Dental technology has greatly improved over the years, and enhancing your smile is easier than ever! 

Dental veneers are a great option for those looking to correct common cosmetic and functional dental complaints. However, many of our patients at Smiles of West Point have never considered veneers as a treatment option for themselves. 

Our state-of-the-art techniques allow us to craft beautiful smiles for those in West Point. The results look very natural and quickly help our patients gain confidence!

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What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are extremely thin sheets of porcelain that cover the front surface of your teeth, therefore improving the appearance of your smile. They can be used to alter your teeth’s size, shape, length, and finish and are typically placed on teeth at the front of the mouth. However, there are occasions when they are used to rebuild molars, as well. 

When applying dental veneers, our dentist and assistants will take into account the natural color of your teeth and what your whitening goals are in order to complement the natural shade of your teeth. It is an option to go a few shades brighter while coordinating the color with the rest of your main. Since the veneers are made of porcelain, they will reflect light like natural teeth. 

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Benefits of Dental Veneers

Veneers optimize the size, shape and color of your teeth. Some of the advantages of veneers include:

• Natural-looking tooth restoration

• Minimal gum irritation

• Non-invasive

• Stain-resistant

• Long-lasting

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Who Qualifies for Dental Veneers?

Veneers are commonly used to repair the following dental issues:

• Discoloration

• Erosion

• Chips and fractures

• Some types of misalignment

• Irregularly shaped teeth

• Short or small teeth

• Gaps between the teeth

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While some of these complaints are purely cosmetic, many present a functional problem for the patient. Using veneers to build up broken or worn down teeth can help you to improve your ability to eat and speak. 

Using veneers to close gaps can eliminate or minimize hiding spots where food can get stuck. They can also be used to correct misalignment to ease jaw pain. For these reasons, veneers are considered both a cosmetic and restorative procedure that are used to treat a wide variety of issues at Smiles of West Point. 

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How to Get Dental Veneers in West Point

Getting dental veneers involves several steps:

1. Initial Consultation: You'll schedule an appointment with Dr. Billue to discuss your goals and concerns regarding your smile. During this consultation, your Dr. Billue will evaluate your oral health and determine if you're a suitable candidate for veneers.
2. Treatment Planning: If veneers are deemed appropriate for you, Dr. Billue will work with you to create a treatment plan. This may involve taking X-rays, impressions, and photographs of your teeth to design the veneers that will best fit your smile.
3. Preparation: Before the actual veneer placement, Dr. Billue will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface. This step is necessary to ensure that the veneers will fit properly and look natural. Local anesthesia may be used to minimize any discomfort during this process.
4. Impressions: Once your teeth are prepared,  Dr. Billue will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used to create custom veneers that are tailored to the size, shape, and color of your teeth.
5. Temporary Veneers (Optional): In some cases, temporary veneers may be placed on your teeth while your permanent veneers are being fabricated in a dental laboratory. These temporary veneers protect your teeth and give you an idea of what your final result will look like.
6. Fabrication of Veneers: The impressions of your teeth are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will fabricate your veneers according to the specifications provided by your dentist. This process typically takes a couple of weeks.
7. Bonding: Once your permanent veneers are ready, you'll return to the office for the final placement. Dr. Billue will carefully place each veneer on your teeth, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. The veneers are then bonded to your teeth using a special dental cement.
8. Final Adjustments: After the veneers are bonded in place,  Dr. Billue may make some final adjustments to ensure that they feel comfortable and look natural. This may involve trimming or polishing the veneers as needed.
9. Follow-Up:  Dr. Billue may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your veneers and make sure that you're happy with the results. They'll also provide you with care instructions to help you maintain your new smile.

It's important to note that getting dental veneers is a cosmetic procedure, and while it can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, it's not suitable for everyone. Dr. Billue will assess your individual needs and recommend the best treatment options for you.

To ask questions or schedule an appointment for dental veneers, contact Smiles of West Point today.

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