February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The National Children’s Dental Health Month is a…
Should you Get Dental Veneers?
Cosmetic dentistry has greatly increased in popularity in recent years as people try to achieve a better smile. Your smile is a very important part of who you are as it can damage your self-esteem should you be embarrassed by the appearance of your teeth. One of the most minimally invasive procedures to improve the look of your smile is dental veneers. These porcelain overlays can change the look, shape or length of your teeth. They are used to cover stains, fix chipped teeth or give minimally crooked teeth a straighter appearance.
The First Step
The first step in determining if dental veneers are the right choice for you is coming into our office for an evaluation. We can discuss what it is that you do not like about your teeth when you smile and perform an evaluation from there. We will discuss what the veneers will do to your actual teeth as well as any alternatives if there are any that fit your situation. Your appointment could also consist of x-rays and/or taking molds of your mouth to determine the right step for your teeth.
The Process
If it is determined that porcelain veneers are the right choice for your teeth, the process can begin. Before the overlays can be applied, a small amount of your tooth enamel will need to be removed to allow the veneers to feel natural and not too thick on your teeth. The amount that is removed is very minimal, typically less than one millimeter. This is important not only for appearance, but also for natural function of the teeth. Once the enamel is removed, a mold of your teeth is taken in order to create the veneers that are the perfect size for your teeth.
Once the veneers arrive, your teeth are prepped with a thorough cleaning and etching to give the veneers a surface to adhere to. Once your teeth are prepared, a resin is applied to your teeth, which will adhere to the veneer, helping it to stick to your teeth. The resin is hardened with a special light that gives the veneer the strength it needs to be effective. After the overlays are attached, they are inspected to ensure they are a proper fit and that you have a proper bite to ensure maximum effectiveness.
After you obtain veneers, it’s important to limit the number of drinks and foods that you consume that could stain your teeth. It is also important to keep up proper oral hygiene to allow them to give your teeth the appearance that you desire.
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.