Dear Patient:

We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe.

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). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example:

Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You'll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.
- We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed.
- You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children’s toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
- Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (509) 485-8620 or visit our website at www.drweigand.com

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.

Sincerely,
Richard D. Weigand, DDS

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Veneers

Posted By: Dr. Richard Weigand | Published On: Nov 5, 2019 | Blog

Veneers are small, porcelain covers that are placed on teeth when they are broken, chipped or discolored. As your qualified, friendly dentist, Dr. Weigand wants to make sure that you understand what to expect if you choose dental veneers as your treatment option, so we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about them.

How Long Do They Last?

If they are placed correctly, veneers can last anywhere from seven to 20 years. There are times where they will chip and come off, but they can quickly be replaced or repaired. Over time, the gum tissue and the remaining living tooth may change in ways that require the veneers be altered.

What Will My Teeth Look Like?

Veneers and crowns usually require two visits. One is to shape your teeth and the second is to attach the restorations to your teeth. Between these two visits, you will have temporary covers placed on your teeth, so they look completely natural. While you have the temporaries and once the veneers are placed, the goal is that your teeth look completely natural, but healthier and brighter.

Can I Get Cavities with Veneers?

Oral hygiene and tooth decay are always an issue no matter what treatment you are undergoing. Brushing and flossing are as vital with veneers as it is with your natural teeth. Studies show that there is no lower or higher incidence of tooth decay if you care for your veneers appropriately.

Do Veneers Match My Other Teeth?

If you are choosing a treatment that makes some of your teeth brighter and whiter, you may have some concern that they won’t match your natural teeth. It’s natural to have some fading or discoloration in your natural teeth and fortunately, this is a situation that your dentist will address. You can either have your veneers made to match your natural teeth or choose a brighter shade for your veneers and whiten the rest of your teeth.

Contact Us

If you want to learn more about how to improve your smile with veneers, schedule an appointment with us. Our cosmetic dentistry options can improve your oral hygiene and your confidence.