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

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Top 5 Most FAQs About Porcelain Veneers

close up of perfect smile

Dental veneers were originally created as a temporary way to alter or improve the appearance of actor’s smiles for photo shoots and movie premiers. Dr. Charles Pincus created these in the 1930, and since then, his creation has evolved into a durable, aesthetically-pleasing, permanent solution for millions of famous and not-so-famous dental patients.

With porcelain veneers, anyone can achieve a red-carpet worthy smile! Read this blog to learn more about porcelain veneers and determine if they are the right solution for your smile.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers:

1. What exactly are porcelain veneers?

Dental veneers are tooth-colored, thin shells that cover the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. A dentist bonds the durable shell to the patients tooth once the enamel on the tooth has been prepared.

Each veneer is custom designed by you and your dentist and custom-made in a dental lab. The result will match the rest of your teeth, or if you are replacing an entire arch, the teeth are crafted to fit your preferences, face shape, and smile.  

2. What problems do veneers fix?

Porcelain veneers can address several mild to moderate cosmetic dental problems. These include:

  • Intrinsic dental stains
  • Uneven or misshapen teeth
  • Gaps in the smile
  • Worn down teeth
  • Misaligned teeth

Not every dental problem can be solved via porcelain veneers, but many can! The best way to know for sure is to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

3. Who is a candidate for veneers?

Anyone with the above-mentioned dental problems should consider veneers as a possible solution. Additionally, veneers patients must have healthy teeth and gums.

Cosmetic dental procedures are always secondary to restorative dental procedures. Your mouth’s health is of utmost importance. Once you achieve good oral health, your dentist can move forward with porcelain veneers!

4. How do I care for porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers should be cared for just like your natural teeth, but with a few adjustments.

Patients with porcelain veneers should:

  • Brush with a soft bristled toothbrush and minimally abrasive toothpaste in the morning and evening (and after lunch if you can!)
  • Floss after their last meal of the day
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash
  • Attend regular dental cleanings and exams

If you tend to grind your teeth at night, a custom mouthguard will be beneficial as well. Additionally, patients who bite their nails, chew on straws, or frequently use their teeth as tools should begin breaking those harmful habits before getting veneers.

When patients adhere to these guidelines, their veneers can last up to 25 years!

5. What are the pros and cons of porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are so popular because of how quick the process is and how realistic the results are. To ensure you have the best experience and outcome, be sure to choose a dentist with plenty of experience in designing and placing dental veneers.

Of course, there are always drawbacks to any cosmetic procedure. Veneers require that some of the patient’s dental enamel is removed. This cannot be undone so this option should be thoroughly considered.

Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist

Are you interested in learning if porcelain veneers are right for you? Our experienced and skilled dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is prepared to help you achieve the smile of you dreams with veneers or any of our other cosmetic dental services.

Contact our friendly dental team today at (512) 346-4690 today.

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Composite Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Option Is Right for Me?

Our smiles are one of our most important physical features. As we age, teeth can become worn, discolored, and less attractive. Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers several cosmetic treatments at her Austin, TX dental office that can add symmetry and beauty to your smile. Two popular treatments (dental bonding and porcelain veneers) treat similar cosmetic blemishes in different ways. If you are wondering which cosmetic treatment will work best for you, this overview touches on the benefits of both procedures. 

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Cosmetic dental bonding uses the same material that fills cavities. Dr. Ragsdale can carefully color-match the composite resin to correct cosmetic issues. Dental bonding can be applied in one easy visit to our Austin dental office. 

The conservative and non-invasive procedure begins when Dr. Ragsdale prepares the surface of your tooth to receive the bonding material. This is done using an etching material. Dr. Ragsdale then artfully applies the bonding material and shapes it to fit your tooth. The final steps involve hardening the bonding material using a special light and then making small adjustments as needed. 

Dental bonding can address:

  • Chips
  • Gaps
  • Stains
  • Worn teeth
  • Short teeth

How are Porcelain Veneers Placed?

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are attached to the front of a patient’s anterior teeth. Before the shells can be attached, a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed. Dr. Ragsdale will perform the procedure using local anesthesia and possibly sedation. Once your teeth have been prepped, a mold of your teeth will be made. After a few weeks, your new veneers will arrive at our office. During the second and final visit, your veneers will be placed using a strong bonding agent. Porcelain veneers can last several years or longer if properly maintained and cleaned. 

Porcelain veneers can address:

  • Misaligned teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Gaps
  • Misshapen teeth

Which Option is Right for Me?

The most significant difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers is the lifespan of the treatments and cost. Dental bonding is considerably lower in cost compared to porcelain veneers, but the results will not last as long. Dental bonding may need to be replaced every few or several years while porcelain veneers can last 10 years, 15 years, or even longer. 

Unlike porcelain veneers, dental bonding is completely reversible. There is no discomfort associated with dental bonding while prepping your teeth for porcelain veneers may cause minor and temporary side effects, such as temperature sensitivity.

Porcelain veneers can address misaligned teeth, while dental bonding is reserved for minor cosmetic issues. If your teeth are significantly out of alignment, you may be a better candidate for Invisalign treatments. There is a limit to how much bonding material can be attached to a single tooth, meaning that significant cosmetic problems may require porcelain veneers. 

During your consultation, Dr. Ragsdale will discuss both cosmetic treatments in detail. 

Schedule Your Dental Bonding Appointment Today

Dr. Ragsdale can correct chipped, worn teeth, and stained teeth with dental bonding. Call our Austin dentist office at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an appointment. Austin Laser Dentistry proudly serves patients from Austin, Round Rock, and all surrounding communities.

