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Veneers Specialist

Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry

Kelly Miller, DDS, MS

Prosthodontist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Kirkland, WA

Veneers are paper-thin porcelain sheets that cover damaged, discolored or otherwise unsightly teeth. The team at Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry, led by expert prosthodontist Kelly Miller, DDS, MS, can help patients in Kirkland, Washington, and the greater Seattle area, get the natural-looking but still stunning smile they want with veneers. Call the office today to book an appointment.

Veneers Q & A

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are made from a very thin layer of either porcelain or composite that’s cemented to the surface of the tooth. Veneers work in a similar way to dental crowns, however, they only cover the front of the tooth. Veneers can address both physical problems with teeth and cosmetic concerns.

What are some issues that veneers can help with?

Dental veneers are sometimes called "instant orthodontics" because they can provide a dramatic change with only a minimal amount of time in the dental chair. Veneers commonly help with several different issues, including:

  • spaces between the teeth (usual gaps between the front teeth)
  • chipped teeth
  • broken teeth
  • permanently or severely stained teeth
  • slightly crooked teeth
  • misshapen teeth

 

What is the process of getting dental veneers?

At Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry, Dr. Kelly sees patients two to three times to prepare and install your veneers.

During the first visit, Dr. Kelly begins with an initial consultation to go over the benefits veneers can offer and then determine the patient's candidacy. Then, the staff at Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry takes photos and molds of the patient's teeth to send to the laboratory to create the patient's veneers.

During the second visit, Dr. Kelly prepares the patient's teeth by incrementally removing a tiny amount of dental enamel. Only 0.3-0.5 mm of enamel - about as thick as a fingernail - is removed from the tooth. This allows room for the new veneer to sit evenly with the other teeth.

During the third visit, Dr. Kelly installs the veneers by cementing it to the tooth. The dental cement is then strengthened using a specialized blue curing light.

How long do dental veneers last?

Veneers can last for anywhere from 10-15 years and can last for 20 years or more in some patients. Maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental check-ups are a crucial part of keeping veneers for as long as possible.

Dental veneers may be the solution you’re looking for to repair your damaged or discolored teeth. To schedule a consultation, call Kelly Miller Specialty Dentistry today to book an appointment.