Dental care for patients with porcelain veneers is heightened in our Raleigh area office

If you are thinking of getting porcelain veneers to cover a cosmetic flaw in your smile, you want to know what to expect. We know that you will have a number of questions during your consultation for this treatment, and we will do our best to answer them all, perhaps even a few you haven’t thought of.

Checkups and dental cleanings with porcelain veneers

Patients with veneers are encouraged to maintain twice-a-year maintenance visits. This allows us to check your natural teeth as well as the bond between your veneers and your teeth. We pay close attention to the margins, where the thin sheath of porcelain meets the tooth. If this area becomes compromised, darkening can occur around the edges of the veneer. There are a few ways that we can work together to ensure this does not happen.

• During your home care routine, brush your teeth with a mild, non-abrasive toothpaste. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles, and you should use a gentle technique. Porcelain is durable, but if it is scratched, the color of veneers could change over time.
• If you notice any rough edges around a veneer, let us know right away. If not smoothed, this area can attract and trap debris, causing staining.
• Our hygienist will use a milder polish when cleaning your teeth here in the office. We also use meticulous techniques to clean around the edges of veneers in order to avoid chipping or damaging them in any way.
• We will discuss the various ways in which plaque and tartar buildup may be avoided, as well as cavities and gum disease. One of the common reasons that darkness may occur at the upper edges of veneers is gum recession, a consequence of gum inflammation and infection.
• Over time, it is possible that natural tooth surfaces will appear a different color than veneers. If natural enamel has become dull, we can discuss how to whiten those teeth to bring them up to the same brightness as your veneers. If the veneers are darker, we may have to consider replacing them.

Your satisfaction with your smile is important to your sense of confidence, so it is important to us. Contact our Cary or Cornelius office for personal dental care that counts.

Holistic Dental Centers in Cary and Cornelius, NC offer many general and cosmetic options, designed to protect patients’ oral health, as well as overall health and well-being.

Dr. Carl McMillan is a holistic dentist with a medical degree from the College of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of South Carolina. Due to his expertise, he was honored with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) presidency. He is compassionate towards patients and committed to providing them with safe, toxic-free dental treatments to help them maintain a happy and healthy smile.

Dr. Luis Crespo obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. An IAOMT member, he believes prevention is the best medicine and strives to educate both patients and parents on the benefits of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. He has served underprivileged communities across the world.

Dr. Erin Wilbanks graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is an accredited IAOMT member, is SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.