Dental Veneers: What a Dentist in Arlington, Tx Has To Say

Dental Veneers: What a Dentist in Arlington, TX Has to Say

Heather Martinson • November 10, 2022

Did you know that as many as 7 out of 10 people in the United States are not happy with the appearance of their teeth? Some people are so unhappy with their teeth that they may even avoid smiling or laughing to not show them off. Of course, no one should ever feel ashamed about their smile.

If you are uncomfortable with the appearance of your teeth, a perfect option to fix the problem may be to get dental veneers. Dental veneers from your dentist in Arlington,TX are great for fixing a wide variety of dental problems, but what are veneers exactly? What should you expect if you plan to get them?

Keep reading and learn more about dental veneers, the different types, and what you might experience during the procedure.

What You Need to Know About Veneers

Dental veneers are purely cosmetic and do not have any functional purposes. This is in contrast to crowns and dental implants which look just like real teeth but also can improve dental function. For that reason, dental veneers are ideal for those who have relatively healthy teeth but do not like the appearance of their teeth.

For example, if your teeth are discolored, chipped, slightly spaced, or crooked, dental veneers would be a good option. Many people opt for dental veneers to get a perfectly white smile. This is because tooth whitening treatments often aren't enough to make your teeth perfectly white.

Natural tooth enamel usually isn't very white but instead more of a shade of gray or yellow, and even if you have your teeth professionally whitened, they will only get so white. To get a very bright white smile, you'll need to get veneers. Fortunately, there are many veneer color options to choose from as well as different shapes and sizes.

The Details

These different options are important as they will allow you to choose the veneers that best fit the shape of your face and mouth. Making the right choice will also make it easier for the veneers to look as realistic as possible. Veneers are nothing more than shell-shaped pieces of material that are designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth.

Because they need to stick to the front of your teeth and only have an aesthetic purpose, there is no need to put veneers on your molars. Instead, your dentist will only apply them to the teeth that are visible when you smile. Once you get your veneers, your smile will immediately look much better and healthier.

The veneers will cover any tooth problems you may have such as chips, cracks, discolorations, and so on. Veneers are also a good idea for those who have very slightly crooked or spaced teeth and who don't want to deal with braces. Once you get your veneers, they should last quite a long time as long as you take good care of them.

But what should you expect if you decide to go through with the dental veneer procedure?

Understanding the Dental Veneer Procedure

Fortunately, the dental veneer is quite straightforward. However, you should be aware that getting veneers is a permanent decision. This is because to get veneers, your dentist will need to sand down the surface of your teeth using a small tool.

This is necessary because it will roughen the surface of your tooth enamel. Doing this will ensure that the veneers have a sturdy surface to which they can stick. If your teeth are too smooth, the veneers will pop or slip off more easily.

Once your dentist sands down your tooth enamel, you will never be able to grow that enamel back. As a result, your natural teeth will look quite small and unusual without the veneers. But with the veneers, they will look perfectly fine.

Because this procedure will change the shape of your real teeth, you will always need to wear veneers for the rest of your life if you want your teeth to look normal. Once your dentist sands down your teeth, he will apply the veneers using a very strong adhesive.

What You Need to Know

Once that adhesive dries, your veneers will stay firmly in place and they should last quite a long time. Different types of veneers have different lifespans. For example, porcelain veneers are known to be one of the longest-lasting and most durable veneers on the market.

However, they are also one of the most expensive. Even so, they are known to last as long as 20 years, if not longer if you take very good care of them. Another great thing about them is that they look just like real tooth enamel, so no one will be able to tell that your veneers aren't your real teeth.

An alternative to porcelain is composite resin veneers. These veneers also look quite realistic but they do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Instead, they may only last between 5 and 10 years.

The upside is that they are much more affordable and they also look quite realistic.

All About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can be very beneficial for your teeth for a variety of reasons. They can cover up all sorts of dental problems such as chipped teeth, discolored teeth, and so on. This is not to mention that it is quite easy to get veneers since your dentist only needs to sand down your teeth and apply them.

If you are thinking about getting veneers from a dentist in Arlington Texas, contact us here.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.