Families in Kodiak, AK, count on Bridgeview Dental Group for beautiful, healthy smiles. Under the leadership of Dr. Hyrum Murdoch and Dr. Chad Winthrop, this team of dental care experts provides a wide range of general and cosmetic services, including routine cleanings, root canals, teeth whitening, and veneers. Bridgeview Dental Group combines compassionate care, advanced technology, and patient education to help their patients enjoy a lifetime of smiles.

If you’ve been looking for a way to correct the appearance of discolored or damaged teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. These thin shells are made from porcelain or a composite resin that is bonded to each tooth to create a natural, aesthetically pleasing look. Veneers are often used as an alternative to crowns for patients with chipped or cracked teeth. Patients who have been dissatisfied with the results of traditional whitening treatments benefit from veneers because they are more stain-resistant than natural teeth. If you’re experiencing enamel erosion due to acid reflux or overzealous brushing, veneers can help protect your teeth and prevent further erosion.

Getting veneers typically takes three visits to your dentist — one for a consultation, one for preparation, and one for application. During the consultation, your dentist will work with you to create a new smile that improves the look of your teeth while maintaining the overall balance of your facial features. A successful veneer application will resemble the natural shape and size of your teeth while correcting imperfections such as chips, cracks, and discoloration.

To prepare for the application, your teeth will be lightly buffed so your mouth can comfortably accommodate the veneers. You can expect to have about a half-millimeter of enamel buffed away; be sure to talk with your dentist about the need for an anesthetic during this part of the procedure.

Resin composite veneers can be applied the same day as the preparation; your dentist will sculpt the material directly onto your teeth. If you choose ceramic veneers, your dentist will take a mold that will be sent to a lab that will create the veneers. You likely will wait several days for the ceramic veneers to arrive, so your dentist may fit you with temporary veneers to protect the buffed enamel.

Once your veneers have been applied, you may experience sensitivity. This is usually temporary and should fade as the adhesive cures. You will be able to eat and care for your teeth normally within days of your procedure.

To learn more about how the team at Bridgeview Dental Group can enhance your smile, visit their website or call (907) 486-3257 to schedule an appointment.