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Your Frequently Asked Questions about veneers, answered by the friendly team at VFD
Many celebrity faces we admire have seemingly perfect teeth, but they weren’t always that way. The secret behind their impossibly dazzling smiles is available at the office of VanderLaan Family Dentistry. So you, too, can banish imperfections associated with your teeth to restore or achieve a smile that exudes health, radiance, and confidence.
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan and our team in Byron Center, Michigan, are pleased to introduce you to dazzling yet natural-looking dental veneers by answering some of your most Frequently Asked Questions about this versatile, transformative cosmetic dentistry procedure.Â
Question No. 1: What are veneers?Â
Veneers are thin layers of dental material. They are often made out of ceramics, such as porcelain. These wafer-thin shells of porcelain are applied to the front surfaces of the visible teeth. Once secured, veneers cover up cosmetic imperfections.Â
Question No. 2: What are some of these “imperfections”?
Examples of potentially “treatable” cosmetic conditions include gaps or excess spaces between teeth and other spacing issues that do not require more extensive treatment (such as braces or aligners). Veneers may also be used to add length to a worn, short, or unevenly-sized tooth. They may be used to reshape an irregularly-shaped tooth and to cover up chips, minor cracks, and stubborn stains or discoloration that is not responsive to or appropriate for treatment with professional teeth whitening.
Real Patients, Real Results
Before and After Images of Patients
Cosmetic Veneers on the two front teeth
Question No. 3: Am I a candidate for veneers?
Dr. VanderLaan will not know for sure if veneers are right for you until after a consultation is scheduled. During this appointment, he will check your teeth, gums, and mouth and discuss concerns with you. It is not sufficient to be concerned about the problems mentioned above; your mouth should be healthy, too. After all, some concerns, such as discoloration, may be indicative of problems like dental decay. They require restorative instead of cosmetic treatment.Â
Question No. 4: What should I expect from treatment?Â
If veneers are an appropriate option for you, preparation is minimal. Only a very small amount of enamel is removed to accommodate today’s super-thin veneers. Typically, any discomfort associated with the removal of this small amount of tooth enamel is also very mild and well-tolerated with local anesthetic. Information about your teeth and personal preferences and goals is also collected. This allows for veneers to be crafted that optimally complement your smile and features and align with your personal beauty ideals and needs. The last step in the process is to place or bond each veneer securely to its respective tooth.Â
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (616) 288-2554 | Existing Patients: (616) 455-7310
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Question No. 5: How long do your veneers last?Â
VanderLaan Family Dentistry uses only the most exacting techniques and the highest quality materials to design stunning and strong veneers. This gives you a great starting point in your journey to sustaining a lovely, healthy smile. Our team in Byron Center, MI, also partners with patients on tailored tips for home care, products, and behaviors that are friendly to your veneers. For instance, we will proactively recommend oral appliances or guards to protect teeth and dental work from damaging habits like chronic teeth grinding. Find out more about the many options to beautify your smile today. Call VFD at (616) 288-2554 to schedule your one-on-one consultation.
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Dr. Matthew VanderLaan
Dr. Matthew VanderLaan is a highly skilled dentist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to personalized, patient-centered care. An alumnus of East Kentwood High School and the University of Michigan, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Having spent three years as a public health dentist, he established VanderLaan Family Dentistry in 2012.
Dr. VanderLaan has pursued advanced training at the Pankey Institute, Kois Center, Dawson Academy, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, The Schuster Center, and is a Fellow of Implant Pathways. He is also trained in TMJ and pain management. As a member of the American and Michigan Dental Associations and West Michigan District Dental Society, he is committed to excellence and trustworthiness in dentistry.
Within his family practice, Dr. VanderLaan has been a civilian provider for disabled veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Since 2014, He has partnered with the local VA and has had the pleasure of caring for individuals who have sacrificed their personal well-being for our Nation’s safety. He considers it one of his greatest honors of being a dentist.
Outside of his dental practice, Dr. VanderLaan is an avid family man. He enjoys his time with his wife of 17 years, Dana, as well as his four children (Brooke, 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11, and Nora 11). As a family they enjoy the kid’s sports, music, involvement in their Church and Christian Faith community, and Michigan Football. They also enjoy traveling and exploring the world together.
Dana VanderLaan
Dana VanderLaan founded VanderLaan Family Dentistry with her husband, Dr. VanderLaan, in April of 2012. She is versed in all administrative tasks and acts as the office manager. Before her over 12 years of experience in the dental field, Dana graduated with a BSW from Saginaw Valley State University and an MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Dana is a self starter, and was trained in dentistry completely on the job, and continues to learn new things about running an efficient, patient-centered dental office.
Along with her work at VFD, she is mom to her children (Brooke 16, Jenna 15, AJ 11 and Nora 11), and works tirelessly to make sure all of their needs are met, and devotes her time to being their #1 supporter. She enjoys her family time, rooting on her kid’s at their various athletic events, school and church activities, traveling, walking and working out, gardening, and spending time at home.