Many patients who come to Holistic Dental Centers in Cary or Cornelius are interested in porcelain veneers. They are a good option for addressing cosmetic issues patients have with their smiles, such as spacing of the teeth, minor chips, and cracks. Another popular use is to cover stains that will not respond to whitening treatments.
Caring for your new smile
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer.
- Oral hygiene – It cannot be said often enough the brushing twice a day and flossing daily is a vital part of protecting your oral health, keeping your veneers beautiful, and ensuring their longevity. A common misconception about veneers is that they can help prevent cavities; this is incorrect, veneers only cover the front of the tooth and cannot prevent the development of cavities. In fact, even crowns that cover the entire visible surface of the tooth do not prevent the formation of cavities at the gum line.
- Eliminating bad habits – Most people are guilty of using their teeth to do more than just chew their food such as opening a bag of chips or tearing a piece of tape. Another bad habit many people have is chewing on ice, biting into hard candies, or biting their fingernails. These all result in minor fractures to your teeth or veneers. Over time, this can result in visible damage to your teeth or damage to your veneers.
- Grinding your teeth – The technical term for this is bruxism and is very damaging to both your teeth and veneers. Patients who grind their teeth in their sleep can discuss a night guard with Dr. McMillan. Bruxism should be addressed before having veneers placed, as there may be an underlying cause.
To find out if veneers can give you your dream smile, you can schedule a consultation by calling our Cornelius office at
(704) 765-3150
or contact our Cary office at (919) 865-0700. Most patients are a good candidate for veneers providing they have healthy teeth and gums and are not suffering from serious orthodontic issues. The veneers process typically takes about two weeks to complete and then you will have a smile you will enjoy sharing.
Dr. Luis Crespo
Connect Dr. Luis Crespo on LinkedIn
Dr. Luis Crespo, a holistic dentist with 17 years of experience, has profoundly impacted underserved communities worldwide, from Guatemala to Tibet. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from
West Virginia University in 2000 and is a member of the
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology. Dr. Crespo integrates his holistic health and nutrition expertise into his practice, emphasizing the connection between oral health and overall well-being. His bilingual skills and commitment to educating patients and promoting early dental care reflect his dedication to both public health and preventive medicine.
Dr. Erin Wilbanks
Connect Dr. Erin Wilbanks on LinkedIn
Dr. Erin Wilbanks, a holistic dentist in Cary, brings extensive experience and expertise to her practice. With a Bachelor's in Biological Sciences and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from
Louisiana State University, Dr. Wilbanks is a member of the International Academy of Medicine and Toxicology and is SMART certified. Known for her commitment to prevention and patient education, she emphasizes holistic approaches to oral health. Her dedication to her field is supported by her active involvement in the
Academy of General Dentistry and
IAOMT.