Veneers

Veneers can transform your smile if you have chipped, broken, or discolored teeth. At her practice, located in Midland, Texas, experienced general and cosmetic dentist Ashley Burns, DDS, and her team use porcelain veneers to fix minor cosmetic imperfections, like unusually shaped teeth and gaps between the teeth. Call the practice of Ashley Burns, DDS, today to request a veneer consultation or make your appointment online.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the surfaces of the teeth at the front of your mouth. They cover oral imperfections that won’t respond to other treatments, like teeth whitening.

If you chip a tooth, you may only need one veneer, but the team usually recommends getting 6-8 to ensure balance and symmetry. 

What types of cosmetic issues can veneers correct?

The Ashley Burns, DDS, team uses veneers to correct various cosmetic issues, including:

• Pointed teeth
• Unusually shaped teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth
• Severe discoloration or staining

You may benefit from veneers if you have broken or chipped teeth.

What does getting veneers involve?

At the practice of Ashley Burns, DDS, getting veneers takes two visits several weeks apart.

First visit

Your dentist reviews your oral health history, completes an oral exam, and takes a series of digital X-rays. To get veneers, your teeth need to be properly aligned. If you have crooked or crowded teeth, your provider may recommend orthodontic treatment first.

If you qualify for veneers, your dentist takes scans of your mouth and uses them to create a diagnostic wax mold. The mold allows you to preview what your veneers will look like. 

Your dentist sends the molds to a high-end cosmetic laboratory that designs and manufactures a set of custom veneers. 

Second visit

When the laboratory finishes your custom veneers, you return to the practice of Ashley Burns, DDS.

Your dentist numbs your mouth with an anesthetic and bonds the veneers to the surfaces of your teeth. They check your bite, remove any excess material, and polish your teeth.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last 10 years on average* but taking certain precautions can help extend their use. The Ashley Burns, DDS, team recommends:

• Not chewing on hard objects like ice or your fingernails
• Getting a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth
• Chewing harder foods with your back teeth
• Never using your teeth to open packaging

It’s important to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist every six months for an oral exam and preventive teeth cleaning.

Call the practice of Ashley Burns, DDS, today to see if you’re a candidate for veneers, or make your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.