Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that completely cover the front of your teeth to provide a uniform appearance to your smile. They are also used to close gaps between your teeth and can mask minor irregularities.

During the tooth preparation visit, which usually lasts one to two hours, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel to accommodate the veneers. Then, composite resin is bonded to the existing tooth, creating the desired cosmetic results.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that we bond to the front of your teeth to mask flaws like cracks, chips, stains, or gaps. The result is a gorgeous smile that looks natural and complete. Today’s dental veneers fayettevillearcome in a range of shades so you can hide minor discoloration or choose to highlight your natural tooth color.

We’ll work with you to design your finished look, including the shape, length, and width of your new veneers. Before veneers are placed, we may need to remove a bit of enamel to ensure the fit is comfortable and secure. We’ll also provide you with a non-abrasive toothpaste and recommend avoiding clenching or grinding your teeth to preserve the integrity of your veneers.

Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite resin veneers and last 10-15 years, but they do not resist staining as well as your natural teeth so you will need to continue with whitening procedures. Both types of veneers can make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold so be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.

Composite Resin Veneers

The same cosmetic benefits as porcelain veneers can be achieved with composite resin, but this option is typically less expensive. The procedure is also faster and can be done chairside in one visit, if necessary. To prepare the tooth, a thin layer of enamel is removed to allow for the bonding of the composite resin. After the resin is applied, it is sculpted and cured under high-intensity light and then polished for a natural appearance. Composite veneers are able to mask mild to moderate discoloration caused by tetracycline staining, fluorosis, or aging, as well as close diastemas, or gaps between teeth.

Composite dental veneers fayettevillearare also reversible, as the dentist will only minimally prep the tooth while applying the composite resin. However, they are not as durable or long-lasting as porcelain veneers, and can be easily retouched or replaced in the future. They are also not as translucent as porcelain, which makes it harder for them to mimic the look of natural teeth.

No-Prep Veneers

Unlike traditional veneers, no-prep veneers involve minimal tooth preparation. They are a good option for patients who want to correct minor cosmetic flaws without significant changes to their smile’s shape or size. However, they aren’t as long-lasting as porcelain veneers.

During your first appointment, we’ll take impressions of your upper and lower teeth to create customized dental veneers Fayetteville AR. We’ll also check your bite to ensure your teeth meet correctly for proper daily function.

After preparing the teeth, we’ll send the molds to a lab. In the meantime, we’ll provide you with temporary veneers to wear while your veneers are fabricated.

The final process involves bonding the veneers to the surface of your teeth. To maintain their appearance, we recommend you avoid foods and drinks that can stain the veneers, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Flossing and brushing your teeth regularly will also help prevent the color from wearing away or becoming dull.

Dental Bonding

A less invasive cosmetic option, dental bonding is a safe and cost-effective solution for improving chipped or damaged teeth. Like veneers, it hides discoloration and gaps to give you a more uniform smile. It is also useful for making small repairs and closing spaces between teeth.

Before proceeding, your dentist will talk with you about your cosmetic goals, take X-rays and examine your mouth to ensure it’s healthy enough for the procedure. You’ll need to avoid habits that can stain or break tooth enamel, such as chewing on pens or nails or eating exceptionally hard foods.

The dentist roughens the surface of your existing tooth, applies a conditioning liquid and then adds the composite resin. This putty-like material is molded to repair the tooth and hardened with a special light. Resin isn’t as strong as natural tooth enamel and can wear down faster, so it requires more touch-ups than other restorative treatments. But, if well-maintained, composite resin looks and feels very much like your natural tooth.

Enhancing Smiles: Veneers & Bonding