Eliminate smile defects with Richardson porcelain veneers

What annoys you about your smile?  Are teeth chipped or so stained even professional whitening won’t brighten them? Richardson dentists, Drs.Tom M. McDougal and Chris C. Richards, create artistic and functional changes that dramatically improve smile aesthetics.

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers, or dental laminates, are thin shells of dental grade ceramic. They are custom-fabricated in our dental lab by master ceramist, Kent Stuart.  Richardson porcelain veneers refurbish teeth marred by:

• Deep staining (from oral injury, prescriptions, the aging process and other factors)
• Chips, pits, cracks and bumpy enamel
• Congenital malformation
• Unconventional spacing (gaps and crowding)
• Uneven tooth size and odd shape

Although your teeth may be healthy, you dislike how they look. You end up covering them when laughing, smiling or talking in public. When your teeth look bad, your self-esteem takes a hit, and your interpersonal and professional relationships suffer.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that the first thing college- age men notice about girls is their smiles. Your teeth make or break that all-important first impression.

Are porcelain veneers right for you?

Dr. McDougal or Dr. Richards  performs a comprehensive exam to begin the makeover.  Digital x-rays and other imaging, along with photos and a smile preview, round out your consultation.

The Richardson dentist wants patients to participate in treatment planning, including realistic expectations of their finished smiles.  For instance, a new smile will not make a 60-year-old look like a 30-year-old, but beautiful teeth do create a more youthful, healthy and attractive look.

Moreover, cosmetic dentistry patients have healthy teeth and gums to be successful candidates for porcelain veneers. They cannot:

• Grind or clench their teeth (bruxism)
• Have extensive decay or restorations
• Have untreated periodontitis, or advanced gum disease

In other words, cosmetic dentistry candidates should be in good oral and overall health.

The veneer procedure

McDougal and Richardson Dentistry delivers traditional laminates to qualified patients  Fabricated on-site, veneers are wafer-thin, naturally-shaded shells of ceramic. Veneers typically require removal of 0.5 mm of enamel from the front side of each tooth. This simple preparation is quick and comfortable and allows good bonding and fit.

The dentist gives oral impressions, photos and instructions to the dental lab where the ceramist crafts a 3-dimensional model of the teeth. He sculpts the laminates, considering the shape of the  teeth and facial  features.

During the next dental appointment, the Richardson cosmetic dentist bonds the veneers in place and adjusts:

• tooth color by varying the shade of the adhesive
• bite, or how the teeth come together
• fit of the laminates on each tooth

Porcelain veneers blend in with the patient’s natural teeth. They also add a measure of durability.

Continuing care is simple

Patients with porcelain brush twice a  day with a soft tooth brush and floss daily. Dr. Richardson and Dr. McDougal advise routine 6-month check-ups and cleanings. Most patients retain their veneers and look great for many years.

Learn about eliminating smile imperfections

For great cosmetic dentistry services, contact the office at McDougal and Richardson Dentistry where skill and a listening attitude produce beautiful, healthy teeth and gums.  Learn  if porcelain veneers can change your smile.