Veneers in Prince George, VA
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. Made from ultra-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials, veneers are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth.
What are veneers?
Whether you're dealing with discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth, veneers can be an ideal solution. They can even be used to close gaps between teeth. Dr. Daniel Baker at City Point Dental in Prince George, VA, is a trusted provider of veneers, using them to create beautiful, natural-looking smiles for his patients.
The veneers treatment process
The process of getting veneers typically involves three visits to the dentist. It is a meticulous process that ensures a perfect fit and a natural look.
Consultation and treatment planning
The first step to getting veneers involves a detailed consultation with Dr. Baker. During this appointment, you will discuss your smile goals and learn if veneers are the right option for you. Dr. Baker will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and make impressions of your mouth and teeth. This information will be used to create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Preparation
During the second visit, Dr. Baker will prepare your teeth for the veneers. This involves removing about 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the tooth surface, which is roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. After the enamel is removed, Dr. Baker will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which constructs your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the veneers to come back from the laboratory.
Bonding
The third visit is when the veneer is bonded to your tooth. Before permanently cementing the veneer to your tooth, Dr. Baker will temporarily place it to examine its fit and color. He will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement used. Once Dr. Baker is satisfied, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to roughen it, allowing for a strong bonding process. Special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed on your tooth. Once it's in the exact position, it's hardened via a special light beam.
The benefits of veneers
Veneers offer a variety of benefits that make them a popular choice for those looking to improve their smile.
Aesthetically pleasing
Veneers are a great way to make a dramatic improvement in your smile. They look incredibly natural and can be customized to match the color of your existing teeth, making them a seamless addition to your smile. They can transform discolored or chipped teeth into a picture-perfect smile.
Durability
Veneers are incredibly durable. Made from high-quality porcelain, they are resistant to stains and chipping. With proper care, veneers can last for over a decade, making them a long-term solution for enhancing your smile.
Minimal enamel removal
Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, veneers require minimal enamel removal. This makes veneers a less invasive procedure, preserving more of your natural tooth structure. Despite the minimal preparation, the transformation veneers can provide is significant, making them a popular choice for smile makeovers.