What Veneers Can Do For You

Don't you love it when a home improvement beautifies your home and strengthens its structure, too? That same idea applies to dental treatments such as porcelain veneers placed by your Leesburg, VA, dentist, Dr. Tammy Knapp Heisey. Shells of thin, translucent ceramic, porcelain veneers from South Gate Dental dramatically refresh flawed smiles and add a measure of resiliency, too.

They're very popular

Porcelain veneers remain one of cosmetic dentistry's most sought after and enduring services. Placed over the front side of flawed teeth right in the smile zone, these dental laminates disguise:

• Dark enamel stains
• Gaps
• Crowding
• Minor twists and tipping
• Hairline cracks
• Chips
• Unusual size, length, and shape

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) says most people elect to improve four or more teeth when they undergo a smile makeover which includes porcelain veneers. They enjoy their permanence, durability, sheen, realistic shape, and dramatic visual impact.

Qualifying for veneers

At South Gate Dental in Leesburg, your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam to ensure all is well with your teeth and gums. Then, you both can address the flaws which concern you and the final look you wish to achieve. Some people elect a more refined tooth appearance. Others wish to make their front teeth more noticeable and prominent. The choice is yours.

Dr. Heisey will assist you in finalizing your goals, take oral impressions, photos, and more. A trusted dental lab will custom-make each veneer from high-grade, tooth-colored porcelain.

Also, you'll undergo minor enamel resurfacing. The dentist removes a thin portion of a hard structure from each tooth and places a temporary veneer on it. At the next visit, she'll remove those temporaries and use a special adhesive to bond the new veneers in place.

Caring for your porcelain veneers

If you have careful oral hygiene habits, you'll do well with veneers. Here are some basic care tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle, and do not scrub.
• Floss between your teeth daily, paying special attention to veneer margins.
• Avoid carrots, peanut brittle, candy apples, and other extra-hard dietary choices. They could crack your veneers.
• Ask Dr. Heisey about a bite guard if you clench or grind your teeth.
• Come to South Gate Dental two times every year for your regular check-up and hygienic cleaning.

Create a new smile

You can when you consult your dentist, Dr. Tammy Knapp Heisey, and her team at South Gate Dental in Leesburg, VA. She offers many cosmetic dentistry choices. Why not consider porcelain veneers? Phone us for a consultation: (703) 777-3150.