Stains, chips, and gaps detract from healthy smiles. Fix defects with Mount Pleasant porcelain veneers from Virginia Gregory DMD.
Your Mount Pleasant dentist gives your mouth a clean bill of health. Yet, you are disturbed about the appearance of your teeth. Time has taken its toll resulting in dark stains, chips and a gap right in the front of your mouth. Is there a solution? Look into porcelain veneers at the Mount Pleasant office of Virginia Gregory DMD.
Cosmetic dentistry artistically improves healthy teeth
A member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Gregory is passionate and enthusiastic about smile aesthetics. She provides many smile enhancements for patients wanting teeth that are simply brighter or for patients who want complete makeovers.
Either way, one of her more popular cosmetic dental services is the application of customized porcelain veneers. Used by themselves or combined with professional whitening, bonding or other refurbishments, Charleston porcelain veneers add beauty and a measure of durability to teeth marred by:
- heavy discolorations from coffee, wine, cigarettes, prescription medication, simple age or darkly colored foods
- chips, hairline cracks and gaps
- odd shape or length
- root canal therapy
- accident or injury
- mild crowding
Custom-made in a dental lab by a master ceramist, these wafer-thin shells of fine porcelain are bonded directly to the front surfaces of one or more teeth.
The veneer procedure takes a few appointments
Dr. Gregory performs a complete oral exam to determine the health of teeth and gums. She may also take digital x-rays, other imaging and oral impressions to send to an outside lab for fabrication of the veneers. Frequently, she previews what the finished smile will look like.
Then, the Mount Pleasant dentist removes a thin layer of enamel (½ mm) from the front side of each tooth to receive a veneer. This allows adequate space for the veneers to function comfortably within the mouth without irritation or problems with speech.
When the new veneers return from the lab, Dr. Gregory cements them to the prepared tooth surfaces with a special bonding glue. She can adjust the color of the veneers by changing the color of the cement, achieving just the right match to adjacent teeth. She works with the size, shape and bite for a perfect fit.
Mount Pleasant veneers are easy to care for
Just like natural teeth, porcelain veneers should be brushed twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and flossed daily, too. Patients should see Dr. Gregory for follow-up and for their regular semi-annual cleanings and exams.
Besides beautifying teeth, porcelain veneers add a measure of strength to tooth enamel. However, just like natural teeth, those covered with veneers should be treated gently. That means no chewing ice or peanut brittle or opening packages or bottles with your teeth. Also, patients who grind their teeth avoid undue wear by using a night time mouth guard. With good care, Mount Pleasant porcelain veneers last indefinitely, look natural and inspire confidence in the people who have them.
Find out more
Consult with Dr. Gregory at her beautiful office in Mount Pleasant. She will discuss your cosmetic dentistry options and formulate a treatment plan that will improve your smile beyond what you could imagine. Contact her staff for an appointment today.