Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS, 11615 Angus Rd Ste 101, Austin 78759, United States (US) - Phone: 512 346-4690

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Take This Simple Quiz to See If Dental Veneers Are Right for You

A shade guide for dental veneers in Austin, TX

So, you want to upgrade your smile with dental veneers, but you’re not sure if this personalized, cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you. Well, the team at Austin Laser Dentist is here to help you find out!

Dr. Helen Ragsdale and her skilled team have years of invaluable experience helping patients curate the smile of their dreams with high-quality, porcelain veneers. If you’re ready to verify your candidacy for veneers, then contact our dental office in Austin, TX, online here or at (512) 346-4690.

Meanwhile, let our team help you determine if porcelain veneers are right for you. Taking this simple quiz can help you make the right choice for you and your smile.

What kind of flaws do you want to address?

A. Cosmetic imperfections, like internal dental discoloration, misshapen teeth, or large gaps

B. Minor dental damage, like chips or cracks

C. Tooth sensitivity

D. Tooth Loss

Explore Your Answer

If you answered A, B, or C, then you may be an ideal candidate for cosmetic veneers. If you answered D, then you may want to explore restorative options, like a dental bridge or dental implants. Veneers cannot properly replace missing teeth, as they need natural, existing teeth to secure them into place.

How many teeth require treatment?

A. One

B. Some, especially my upper, front teeth (i.e. the Social Six)

C. All of them

Explore Your Answer

If you answered A, then another cosmetic treatment (like dental crowns) may be better for addressing one tooth at a time. If you answered C, then you may want a more cost-effective, comprehensive treatment, such as a Smile Makeover. But, if you answered B, then veneers may be perfect for you!

Are you prepared for a permanent fix?

A. Yes, I want to permanently upgrade my smile

B. No, I want a temporary fix

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Porcelain veneers are a permanent treatment that can last for decades. But, patients must commit to maintaining, repairing, or replacing veneers for the rest of their lives. 

If you answered A, then you must be prepared for a lifelong commitment. If you are not ready for a lifelong commitment, then other cosmetic options (like teeth whitening or Invisalign®) may be ideal for you.

Do you have healthy teeth and gums?

A. Yes

B. No

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Patients must have healthy teeth and gums that are completely free from disease (like cavities and periodontitis) before getting veneers. So, if you answered B or C, then a comprehensive dental exam may help you get a veneer-ready mouth in time for your treatment.

Do you have enough dental enamel?

A. Yes

B. No

C. I’m not sure

Explore Your Answer

Veneer candidacy largely depends on the amount of enamel patients have. Patients with sufficient enamel may be ideal candidates for veneer treatment. However, patients with thinning or worn enamel may not have enough dental structure to support veneers. A dental exam with our Austin dentist will reveal how much enamel you have before beginning treatment.

Schedule a Veneer Consultation in Austin, TX

If you think that veneer treatment might be right for you, then contact the team at Austin Laser Dentist today. We can help you verify your candidacy with a personalized consultation. Request your consultation online here, or give our Austin dental office a call at (512) 346-4690 to get scheduled.

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Five Amazing Facts about Dental Veneers

If you want to tailor your smile to your exact specifications, then you might want to consider porcelain dental veneers. These strong, ceramic prosthetics are highly-customizable, making them a fantastic cosmetic dentistry option for discerning patients.

At Austin Laser Dentist, our skilled and experienced dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, provides high-quality dental veneers for patients living in Austin, TX. If you’re ready to explore veneers or other smile-enhancing treatments, then contact our friendly team at (512) 346-4690 or online here to schedule a consultation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ragsdale is here to give you five amazing facts about dental veneers. (Psst…you won’t believe fact number two!)

Veneers Can Fix a Broad Range of Issues

From cosmetic to restorative, veneers can correct an assortment of issues, including:

  • Chips and fracture lines
  • Thinning tooth enamel
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Misshapen or short teeth
  • Minor misalignments
  • Extrinsic stains, intrinsic discoloration, and white spots on the teeth

Porcelain Veneers are Incredibly Strong

We frequently associate porcelain with delicate dolls or fragile dinnerware, but porcelain veneers are unbelievably strong. Dr. Ragsdale and her team use only the strongest, dental-grade ceramic to craft custom-made veneers for patients. 

But, did you know that these durable, ceramic shells only get stronger when adhered to the teeth? It’s true! The cement fortifies the structure of the veneer, which means that patients can eat, talk, and smile with absolute confidence.

