Veneers are merely a cosmetic procedureThis link leads to Cosmetic dentistry page. They repair stains, chips, and other superficial defects, and that’s it.
You may have heard that statement before, but we have a news flash! It isn’t 100 percent factual because a dentist at Exceptional Smiles Family DentistryThis link leads to a Home page serving Harrisonburg and Woodstock, VA, successfully uses veneers for medical reasons as well.
It’s true! Sometimes, veneers are the most efficient and straightforward way to complete certain tooth repairs.
Read on to learn more!
Understanding veneers
Veneers act like small tooth covers a dentist adheres to the enamel on the front of your teeth.
They’re thin shells that match the color of natural teeth. Certain ones are more natural looking than others, such as porcelain veneers, because they reflect light similar to your teeth.
Process
Typically, veneers take two appointments to complete—one to take the impressions and a second to apply them.
Generally, the process takes two weeks, including the time required by the lab to craft them.
At the first appointment, our dentist will remove a small surface portion of each tooth that’ll receive a veneer.
The amount of enamel our dentist needs to remove varies depending on the type of veneer.
Our practitioner will then make impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab to create your customized veneers.
Often, our practitioner will place a temporary veneer on the affected teeth to protect them until your permanent veneers are ready.
During your second visit, Dr. Kenneth EyeThis link leads to Dr. Kenneth Eye’s page or Dr. Kenneth Eye IIThis link leads to De. Kenneth Eye’s II page will place dental-grade cement on the affected teeth and apply a veneer to each one.
The dentist will shine a special light on your teeth to help the cement set more quickly.
After one of our dentists places the veneers, he’ll adjust the fit and color.
Reasons for veneers
In most cases, our practitioner uses veneers to correct cosmetic issues, such as the following:
- Spaces or gaps between teeth
- Oddly shaped or sized teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Minor misalignments
- Worn-down teeth
- Small chips, cracks, or breaks
When a veneer is more than cosmetic
Though veneers can transform a dull or imperfect smile into something magnificent, our dentist can also use them for medical reasons in the following situations:
- For a broken or chipped tooth (to prevent decay or the problem from worsening)
- Because of decay
- To close spaces or gaps between teeth (tartar, plaque, and decay prevention)
- Whenever you have staining from fluoride, tetracycline, enamel hypoplasia, Celiac disease, acid reflux, an eating disorder, a metabolic disease, or a nutrient deficiency (calcium, vitamin B12, or vitamin D)
We may recommend this course of action to minimize or eliminate the need to remove much of your tooth enamel.
Since our practitioner can recommend veneers for medical reasons, sometimes, insurance may cover part of the price, but this depends on your provider.
Some insurance providers find them strictly cosmetic, even if a dentist deems them medically necessary. Our financial department will help you determine your financial responsibility.
How to know if veneers are right for you
Whether you want veneers for a health reason or a cosmetic one, a dentist from our team will discuss your goals and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your mouth to assess the severity of the problem.
We’ll consider your oral and general health and analyze your options as we examine you.
Once we decide on one or more potential options, we’ll explain the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
At Exceptional Smiles Family Dentistry, Dr. Eye and Dr. Eye II are all about helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Veneers are one way to accomplish both, addressing medical and aesthetic issues.
If you’d like to see if veneers are right for you, contact us for a consultation now!
Or:
- Call us at: Harrisonburg – 540-434-5500, Woodstock – 540-459-4341
- Email us at: Harrisonburg – info@exceptionalsmiles.dental, Woodstock – dreye@valleysmile.com
We have two locations: one in Harrisonburg and the other in Woodstock, VA. However, we warmly welcome patients from the surrounding areas of Massanetta Springs, Bridgewater, Weyers Cave, Grottoes, Shenandoah, Mount Jackson, Strasburg, Luray, and Basye. And we can’t forget Wardensville and Franklin, WV!