Comprehensive Dental Services in Ridgeland, MS

What are porcelain veneers?

A porcelain veneer is a thin, customized ceramic that mimics your enamel and is bonded directly over the front of the natural tooth to protect and enhance the overall look of the teeth and smile.

Why are people getting porcelain veneers?

People elect to use porcelain veneers to change the color, length, and shape of their existing teeth. In some cases, people are unhappy with the color or the size of their teeth and want to brighten their smile or change the length and size of their teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing smile. In other cases, porcelain veneers can be used to restore damaged teeth and help protect them from future damage.

How much do porcelain veneers cost?

Most cosmetic cases require at least 10 veneers to make your smile look seamless and natural. Some patients elect to restore their lower teeth so that their upper and lower teeth match in color.
• 10 Upper Veneers – $15,000
• 10 Lower Veneers – $15,000
• 10 Upper and Lower Veneers – $28,500

I’m afraid veneers will make my teeth look fake!

Every smile is designed and customized by Dr. Murphey. This design is based on a facially-driven process called Facial Aesthetic Design (FAD). This means that your smile is designed to “fit your face” and is designed to enhance your facial features. Dr. Murphey uses custom shades for the veneers to fit each patient based on their skin tone and patient desires. This allows for a natural result. We like to refer to it as, “making the smile look as though you were just born with it.”

Will my teeth be shaved down?

I know what you’re thinking. We’ve all seen the scary pictures of teeth being filed down to “nubs.” Thankfully, this type of dentistry is usually not done anymore. However, the natural teeth are “conditioned” or “minimally reshaped” to receive the veneers. Typically, this reshaping is only .3 to .5mm of the enamel on the front of the teeth (the back of the teeth are left untouched). If no reshaping is done, the veneers will look bulky and too big. However, with the type of porcelain we use, we are able to deliver thin, customized veneers with minimal reshaping to achieve natural and predictable results.

How many visits are required for porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers typically take 2-4 visits.

• Visit 1: Consultation. During your first visit, we will discuss what’s important to you and what you are hoping to accomplish. We will take photos and scans of your teeth at this appointment, and it usually only lasts 30 minutes, but we allow as much time as you need.
• Visit 2: Veneer Preparation. Work for the veneers will be done at this appointment. Local anesthesia is used for comfort while the work is being done. You will leave in temporary veneers while your porcelain veneers are being fabricated. Your temporary veneers will look very similar to the final result. This appointment usually takes a full morning or a full afternoon. Most people plan to take off work for this appointment.
• Visit 3: Follow-up. Typically, this visit is the next day to two days after visit 2. This appointment only lasts 15-20 minutes and there is no numbing at this appointment. At this appointment, we get to evaluate how your smile looks. We can make any changes necessary to your smile. We really get to “fine-tune” everything to make sure it is exactly how you want it. We choose a color at this appointment, and our team can help you decide what color is best for you.
• Visit 4: Delivery. At this appointment, we are delivering your final porcelain veneers. Local anesthesia is given for comfort. Your temporary veneers are removed, and your final veneers are fitted on your teeth. We verify that everything looks as it should. The permanent veneers should be exact replicas of your temporary veneers. We then bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth. This appointment usually lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers usually last 20-25 years with good home care and regular dental check-ups.

What type of teeth whitening do you use?

Kor Whitening. It is by far the best whitening system on the market. It is a combination of take-home bleaching trays that are worn while you sleep for 14 days followed by one in- office bleaching treatment.

Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Our whitening system comes with a tooth desensitizer that is applied before the whitening gel. Most people report minimal discomfort compared to other whitening systems.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

$1,100

Do I have to stop drinking coffee, tea, and wine?

No, that’s the great thing about the whitening system we use. You can continue to eat and drink what you want, as long as you sleep in your bleaching trays with the whitening gel one time per month. That’s only 12 nights out of the year to keep your teeth white!

Can I buy refills of the whitening gel?

Yes. We keep them stocked in our clinic.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that fits over your teeth that can straighten your teeth in usually 6-10 months.

What’s the difference between Invisalign and braces?

Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that inconspicuously snap over the teeth and align the teeth over time. You can remove them when you eat and when you brush, then easily put them right back in. Braces are metal brackets and wires that are tightened every few weeks to align the teeth. Most adults choose Invisalign over braces, while most teenagers still undergo traditional braces.

What’s the cost of Invisalign?

$4800. We include free whitening and free retainers at the end of treatment.

Will Invisalign fix my gap or my crowded teeth?

Invisalign can easily close spaces and straighten crowded teeth with minimal to no discomfort compared to braces.

How many appointments are needed for Invisalign?

Typically, you only need to see us 3 times during your whole treatment. This makes it easy for those that have busy schedules or for young adults in college.