A smile is our calling card and is closely associated with our identity. If you’re fortunate enough
to love your smile, keeping up with oral health is probably sufficient to keep it looking strong
and happy for years to come. But if your smile is something you’d like to change, you’re in luck!
It’s easier than ever before, thanks to modern medicine and the progress of cosmetic dentistry.
For Dr. Julie Webb and Dr. Deanne Vail at Homewood Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, dental
veneers are one of the products they are most often asked about — and they take joy in
educating local patients and offering them a chance to love their smiles.
“I believe a smile can change not only your own disposition, but your interaction with others as
well. Some people just need a little more confidence to smile, which can be accomplished with
veneers,” said Dr. Webb.
So what exactly are dental veneers? Put simply, they are a layer of porcelain or composite resin
custom created to fit snugly over your natural tooth and change the “look” of that tooth, as well
as providing a few other key benefits. In addition to a veneer changing the tooth’s shape or color,
it can provide protection for the tooth from decay, sensitivity and discoloration.
“Veneers are one of our best cosmetic dentistry options available for enhancing and improving
smiles,” Dr. Vail reiterated.
The process of getting dental veneers is fairly straightforward. First, you’ll consult with your
dentist and determine what kind of veneers you want and what they will cost. The process
begins with your dentist taking x-rays of your mouth and shaving the teeth down slightly to
create room for the veneer, then creating a mold of your natural teeth. A short time later, your
custom veneers come back, and the dentist gives you a thorough cleaning before applying the
veneers and cementing them to your teeth. Thanks to modern medicine, you should not feel any
pain or discomfort throughout the process, and the veneers should fit like simply another layer
of the natural tooth. And unlike a few other major dental procedures, you should recover swiftly
from getting your veneers and feel ready to smile soon afterward.
“With over 20 years experience in cosmetic dentistry, I have never had a patient express any
regret after the veneer placement. They only wish they had done it sooner,” added Dr. Vail.
While the average veneers last about a decade, if you take optimal care of your teeth, brush and
floss regularly and maintain regular dental appointments, porcelain veneers may serve you for
as long as 20 years. Wearing a mouthguard at night, avoiding ice and other hard items and
chewing carefully, mainly with your back teeth, can help extend the life of your veneers.
If you’ve been curious about veneers — or you’ve been imagining your smile looking just a bit
different — get in touch with Dr. Webb or Dr. Vail to find out more.
“I love to see the transformation in a patient’s self-esteem after placing veneers. Everyone loves
a gorgeous smile!” said Dr. Webb.