Versatile Smile Restoration
If you are feeling self-conscious about your smile, Dr. Nathan Williamson is here to help. At our Williamson Dental, we specialize in cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers. With veneers, we can cover up almost any cosmetic issue, from severe staining to gaps in your smile, uneven and misshapen teeth and more. To get all the details, contact our Columbia Dentist Office office to schedule an appointment.
What Are Veneers?
Understanding the Basics
A veneer is a shell that is shaped to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Veneers are built to cover up the front surfaces of your teeth after they have been trimmed. You can think of veneers as being similar to dental crowns. However, instead of covering up your entire tooth, they just cover up the front of it, treating cosmetic problems like gaps in your smile, slightly crooked teeth, and more.
Today, dental veneers are typically made out of a durable, tooth-like porcelain ceramic material. Porcelain veneers look and feel the most like natural teeth, and are the preferred method of smile restoration at Williamson Dental.
Veneers are versatile, durable, and long-lasting. However, they are not intended to be used to restore damaged teeth or extremely crooked teeth. They are meant only for cosmetic purposes.
The Veneer Placement Process
What To Expect?
After your initial consultation, it will usually take 2 appointments over a period of 2-3 weeks to place your veneers. At your first appointment, your teeth will need to be prepared for veneers. Dr. Williamson will clean your mouth and numb the treatment area, then begin trimming each tooth that is receiving a veneer.
Around 0.5mm of enamel must be removed from each tooth that is getting a veneer. Once this process is complete, Dr. Williamson will take images and dental impressions of your teeth. These will be sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be made. This takes a few weeks, so you’ll get a set of temporary veneers, and you’ll be sent home.
Once your veneers have arrived, you’ll come in for your final appointment. Dr. Williamson will check the fit of each veneer, and make minor adjustments if they’re needed. Then, your veneers will be permanently bonded to your teeth using a strong, durable dental cement. Finally, Dr. Williamson will clean and buff the veneers so that they match your natural smile, completing the procedure.
Good Candidates For Veneers
Are Veneers Right For Me?
To get veneers, you must have a healthy mouth. If you have gum disease or any cavities, these issues must be resolved before you can undergo cosmetic treatment. In addition, you must not have any serious orthodontic issues. If you have very crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may need to have orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces before you can have veneers placed.
Not sure if you’re a good candidate for veneers? The best way to find out is with a consultation at Williamson Dental. Dr. Williamson will discuss your goals, budget, and options for cosmetic treatments. Get in touch with us today, and take the first step towards realizing your dream smile!
