for the procedure ahead.
At your second appointment, your teeth will be prepared for the veneers to be attached. For porcelain veneers, this includes removing about one-half millimeter of tooth enamel. Your dentist will then take an impression of the area the veneer is being applied to in order to create a one-of-a-kind veneer that will bond directly to your teeth and enhance their beauty!
The final step in the process is bonding. During this final appointment, your custom veneers will be placed in the predetermined position to judge their fit and make any last-minute adjustments. Thorough cleaning and etching of the tooth will allow for the closest attachment possible once your veneer is glued in place, and a special light will be used to quickly harden the dental cement. Patients will typically return to our Memphis office for a follow-up appointment after about 2 weeks.
Prepless veneers
Here at the offices of Scott Edwards, DDS, we’re also proud to offer no-prep composite veneers. The design of this innovative veneer system is so thin that it can fit directly to the front of the teeth without removing any layers of enamel. This gives patients who are worried about harming their natural tooth structure a whole new treatment option!
Your natural smile remains fully intact with no-prep composite veneers, meaning that your veneers can be removed down the line with minimal issues—a very attractive feature for our patients who want a less-permanent dental treatment.
How to care for your veneers
On average, veneers last around twelve to fifteen years, but they’ll last you much longer if they’re properly cared for and maintained.
While veneers don’t necessarily require any type of specialized care, it’s very important to keep up a good, regular oral hygiene routine. We encourage all of our patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once per day before bed. Using a quality antiseptic mouthwash is also highly recommended.
Although veneers are stain-resistant, we suggest our patients avoid red wine, tea, and coffee, as these beverages may cause discoloration.
How much do veneers cost?
At the offices of Scott Edwards, DDS, we’re dedicated to providing you the best care possible at an affordable price! This is why we offer payment plans to fit any budget, as well as flexible financing options. Because every case is different, the final cost of veneer treatment varies from patient to patient. Veneers are typically considered a cosmetic treatment, so patients will need to check with their insurance provider to see if any percentage of treatment will be covered.
Get a smile you love from the offices of Scott Edwards, DDS
The Scott Edwards, DDS team is here to help you with all of your veneer treatment needs, and offer a variety of veneers so you can get the treatment that’s right for you. Our skilled team and expert doctors are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have, related to your veneer treatment or any other aspect of dental care!
If you’re ready to join the thousands of patients around Memphis who have transformed their smiles through our dental veneer services, contact our office to schedule your free consultation today!