Does your smile turn heads? Porcelain dental veneers are often the most dramatic cosmetic smile solution, for patients who desire a smile worth displaying. Dr. Helen Ragsdale, Austin Laser Dentist, can help you achieve the incredible new smile you desire through porcelain veneer treatment in Austin TX.
Looking for a cosmetic dentist with a gentle touch and patient-focused approach to care? Choose Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Known as Austin’s gentle dentist, Dr. Ragsdale has completed advanced studies of dental esthetics at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and has been helping Austin patients create beautiful, healthy smiles since 1985. Call to schedule your cosmetic consultation at 512.346.4690.
What are veneers?
Created with very thin pieces of ceramic, veneers cover the entire visible surface of the front teeth displayed in your smile. Veneers conceal a host of blemishes in otherwise healthy, functional teeth. For example, veneers may be a good cosmetic solution if your teeth are:
- Minimally chipped or have fracture lines
- Crowded or gapped
- Dull or discolored
- Deeply stained (stains which cannot be treated through whitening treatments)
- Misshapen, or over-/under-sized teeth
What can I expect during treatment?
Before treatment can begin, Dr. Ragsdale completes a thorough examination to ensure that your teeth are healthy and strong enough for veneers. Any restorative work, such as fillings, dental crowns, or dental implants, should be completed before cosmetic treatment begins.
Then, Dr. Ragsdale takes 3D images or physical impressions of your teeth. This acts as the foundation for the dental lab team to fabricate seamless, perfect-fitting veneers. Our team will also complete a custom tooth shade analysis to help you reach your desired tooth brightness and color. Afterwards, your veneers are carefully created by dental lab technicians skilled in finely shaping and coloring medical-grad ceramic veneers. Once the finished pieces are completed and sent back to our practice, Dr. Ragsdale will place the veneers onto your teeth.
To begin, Dr. Ragsdale files down the natural tooth enamel to create a receptive surface for the permanent dental bonding agent. She also shapes the back of the veneers before applying a dental adhesive and securely placing the veneers onto each tooth’s surface. Final tweaks to ensure a comfortable bite and smile take just a few minutes before your new smile is ready!
Are veneers permanent?
Before deciding if veneers are right for you, it’s important to know that porcelain veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic solution. Today’s veneers, thanks to improved technology, require less enamel to be removed than traditional veneers may have required. However, the amount of enamel removed during the placement process is still significant, and teeth should always be protected with a veneer layer once veneers are placed. This is because, unfortunately, once enamel is removed it cannot be replaced. While your first set of porcelain veneers won’t last forever, they do last quite a long time before needed to be replaced; most veneers hold up to daily eating and drinking for 15 to 20 years when combined with routine care and good oral hygiene.
How can I receive porcelain veneers in Austin, TX?
If you are interested in a cosmetic solution such as porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with Austin’s gentle dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale! She can work with you to ensure your smile goals are attained through our comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services. Call us today at 512.346.4690.
