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Veneers Specialist

Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry: Adam Cottrill, DMD

Dental Implant Specialist, Prosthodontics and Cosmetic Dentist located in Nashville, TN

Veneers are one of the easiest and most effective ways to get the flawless smile you’ve always wanted. These ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells can completely reshape your teeth, making them an ideal solution for a range of cosmetic dental problems. From his state-of-the-art office in Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Adam Cottrill specializes in natural-looking veneers that are virtually imperceptible, so your beautiful smile is the only thing others will notice. If you’re interested in learning more about what veneers can do for you, call the office or book your appointment online today.

Veneers Q & A

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers, or laminates, are exceptionally thin shells designed to hide cosmetic flaws or restore lost tooth structure. Veneers, which are typically made from porcelain, are permanently bonded to the front side of your teeth to change their color or their shape. They can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including:

  • Crooked, broken, or chipped teeth
  • Uneven tooth edges or spacing between teeth
  • Oddly shaped or worn teeth
  • Discolored or permanently stained teeth

Because veneers provide a more subtle way to repair or improve the appearance of teeth, they can be an attractive alternative to crowns. A dental technician creates your custom veneers in a lab, working from a model provided by Dr. Cottrill.

What does a veneer procedure entail?

After you have an initial consultation with Dr. Cottrill, which includes a comprehensive dental exam and detailed treatment plan, getting veneers can be done in two appointments.

First appointment

During your first visit, Dr. Cottrill buffs and lightly reshapes the surface of your tooth’s enamel to accommodate the veneer. Doing so only removes about half a millimeter of the tooth's surface, or just enough so that your veneers won’t feel out of place in your mouth.

Although this process doesn’t bother most patients, you may request a local anesthetic if you’re particularly sensitive to dental work.

Next, Dr. Cottrill takes an impression of your teeth to send to the dental lab, and helps you choose the right shade of white for your veneers.

Second appointment

During your second appointment, Dr. Cottrill cleanses your teeth with special bond-promoting chemicals. Then, he adheres the veneers to your teeth with dental cement and cures (hardens) the cement with a special light.

How do I take care of my veneers?

Because veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, they’re incredibly strong and durable. To make sure they last as long as possible, however, it’s important to maintain healthy dental habits, brushing and flossing at least twice daily.  

Even though porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining than natural tooth enamel, you may want to cut back on beverages and foods known to stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, to help them stay bright.   

Certain habits, such as chewing on ice or grinding your teeth, can significantly reduce the life of your veneers. To prevent your veneers from cracking, avoid biting down on ice or hard foods, and wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night.