Tooth discoloration, crooked teeth, or damaged teeth can affect how your smile looks. Even if these issues only involve a few teeth, they can make a big difference. At 615 Smile Design Studio in Nashville, TN, Dr. Kevin Sivaneri and Dr. Ashley Whetsell offer dental veneers as a cosmetic dental treatment. Veneers can brighten and straighten teeth without any major work.
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that bond to the front of your teeth. Made from high-quality porcelain, these shells cover teeth that show when you smile. Our team works with skilled ceramicists to create veneers that look natural and match the color you want. Whether you need one veneer or several, they will improve the look of your smile.
Am I a Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers can help fix a range of cosmetic dental issues, such as:
- Chipped teeth
- Broken teeth
- Small or uneven teeth
- Tough tooth stains
- Small gaps between teeth
- Minor crookedness
Veneers work well for people who want to make their smiles look brighter and more even. However, they aren’t right for everyone. For example, if you clench or grind your teeth, veneers could get damaged over time.
Also, if you have severe alignment problems, you might need braces or Invisalign instead. Veneers can cover slight crookedness but won’t replace the need for orthodontic care if teeth need more adjustment.
For those with tough, deep stains, veneers are often the best choice. Some stains, called intrinsic stains, are set deep within the tooth and cannot be removed by regular whitening. Veneers can cover these stains and create a whiter, more even look.
Preparing for Veneers
To prepare for veneers, patients need a good amount of natural tooth enamel. Veneers bond to the enamel, so if there’s not enough, we might suggest a crown instead. Before starting treatment, we’ll discuss the cost of veneers, which depends on how many you need and the materials we use.
You’ll also need to choose between different veneer types. The two most common types are composite and porcelain. Composite veneers cost less but tend to last around eight years. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, can last over ten years. While porcelain veneers are a bit more costly, they are stronger, last longer, and resist stains better than composite veneers. Composite veneers can stain more easily, while porcelain keeps its color.
Another option is no-prep veneers, which are thinner and don’t need as much enamel removed. However, they’re also more likely to chip or crack, so they may not be the best long-term choice.
What to Expect with Porcelain Veneers at 615 Smile Design Studio
At our Nashville office, we start by examining your teeth to ensure veneers are a good fit for your needs. If porcelain veneers are right for you, we’ll work with you to schedule your treatment.
During your first visit, we prepare your teeth by shaping the enamel so the veneers don’t look or feel bulky. Then, we take digital impressions of your teeth, which we send to a nearby lab. Skilled ceramicists create each veneer to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth.
While your final veneers are being made, we’ll provide you with temporary veneers. Once your custom veneers are ready, you’ll return to our office to have them placed. We’ll check the fit, shape, and color of each veneer, making any last adjustments needed to ensure they feel comfortable and line up with your bite. Once everything looks good, we place your permanent veneers with a secure adhesive.
Porcelain Veneers as Part of a Smile Makeover
At 615 Smile Design, we offer smile makeovers for patients who want to address multiple cosmetic concerns at once. A smile makeover may involve veneers, teeth whitening, and bonding treatments, depending on your goals.
Porcelain veneers add value to a smile makeover because they’re durable, long-lasting, and made from high-quality materials. Their stain resistance also keeps your smile bright over time. Since porcelain reflects light similarly to natural teeth, veneers can blend in perfectly, giving you a brighter, more confident smile.
Caring for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are strong, but there are a few care tips to keep them looking their best:
- Avoid biting directly into very hard foods right after getting veneers. Try to chew tougher foods with your back teeth.
- Don’t chew on hard objects like pen caps, ice, or pencils, as they could damage the veneers.
- Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, wine, and dark sauces. While veneers resist stains, the adhesive that holds them in place can still become discolored over time.
For daily care, brush and floss just like you would with natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, as harsh products can scratch or dull veneers.
Also, make sure to schedule regular check-ups so we can monitor your veneers. During these visits, we can clean your teeth and gums and check the veneers for any minor chips or cracks.
Get New Veneers Today
Interested in getting veneers? Our dental team at 615 Smile Design Studio is ready to help you achieve a beautiful smile. Call us at (615) 637-2878 to set up an appointment, or book a visit through our website. We’re here to answer any questions you have about veneers and to help you see if they’re the right choice for you.