Porcelain veneers are a very popular cosmetic dental service for improving smiles in Atlanta. They fix issues like discolored, chipped, or crooked teeth, as well as gaps between teeth. These veneers cover the front of your teeth to hide imperfections.
Dr. Hugh Flax, our cosmetic dentist, is well-known for creating beautiful smiles quickly in Sandy Springs. He carefully designs each veneer to match your face perfectly. Learn how Dr. Flax and his skilled dental team can enhance your smile with porcelain veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that match your natural teeth and cover imperfections like stains or chips. Dr. Flax customizes them to fit your teeth perfectly, matching their color, shape, and size so they blend beautifully with your smile.
Using porcelain veneers for your smile makeover can help fix the following cosmetic dentistry problems:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen or miss-sized teeth
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
Traditional Veneers
Traditional teeth veneers are very thin, about 0.5 mm thick. Before placing them, the dentist gently removes a tiny bit of the tooth’s outer layer. This makes room for the veneer to fit perfectly over the tooth. Doing this improves how your teeth look and gives them extra strength and protection from stains over time.
Minimal-Prep Veneers
Ultra-thin, minimal-prep veneers are often as thin as 0.3 mm. Dr. Flax can place these veneers with little or no preparation of your teeth. Your dentist bonds them directly to the front of your teeth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure by avoiding removal of enamel.
Minimal-prep veneers are a great choice for patients looking for a less invasive cosmetic dental procedure. Your dentist can remove them later if you decide to switch to a different option. Because there’s less preparation, the treatment is quicker and more comfortable. Plus, these veneers are just as strong and resistant to stains as traditional veneers.
The Art of Porcelain Veneers With Dr. Flax
At Flax Dental in Sandy Springs, porcelain veneers show how dental work and artistry come together. Dr. Flax, your trusted cosmetic dentist in Atlanta, has perfected his skills through years of learning and practice. He crafts each veneer to match your face shape, skin color, and lip shape perfectly.
The following credentials make Dr. Flax the best choice for veneers:
- President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 2010-2011
- Lecturer and author speaking to audiences all over the world about cosmetic and laser dentistry
- Graduate of the world-renowned Kois Center and Pankey Institute
- Accredited by the AACD, two international implant organizations, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry
- Consumer advocate and frequent TV guest
The Veneers Process: From Consultation to Transformation
Consultation
Your path to getting the smile you’ve always wanted starts with a visit to Flax Dental. At your first appointment, our experienced team will check your teeth and talk with you about what you want for your smile. We’ll go over your choices and decide together if porcelain veneers are the best way to go.
Preparation
Next, we prepare your teeth. Dr. Flax will gently remove a little bit of enamel from the surface of your teeth where the veneers will go. This helps the veneers fit perfectly. Don’t worry, this part doesn’t hurt at all.
If you chose minimal-prep veneers, this step might not be necessary. After that, we’ll take careful impressions of your teeth to make custom veneers that match your teeth perfectly.
Temporary Veneers
Next, we will place temporary veneers while the dental lab makes your permanent ones. Dr. Flax will put these temporary veneers on to protect your teeth and show you how your new smile will look. You can use your teeth as usual with the temporary veneers, but you need to be cautious during this period.
Placement & Bonding
Once your custom veneers are ready, we’ll contact you to come back to our Sandy Springs dental office. Dr. Flax will carefully attach the final veneers to your teeth using a strong dental glue. He and his team will check that they fit perfectly and look just right.
If needed, Dr. Flax will make small changes to make sure they feel comfortable and you’re satisfied. You’ll leave our office with a beautiful new smile that makes you happy.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
One of the most significant benefits of porcelain veneers is the immediate improvement in the appearance of a person’s smile. Veneers can address cosmetic concerns like chipped, cracked, stained, or misaligned teeth, creating a more symmetrical and attractive smile. The result is a natural-looking smile that can boost confidence and self-esteem. With porcelain veneers, patients can achieve the smile they have always wanted in just a few visits to the dentist.
Another benefit of porcelain veneers is their durability. Porcelain is a strong, long-lasting material that is resistant to staining and chipping. With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last for many years, providing patients with a beautiful and functional smile for a long time. This durability makes porcelain veneers a cost-effective and reliable option for those looking to improve the appearance of their smile.
Porcelain veneers also offer a natural look and feel indistinguishable from natural teeth. The thin shells of porcelain are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of a person’s existing teeth, creating a seamless and natural-looking smile. When properly placed by a skilled dentist, porcelain veneers blend in seamlessly with the rest of a person’s smile, giving the appearance of flawless teeth. This natural look and feel can significantly improve a person’s confidence and quality of life.
Furthermore, porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental treatment that can address various aesthetic concerns. Whether a person has discolored, misaligned, cracked, or chipped teeth, porcelain veneers can provide a solution that enhances the appearance of their smile.
Additionally, veneers can be used to close gaps between teeth, lengthen teeth that appear too short, and even alter the shape of teeth for a more harmonious smile. This flexibility makes porcelain veneers a popular choice for individuals looking to improve the appearance of their smile.
Maintaining Your Porcelain Veneers
Caring for your porcelain veneers is simple and crucial to keeping your smile bright. Here are Dr. Flax’s tips for maintaining your stunning new smile:
- Brush Gently: Use a soft toothbrush and gentle toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily.
- Floss Regularly: Clean between your teeth daily using floss, including around your veneers.
- Protect from Hard Biting: Avoid biting on hard objects like pens or ice.
- Guard for Sports: Wear a mouthguard during contact or high-intensity sports to shield your veneers.
- Watch Your Diet: Limit foods that can stain your teeth, like coffee and red wine.
- Avoid Crunching: Be cautious with hard foods to prevent pressure on your veneers.
- Visit Flax Dental: Regular dental check-ups help monitor your veneers’ health.
- Professional Care: Professional cleanings keep your veneers looking their best.
Caring for your porcelain veneers is a simple yet essential part of ensuring their long-lasting beauty and functionality. Practicing good oral hygiene and mindful dietary choices can help maintain your radiant smile for years. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the dental veneers.
Porcelain Veneer FAQs
Are porcelain veneers suitable for everyone?
Yes, porcelain veneers can be a good choice for improving your smile. But first, you need to meet with dental experts to see if they’re right for you. You should have healthy teeth and no other mouth problems, like gum disease or cavities.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are known for being strong and lasting a long time. If you take good care of them and go for regular checkups, they can stay in good shape for 10 to 15 years or more. Regular checkups keep your veneers healthy and make them last much longer.
Will getting porcelain veneers be painful?
Getting porcelain veneers usually doesn’t cause much pain. Dentists often use a numbing medicine when they prepare your teeth to make sure you’re comfortable. Afterward, some people might feel a bit sensitive, but this usually goes away fast. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can I whiten my veneers?
Porcelain veneers resist stains well. But regular teeth whitening treatments won’t work on them. Talk to a dentist about whitening your teeth before you get veneers.
At Flax Dental, your veneers will keep your smile looking great for many years. To schedule an appointment, call us at 470-635-3604 or fill out our online form. We welcome new and returning patients from Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Marietta, and all over northern Atlanta.