What is the procedure for porcelain dental veneers in Little Elm TX?

Veneers restore what years of wear, eating and drinking habits, and other lifestyle choices may have taken away: teeth’s healthy beauty and strength! While it may be stubborn stains, spacing issues, and chips that have developed over years, these and other cosmetic concerns are addressed in a few straightforward appointments at Frisco Elm Dental. Dr. Vidya Suri and her team in Little Elm, TX may recommend dental veneers to achieve the smile you never had; perhaps, you’ve always hated how a tooth was shaped, or maybe that gap isn’t so cute anymore.

What is the procedure for porcelain veneers?

To understand this procedure requires a description of the veneers themselves. Think of them as artificial enamel. Natural enamel covers the white part of the tooth everyone sees above the gumline. This is the hardest part of our body, even harder than skeletal bone!

But protective enamel isn’t indestructible. Even with a lifetime of good hygiene, you may contend with age-related dry mouth. Without the saliva that naturally cleanses away acids and food debris, the enamel is vulnerable to destructive acid attacks. Enamel erodes and produces the symptoms that you may seek to correct with veneers:

• Cupping
• Dents
• Uneven edges
• Rough surface
• Cracks
• Chips
• Yellow discoloration

A smooth, shiny surface is also indicative of mineral loss. Young, healthy teeth have texture. The surfaces of teeth may become worn-down in the much the same way as old running shoes. With the passage of time, teeth become smooth from use and wear.

The great imitator

Thin layers of porcelain or dental resin are designed to suit your unique features and needs. Later, veneers are bonded to the fronts of treated teeth. Porcelain is a particularly great material to replace damaged enamel. It both looks pretty and is incredibly strong and resilient. It resists stains well, and even reflects light similarly to natural tooth enamel; however, no single material nor procedure is universally suited to each patient.

During your initial appointment, Dr. Suri discusses goals for cosmetic improvement with you and assesses the health of your teeth and gums. Active gum disease must be resolved. Alternatives such as crowns for badly-eroded teeth or orthodontics for crowding and bite issues, may also be discussed. Otherwise, veneers are versatile and cover very discolored teeth that do not respond to bleaching as effortlessly as they improve the appearance of chipped, unevenly-spaced, and misshapen teeth.

When you’re a great candidate for veneers

If you decide to move forward with veneers, treated teeth require very straightforward preparation. A small amount of natural enamel is usually removed to make room for the veneers that are bonded to your teeth. The need to remove enamel and the amount of enamel to be removed depends on the veneer’s thickness and type. Typically, natural teeth are reduced by around one-half of a millimeter. That’s about the thickness of a contact lens.

Any time enamel is removed, the risk of sensitivity exists. Not all patients need local anesthetic at the preparation stage, but it is available for the utmost comfort. Once enamel is removed, an impression of the tooth (or teeth) to be veneered is taken. This mold is sent to the lab, where a ceramist makes your new and beautiful tooth structure! In the meantime, temporary veneers may be applied to protect the prepared site and to minimize sensitivity.

You’ll later return for a second visit, at which time the veneers are temporarily placed, and adjustments are made as needed. Veneers are then cleaned and polished, and slightly etched or roughened to create the ultimate bond to your natural teeth. After cement is applied, each veneer is placed in the appropriate position and bonded to the tooth using a special light. The beam of light stimulates a chemical reaction in the cement, quickly creating a tight bond to natural teeth.

Making your smile last!

Special care isn’t necessary. But, just like natural enamel, porcelain veneers break down over time and without proper care. Should you grind your teeth compulsively as a nervous habit or in your sleep, Dr. Suri can customize a dental appliance that protects your veneers from these destructive forces or discusses other options with you. Follow-up appointments allow Frisco Elm Dental to see how your mouth is responding to the veneers. It’s normal to experience sensitivity to heat or cold for a brief time. Are veneers in your future? Call (214) 705-7100  to schedule a visit.

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Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Vidya Suri

A graduate from University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Vidya Suri is an established dentist who prioritizes her patients and strives to provide them with the best possible dental care. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and skills including her ability to pay close attention to the details to provide her patients with the most optimal outcomes that exceed their expectations.

Dr. Suri treats patients of all ages. In order to ensure that she is doing her best, she regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new practices, technology, and advancements in the industry. Dr. Suri is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.