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Porcelain Veneers for The Perfect Smile

woman with porcelain veneers drinking coffee with two friends at outside table

Do you take great care of your teeth and still feel unsatisfied, insecure, or disappointed with your smile? Although your teeth may be healthy, stains, chips, and decay would leave anyone feeling this way about their teeth. If this has been your experience, porcelain veneers can help!

These veneers are lined with ceramic and placed over the front teeth to display a bright and beautiful smile. Compared to composite bonding, these are far more resistant to staining caused by things like coffee, red wine, and tea (however, they are not completely immune to the damage these things can cause).

If you are in the Austin, TX area, Dr. Helen Ragsdale – your Austin Laser Dentist – can assist you in creating the smile of your dreams. Placing porcelain veneers is a common, non-intrusive dental procedure with very little risk involved. Call us today to schedule your appointment!

The Process

Setting up a consultation with Dr. Ragsdale is the first step in this simple, two-part process. On your first visit, she will examine your teeth to be sure the enamel is strong enough to support the veneers. The next step is to prepare the teeth by removing a minimal amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This is to create a strong bond between your teeth and veneers, and helps the veneers not look bulky once they are placed. Impressions will then be taken of your teeth and sent to the dental lab to be formed.

On your second visit, Dr. Ragsdale will be able to place the thin, ceramic covering over each tooth. If any adjustments to the size and shape are needed, that can be done before being permanently fastened. Once they are placed, and any needed adjustments are complete, you can walk out of the office with a dazzling smile!

Why Veneers Are a Good Investment

The cost of veneers can be a deal-breaker when it comes to going through with the procedure, but it doesn’t have to be. Not only do some insurances help cover the expense, the benefits far out-weigh the cost. These benefits include:

  1. A whiter smile. Whiter teeth usually mean a more confident you in your everyday life and especially on occasions like family vacations when pictures are being taken around the clock. Can you really put a price on that?
  2. Treatment for enamel abrasion and erosion. Enamel is paramount in protecting the inner, more sensitive layers of your teeth. Unfortunately, once the enamel on teeth is damaged, it doesn’t come back. However, porcelain veneers can replace it!
  3. A lasting investment. When taken well care of, your veneers can last anywhere from 10-20 years! In that amount of time, your gorgeous new smile will have encountered thousands of people, been in hundreds of photos, and made many other people’s days better.

It is important to remember that veneers are an irreversible procedure and must be taken well care of. Thankfully, you can take care of them with these three easy steps:

  1. Brush twice a day with ADA-approved, minimally abrasive toothpaste.
  2. Floss at night.
  3. Visit your Austin Laser Dentist for regularly scheduled check-ups.

If this sounds like an investment you would like to make, contact Dr. Ragsdale and her team today to begin the process to a whiter, brighter, picture-perfect smile!

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Enjoy the Benefits of Instant Orthodontics with Porcelain Veneers

Healthy teeth

Did you know that you can gain many of the cosmetic benefits of orthodontics in only two short visits to our Austin, TX clinic? Porcelain veneers are often called “instant orthodontics” because the treatments correct a wide range of cosmetic problems in a fraction of the time of traditional metal braces or Invisalign treatments. Dr. Helen Ragsdale has more than 25 years of experience placing custom veneers. To schedule your veneer consultation at our Austin, TX clinic, call us at 512-346-4690.

How Does Instant Orthodontics Work?

During your visit to our Austin dental clinic, Dr. Ragsdale will discuss your cosmetic treatment options. If you are looking for a procedure that delivers drastic results in a short period of time, you may be an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers.

Veneers are uniquely suited to drastically transform the forward-facing part of your smile. Veneers are small porcelain shells that cover the front of your anterior (visible) teeth. The wafer-thin shells can be custom designed to correct misaligned or misshapen teeth. Dr. Ragsdale can even select shells that boost the luster and whiteness of your teeth, completely transforming your smile.  

Do you have an embarrassing gap in your smile? Braces can address gaps by slowly pushing teeth toward each other. This process can take months or even years. Porcelain veneers can be custom designed to fill in gaps, delivering instant cosmetic solutions to minor blemishes.

Your veneers will be placed over the course of two procedures. During the first appointment and under local anesthesia, a small amount of enamel will be removed to make room for your veneers. After a mold is made, a trusted lab will manufacture your porcelain shells to match the exact shape and color you desire. On your second visit, your veneers will be attached to your teeth using a strong bonding agent. After any minor adjustments are made, you will be free to return home or to work with your completely revamped smile.  

Why Types of Dental Problems Can Porcelain Veneers Correct?

Porcelain veneers can address a wide range of cosmetic blemishes that include:

  • Gaps between teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Small teeth
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Misshapen teeth

If you have significant cosmetic problems, including very wide gaps, Dr. Ragsdale may recommend alternative treatments.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

The main benefit of porcelain veneers over orthodontic treatments is that veneers can deliver drastic cosmetic results after only two visits. Braces require regular visits, special cleaning considerations, and dietary restrictions. By undergoing the “instant orthodontic” benefits afforded by porcelain veneers, you can enjoy:

  • Lower cost: Porcelain veneers are often more affordable than traditional metal braces
  • A brighter smile: The color and luster of your new veneers can be personalized to meet your cosmetic goals.
  • Minimal discomfort: Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable, especially after they are periodically tightened. Porcelain veneers require very little adjusting to, and the placement procedure is minimally invasive.
  • No blemished smiles: By undergoing veneer placement, you can forgo several months or years of wearing metal wires along your teeth.

Contact our Austin Practice for Information on Porcelain Veneers!

If you want to address misshapen or discolored teeth using porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with Austin Laser Dentist’s Dr. Helen Ragsdale. We have placed veneers for many satisfied patients over the past 25 years. Our practice is proud to offer the newest restorative dentistry techniques and treatments. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.

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Find Your Beautiful Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Find Your Beautiful Smile with Porcelain Veneers

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.