Expert Dental Services at W Paul Burns DDS Office Located in El Dorado, AR

Patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile must make several decisions, starting with finding a dentist they can trust. Dr. Paul Burns, in El Dorado, has been helping his patients understand their cosmetic dentistry options for more than 25 years. He has earned the trust of his patients by delivering gentle care and a full suite of expert dental services, including teeth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers.

PORCELAIN VENEERS OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION FOR PATIENTS WITH CROOKED TEETH

Many patients who have teeth that are misaligned believe that their only option to improve their smile is with orthodontic treatment. While traditional braces, or newer methods like Invisalign, are often used to correct crooked teeth, these treatments can take several years to achieve the desired results. Patients who want a faster treatment may be candidates for porcelain veneers instead.

WHAT ARE DENTAL VENEERS?

Dental veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain or resin that are applied to the front of the teeth. They can be used to mask a variety of cosmetic imperfections, such as discoloration, misalignment, or chips and cracks. Veneers can also be used to add support to teeth that are weak or damaged. Veneers can be made of a composite resin or porcelain. While both provide additional functionality to the teeth, porcelain material looks much more like the natural tooth.

HOW ARE DENTAL VENEERS APPLIED?

Receiving dental veneers is generally an easy process and takes only two trips to the dentist’s office.

• During the first visit, the dentist will remove a very small amount of enamel from the tooth or teeth that are going to receive a veneer. This makes room for the veneer and helps to ensure a natural fit.
• Next, impressions will be taken, and your veneer shade will be selected. Both of these will be used to custom create your veneers.
• When the veneers are complete, you will return to the office to have them placed. The dentist will first ensure a proper fit and appearance and will then bond the veneers to the front of the tooth.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR PORCELAIN VENEERS

Veneers are strong and durable and can be cared for much like your natural teeth; however, there are a few things to remember:

• To receive veneers, patients should be in good dental health. If you have tooth decay or gum disease, the dentist will need to treat that first.
• Veneers can chip or break. Patients should avoid habits such as chewing on ice, biting on pens, or clenching or grinding their teeth.
• Veneers are permanent. Because the process involves removing the enamel, the veneers cannot be taken off. If they chip, break, or become loose, they will need to be replaced with a new veneer.
• Oral health will continue to be important. Cavities can develop under or around veneers. It’s very important that patients don’t relax their commitment to brushing or flossing.

For more information about dental veneers, call the office of W. Paul Burns, DDS today at (870) 686-4232.