Dental Veneers Have a High Success Rate

Dental veneers have earned their reputation as a top-tier cosmetic treatment since the 1980s. They address several issues at once, they’re long-lasting, and they look remarkably like your natural smile. But, that’s not all.

Porcelain dental veneers are an incredibly safe and effective way to enhance your aesthetic, too. Indeed, experts believe that only 0-7% of all veneer treatments are unsuccessful. And, experts largely attribute veneer failure to pre-existing issues or conditions.

At Austin Laser Dentist, we support the success of veneer treatment by addressing all oral health issues before beginning the procedure. This will limit any post-procedural complications and lead to better, longer-lasting results.

You Might Have a Hard Time Distinguishing Between Veneers and Your Natural Teeth

Veneers look remarkably like natural teeth. Our team carefully crafts them using contemporary techniques and cutting-edge imaging technology. We also expertly color-match them to your unique shade. Not only that, but porcelain veneers reflect light in a similar way to natural teeth. 

In combination, all of these factors allow patients to seamlessly and permanently upgrade their smiles with dental veneers.

Porcelain Veneers are Highly Customizable

From the shape to the color, veneers are extremely customizable. This means that patients can choose exactly what they want their smiles to look like. But, don’t worry if you don’t know how to customize your smile–we’ll gladly explore all of your aesthetic options at a comprehensive consultation!

Schedule Your Dental Veneer Consultation in Austin, TX

Now that you’re armed with the facts, it’s time to schedule your consultation at Austin Laser Dentist. Dr. Ragsdale and her experienced team will happily help you build your perfect smile. 

New and existing patients can reach our Austin, TX dental clinic by calling (512) 346-4690 or sending us a message here.

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Tooth Veneers: Are they safe?

woman smiling in dentist's chair

Dental veneers, also called tooth veneers, have been around since the 1920s. Modern dental veneers are much, much different than they used to be. This cosmetic dental solution started as a temporary set of teeth that actors and models wore during filming or on the red carpet. Once the event was over, the veneers could be removed, and no damage was done to their natural teeth.

Today, tooth veneers are a permanent cosmetic treatment. Before bonding the veneers to a patient’s teeth, the dentist removes a layer of enamel that can never be replaced. This may seem unsafe or unhealthy, but it’s not! Porcelain veneers feel, function, and look just like natural teeth and make no impression on the body because they are biocompatible.

Now that we’ve dispelled that rumor, we’ll answer more of your pressing questions about tooth veneers.

Who qualifies for veneers?

The first quality that dentists look for in a patient is healthy teeth and gums. Any oral health problems must be resolved before moving forward with treatment. Thankfully, your dentist will have the tools and treatments to restore your oral health.

Other qualities that make someone a suitable candidate for dental veneers include:

  • Extrinsic or intrinsic dental stains
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Cracks or chips
  • Multiple cosmetic issues
  • Enough dental enamel
  • Good overall health

Don’t count yourself out just yet! The best way to determine if dental veneers are right for you is to meet with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Are all tooth veneers made from porcelain?

Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneers because of their life-like appearance and durability. However, veneers can also be made from composite resin. Here are the pros and cons of each type of veneer:

  • Porcelain: These high-quality ceramic shells are more expensive than composite resin veneers and for good reason. Porcelain is highly durable and should last between 10 and 15 years when properly cared for. Porcelain veneers also look more like natural teeth because of their translucent properties. They are also stain-resistant. As mentioned earlier, porcelain veneers are not reversible, so anytime one of them is damaged, it must be replaced with another veneer.
  • Composite resin: This is an incredible option for patients who don’t want to commit to non-reversible veneers. To place composite veneers, removing enamel from the teeth isn’t necessary. While this is a huge bonus, it does come with a few downsides. Composite veneers are more likely to become stained and only last between four and eight years. Other benefits of composite resin veneers include affordability and the ability to repair the veneer without completely replacing it.

How do I care for porcelain veneers?

Maintenance for dental veneers is nearly as simple as maintaining your natural teeth, with a few adjustments. Here are a few tips for making sure your tooth veneers last as long as possible:

  1. Brush with a minimally abrasive toothpaste
  2. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
  3. Visit the dentist more often

Add these modifications to your current oral hygiene routine, and your veneers should have a long life!

Tooth Veneers in Austin, TX

Want to learn if you are a good candidate for tooth veneers? Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist is an expert in cosmetic dentistry. Thousands of patients have trusted her with their smiles, and they were not disappointed!

To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Ragsdale, call our office today at (512) 346-4690.