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How to Find the Top Nashville Dentist for New Veneers

How to Find the Top Nashville Dentist for New Veneers

How to Find the Top Nashville Dentist for New Veneers
Dr. Jones
June 27, 2022

One out of four people don’t like their teeth and don’t like to smile because of it. One out of three people is embarrassed by their smile. Eight out of ten people feel their teeth look ugly in photographs. If you’re finding yourself avoiding the camera because you hate your smile, you’re in good company. There are also great solutions that can help you feel more confident when it comes to having your desired smile.

A top Nashville dentist for new veneers is a good place to start asking questions and getting the information you need. Have you ever wondered if dental veneers are what you need to have the smile you dream of? Do you even understand exactly what veneers are? Dr. Jody Jones has answers to all of your questions.

What Are Veneers?

Dental or porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin that adhere to existing teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers help change the shape, color, length, and size of teeth to improve their overall appearance while looking completely natural.

There are two types of dental veneers:

  1. Porcelain veneers are the most durable, and they’re better at resisting stains. If they’re damaged, they’re not as easy to repair as resin veneers are.
  1. Composite resin veneers require less enamel to be removed than porcelain ones. They’re not as strong as porcelain veneers, however. They’re also not as durable in terms of wear and tear.

Veneers are used for several reasons. If you were given tetracycline medications or had excessive fluoride as a child, your teeth may be discolored. You’re embarrassed by it. Veneers can fix discoloration.

Your teeth are chipped due to biting your fingernails, an injury, or chewing hard foods. Dental veneers can fix a chip or crack. They’re also stronger and more natural-looking than crowns.

Do you have a large gap that braces didn’t fix? Veneers can close that gap. If you have teeth that are slightly misaligned or have bulges or bumps that create an irregular shape, dental veneers can help even the shape and align them.

In general, veneers fit onto the existing tooth and create the smile you desire. They look real because the resin or porcelain material reflects light just as a natural tooth does. Plus, porcelain veneers resist stains.

It sounds great, but you do need to know there are things to keep in mind. Veneers are classified as a cosmetic procedure, so your dental insurance may not cover the cost. It can be a bit of an investment, so make sure you’re ready to care for them and protect your investment.

Another issue involves how they’re applied. Veneers have to be applied to a flat tooth surface, which involves some preparation involving the protective enamel.

How Are They Applied?

The first stage of a veneer procedure is to consult with the Nashville veneer dentist. You’ll want to tell the dentist about your problems and discuss the best path forward. You’ll talk about what the veneers can do and what they can’t. If you have gum disease or a lot of decay, veneers may not be possible.

You’ll ask questions, learn more about whether you’re a good candidate or not, and go from there. If you decide to proceed, X-rays will be taken, and you might find the dentist taking molds of your mouth.

The second appointment is to file down the existing enamel and shape the tooth to fit a veneer. The surface of the tooth has to be even and flattened down, which is why enamel is removed. This is the thing to keep in mind.

Some enamel has to be removed in order to apply a veneer with the bonding agent. Enamel is a protective coating on the teeth that protects the interior dentin. Your dental enamel helps protect against cavities. Once it’s removed, your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold liquids and foods.

A mold of the tooth is taken to make the veneer in a lab. It takes a few weeks for the veneers to be readied. You may wear temporary veneers to protect the tooth in the meantime. At that point, you’ll return for a third appointment to have the veneers bonded to the prepared surface of the tooth. The fit of the veneer is checked.

Your dentist may ask you to return in a few weeks. At this appointment, the fit is checked once more to make sure the veneers are placed correctly and that your gums aren’t being irritated.

Once you have veneers, you need to avoid issues that could damage them. If you do bite your fingernails, you need to break that habit. There are coatings you can paint on your nails that taste horrible. This can help you break the habit.

You shouldn’t chew ice, hard candies, or other hard items. Brush them like you do your other teeth, floss daily, and rinse with a fluoride mouthwash.

How Long Do They Last?

The longevity of veneers can depend on how well you take care of them and what type they are. If you do chew on hard candies and other hard items, they may not last as long. If you start grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist about a nighttime mouth guard. If you play sports, a mouthguard is important.

Once a veneer has a fracture, chip, or experiences a loss of laminate, it’s time to replace them. In general, they last up to 15 years, though some have made it to 20. At that point, you need to have them replaced.

Keep your veneers in great shape by seeing your dentist for twice-yearly cleanings and exams. If you’re proactive about daily oral care and routine dental exams, it can help your teeth and veneers stay in the best shape possible.

Are You a Good Candidate?

What makes you a good candidate for veneers? Most people are surprised by how much of a difference that veneers can make. If you’re seeking a “Hollywood Smile” but have not found traditional tooth-whitening procedures to be helpful, veneers are a great solution. If you’re unhappy with mismatched shapes or sizes of teeth, veneers are also beneficial.

Veneers can cover cracks or chips in teeth, especially front teeth, that affect your self-confidence. You may have a tooth that’s slightly shifted, a dental veneer can make it look like the tooth is straighter. If you’ve found yourself hiding your teeth when you’re asked to smile, you should talk to a dentist who specializes in veneers to find out more about them.

You’re seeking the top Nashville dentist for new veneers. Look no farther than Jody Jones DDS. Dr. Jones has helped so many people achieve the look they desire through natural-looking veneers that match the color, shape, and size of the other teeth. Request an appointment by phone or online to discuss your goals and learn how veneers can help you.