Dental Veneers in Bay City, MI

If you are seeking dental veneers in Michigan, you have come to the right place. Even patients who have perfectly healthy teeth can be dissatisfied with their smile and look to improve it. Discoloration and slight imperfections in the smile can make anyone self-conscious. Dental veneers are one option that can help people who feel this way, by making cosmetic changes to their smile, our Bay City Dentist can correct these minor imperfections.

Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or dental laminates are very thin “slices” of ceramic material that are custom made to fit the teeth.

Once affixed to the front of the teeth, they can change the color, shape, length and alignment appearance of the teeth, all without ever altering the actual teeth underneath.

This dental procedure is entirely cosmetic, but that doesn’t mean it’s not just as important to give patients at Dr. Ward’s Bay City Dental Center office the smile they want, and the self-confidence they

need. If you are seeking dental veneers in Michigan, we welcome you to contact our office to book an appointment.

Dental veneers are a cosmetic process that requires healthy, relatively well aligned teeth. While minor misalignment issues can be addressed by veneers, if you require orthodontic devices, that treatment should be completed before you consider veneers. They are also applied to permanent teeth only, so they are not suitable for children or young adolescents.

If you would like to have dental veneers applied to your teeth, the best way to find out if it is possible, or how to make it possible, is to speak to our Bay City Dentist, Dr. Matthew Ward.

The first step in getting dental veneers in Michigan is to discuss your goals with your dentist. Tell us what you hope to achieve with veneers so that we can advise you as fully and accurately as possible. If there are any issues like decay that need to be addressed, those can be taken care of too.

Once we’ve confirmed that veneers can deliver the results you want, we may need to take x-rays and make impressions of your teeth, so that we can start planning your treatment.

The next step in the dental veneer process is to carefully prepare the surface of each tooth that is being treated. This is a minimally invasive procedure that often times doesn’t require removal of all the enamel allowing us to preserve the bulk of the teeth. Another impression is made of the prepared tooth, and this along with color choice and other treatment specifics is sent to the lab, where the veneers will be created.

When the veneers arrive back from the lab, Dr. Ward and members of his dental team will fit them, trimming and shaping if necessary, and then permanently bond the veneers to the surface of the tooth, leaving you with the perfect smile you hoped for.

Once you have veneers, they are permanent, and if they do sustain damage, you will need to replace them. You also cannot whiten veneers once they are in place, so if you want to whiten your teeth, you need to have it done before you get veneers fitted.

You'll be able to immediately return to your regular routine since there is no need for anesthesia or downtime after getting dental veneers. A few patients may experience minor tooth sensitivity after getting veneers; however, this is normal and typically goes away within a few days to a week as the teeth adjust. Taking care of your new veneers is easy — you simply continue your regular daily brushing and flossing routine in addition to having yearly dental exams at Bay City Dental Center. Although dental veneers are stain-resistant, you should still limit staining foods and drinks like coffee and tea to help keep your smile bright. You should also avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, hard candies, your nails, and pens/pencils to prevent damage to your dental veneers.

Dental veneers might not be the right solution for everyone, but for those who can benefit from them, there are some significant benefits.

Veneers are relatively easy to apply, and the process is minimally invasive. They can correct issues with color and appearance, as well as minor misalignment issues, and they can transform a dull smile into a bright, white, movie star grin.

What types of tooth problems can dental veneers fix?
Dental veneers can address a wide variety of cosmetic dental issues, including cracks, chips, unevenness, stains and discoloration, gaps, tooth wear, small teeth, and more. During your consultation with Dr. Ward, he will examine your teeth and listen to your goals to help you create a customized dental veneer treatment plan.

Is getting dental veneers painful?
No, most patients don't find the application of dental veneers painful or uncomfortable. No anesthetic is necessary for this procedure. After the dental veneers are placed, some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity as their teeth adjust to the veneers, but this typically goes away quickly and can be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Do dental veneers damage your teeth?
No, they don't. It's a popular myth, but when applied by an experienced practitioner like Dr. Ward, dental veneers can be a very safe option to enhance your smile. Only a small amount of enamel is removed to provide a strong adhesive surface for the veneers. This enamel will eventually grow back for people with good oral health and overall physical health.

How long can I expect my dental veneers to last?
Although not actually considered a permanent procedure, dental veneers can last 10 – 20 years or longer, barring damage, and with proper care, dental exams, and taking care not to chew on hard foods or objects.

Can dental veneers be used to correct bite issues?
While dental veneers are primarily used for cosmetic enhancements, such as improving the appearance of teeth, they are not typically recommended for correcting bite issues. Bite problems often require orthodontic treatments or other dental procedures that address the underlying alignment of teeth and jaw. It's best to consult with your dentist for a personalized assessment and recommendations.

How do I maintain the shade of my dental veneers?
Maintaining the whiteness of dental veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, along with routine dental check-ups, are essential. It's also advisable to avoid stain-causing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine. If your veneers are made of porcelain, they are less likely to stain compared to natural teeth, but good oral hygiene practices are still crucial for their longevity and appearance. Your dentist can provide specific care guidelines based on the type of veneers you have.

Gain the confidence that comes with a gorgeous smile by getting custom dental veneers at Bay City Dental Center in Bay City, MI. With a variety of treatment options to fit your goals, Dr. Ward can help you quickly improve the overall look of your smile with porcelain veneers. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ward today.