If you are not happy with the appearance of your smile, you may be considering porcelain veneers. We design these thin wafers of porcelain to have the sparkle and color variation of natural teeth. Porcelain closely mimics the enamel that covers your own natural teeth. In addition, it is harder and more resistant to stains.
In the right hands, porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful smile in just two visits—in fact, they’re often referred to as the instant smile makeover. And Dr. Steve Murphree’s peers in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry have recognized his artistry in placing porcelain veneers. We’ll show you some of those results below.
Placing Porcelain Veneers
During your first visit, Dr. Murphree will work with you to design your new smile. He will listen to your ideas and concerns, take pictures, and create a mock-up, so you can see what your teeth will look like before any work is done. The photo to the left shows one of Dr. Murphree’s patients before he designed her new smile. The photo below shows the same patient after Dr. Murphree created a beautiful new smile for her with porcelain veneers. This smile won the silver medal in the AACD’s 2003 International Smile Gallery competition.
Once you are ready to proceed, Dr. Murphree will prepare your teeth to receive the veneers. Sometimes it is possible to place veneers without any preparation, but it is often beneficial to shave off a thin layer of enamel to produce a smoother surface where the porcelain meets and bonds to your tooth. Dr. Murphree will then take impressions of your teeth. He will send these to his master ceramist to make the veneers. You won’t have to wait until they come back to test drive your new smile because you’ll receive a set of temporary veneers to try out.
At your second visit, Dr. Murphree will attach your new veneers with a temporary cement. This is the only way to make sure you’re thrilled with them. If you are not in love with your smile makeover, Dr. Murphree will send the veneers back to his ceramist. He won’t apply the veneers permanently until you are happy. This way, he can guarantee his work. Click here to learn more about our Beautiful Smile Guarantee®.
Choosing an Artist
Many people think that any dentist can do a smile makeover. While it is true that most dentists have the technical competence to place cosmetic restorations, creating a beautiful smile involves so much more than that. There is an artistic element that is also required. The website mynewsmile.com estimates that fewer than 2% of dentists possess the artistic ability to create a beautiful smile. Most dentists chose their profession because they like to fix things and don’t have the passion for appearance-related dentistry that Dr. Murphree has. Dr. Murphree is a sustaining member of the AACD, and he has earned hundreds of hours of postdoctoral continuing education in cosmetic dentistry. But the proof of his artistry is in the accolades his smile makeovers receive.
Click here if you need a porcelain crown instead of a porcelain veneer. Then visit our request an appointment page or call our office, and we’ll help you find a time for a brief complimentary consultation or full exam that fits your schedule.