We Are Excited To Announce That Starting May 11th We Will Be Open For Normal Business Hours!
We’ve missed you! We hope you have stayed safe and in good health!
Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice! You may have seen this during your visits to our office in the past. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to share additional precautions we will also be taking to ensure the well-being and safety of our team and patients.
Read Full List of Precautions
They will include but are not limited to:
Limiting the number of patients in the practice at one time
Asking for patients to wear masks when coming in and out of our office
Asking a list of screening questions during appointment confirmation and repeating the list upon patient arrival
Having patients wait in their vehicle until team member comes to take their temperature
Having patient wash or sanitize hands upon arrival to office
Limiting one parent or guardian to accompany one minor to his/her/their appointment
Implementing digital forms/paperwork (including consent for treatment form) and payment options
Scheduling more time between patients to perform disinfection practices above the standard protocols using electrolyzed water and medical grade sanitizers
Cleaning the air with ozone filtration every evening
Having all patients rinse with treatment specific mouthwash prior to any treatment
Using advanced suction systems that reduce aerosols
Screening our team each morning with questionnaire and temperature checks
Masks worn throughout office by every patient and team member, except for when patients are receiving treatment
*Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Dentist in Arden, NC answers, “Do dental veneers require special care?”
By Dr. Christopher Port
Many patients who visit with Dr. Forest Christopher Port and his associates at the Asheville Smile Center are excited to discuss options for smile enhancement. With a wide range of materials and treatments available under one roof, patients with imperfections in their smile can work with our team to choose what is best for their needs. Patients in the area of Arden, NC can ask the dentist about what porcelain veneers can do to enhance their smile, whether dental veneers require special care, and any other questions they have.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, also known as “dental veneers,” are special dental restorations made to cover the teeth near the front of the smile to improve the appearance. This is often done when imperfections are present, such as:
Misalignment
Gaps between teeth
Chips and cracks
Unusually shaped teeth
These restorations are incredibly thin and are bonded onto the tooth for a completely transformed appearance.
Do dental veneers require special care?
Dr. Port finds that porcelain veneers do not require any special attention outside of brushing and flossing after every meal. However, it is essential that patients understand that porcelain veneers cover the natural tooth, and that the tooth is still susceptible to developing cavities and periodontal disease. This is why it is so important that patients take the time to connect with their dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation so that they can ensure their smile is monitored for changes such as these. If periodontal disease or cavities are found on the underlying tooth, the dentist can provide treatment without having to remove the porcelain veneer in most cases.
The entire process of obtaining porcelain veneers starts with an evaluation and consultation appointment with Dr. Port at our practice. The dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and gums to ensure they are free from periodontal disease and cavities. X-rays may also be done in order to check the health of the teeth before considering veneers.
Once a patient has decided to move forward with dental veneers, they need to have their teeth prepared. The teeth that will be covered with veneers will be filed down to reduce the thickness of enamel on the tooth structure. Then, dental impressions are made to get a precise replica of the natural tooth. This is used by a dental ceramist to fabricate the final veneer to ensure it fits perfectly in the smile. Patients return to the dental office to have the porcelain veneers bonded in place.
How long do veneers last?
When patients take good care of their smile, they can expect their porcelain veneers to last a long time, typically a decade or longer.
Patients should be cautious about how they treat their veneers, avoiding activities such as biting on nails or chewing on ice or pencils, as the porcelain may break or crack. If this happens, the restoration will need to be replaced and this can become an added cost.
Additionally, patients should make sure that their teeth and dental restorations are protected from clenching and grinding, also called bruxism. Bruxism often happens when patients are sleeping and is usually outside of their control, so patients with this condition who are considering porcelain veneers should speak to the dentist and discuss whether they need an oral appliance to wear at night to protect their investment.
Taking a proactive approach to protecting your teeth is one way to extend the longevity of not only your veneers, but also the health of your existing teeth.
Who is a candidate for porcelain veneers?
Any patients who need to address imperfections of the teeth that are visible when they smile are encouraged to book a consultation visit to discuss veneers and other restorations for which they may be good candidates.
Learn more about porcelain veneers and other restorations available in our office
Dr. Port and his team at Asheville Smile Center are here to assist patients in and around the Arden, NC community with the services they need to look and feel their best. Asheville Smile Center is equipped with the latest technology and the highest quality materials for enhancing the smile, while still keeping treatments affordable for patients on a budget. If you are ready to discuss dental enhancements or restorations, call the office located at 600 Julian Lane, Suite 610 at (828) 585-4049 (828) 585-4049.
Dr. Christopher Port is a full-time practicing dentist in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2007,Dr. Port founded the Asheville Smile Center, a dental practice dedicated to helping patients achieve a lifetime of dental health and beautiful smiles.
- Summer C. Some of the SWEETEST people I've ever met work here. I was super worried about going in because it had been a LONG time since I had a dentist appointment. They were super non-judgemental and friendly and gave me great advice. Would definitely recommend coming here if you haven't already.
"Dr. Chris Port, Asheville esthetic dentist and smile rejuvenator, recently signed a publishing deal with CelebrityPress, a leading health book publishing company along with other leading dental professionals from across the country to release the book, "More Than A Mouthful."
Our practice is trained in The Denture Fountain of Youth™ technique. Learn more about how The Denture Fountain of Youth™ work, their costs, and why they may be the right tooth replacement for you.