What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are cosmetic dental restorations that cover the outer facing surface of the front teeth. Imaging acrylic nails that "veneer" or cover the nail surface, that is a very similar concept. Dental veneers also can be placed on back teeth that are not too far back. Usually, veneers are not placed on the molars or the very back teeth. Dental veneers are made of high-quality dental porcelain with high esthetic qualities mimicking natural teeth. For example, they mimic natural teeth in color, translucency, and shape. Dental veneers can be also made of dental composite materials, the same materials that dental fillings are made of.
What problems can be solved with dental veneers?
Dental veneers are usually used when natural teeth are lacking pleasing esthetic appearance. It could be unfavorable color of the natural teeth or unfavorable shape or both. In cases when front teeth could be chipped, worn down or excessively restored by fillings making front teeth look unsightly, dental veneers offer desirable solution.
Are veneers permanent or removable?
Dental veneers are permanent solution and are not removed from the teeth. Dental veneers are bonded to the underlying natural teeth permanently.
What should I expect throughout the process of getting veneers?
Making dental veneers usually takes several appointments. You can expect at your first appointment to get professional opinion if you are a good candidate for dental veneers, followed by taking photographs and digital scans of your existing teeth. On the second appointment, natural teeth are prepped to fit the future dental porcelain veneers and temporary coverage is fabricated and bonded to your teeth. On the third appointment you will be getting permanent porcelain veneers bonded to your natural teeth. Composite veneers can be done in two visits.
Will veneers match the color of my teeth?
Dental veneers are designed to improve your natural smile and make you look more attractive. If you are generally satisfied with the color of your teeth, then we will match dental veneers to your other teeth. In some cases, people want to make their smiles brighter, then we whiten natural teeth first and then fabricate dental veneers to match a brighter looking smile.
Porcelain vs. composite veneers: What are the pros and cons of each?
Porcelain dental veneers are the better and more attractive option. They are fabricated from high-quality dental porcelain material and made in professional dental laboratories by technicians that specialize in cosmetic restorations. Porcelain veneers do not change color over time and are less prone to chipping. However, it is a more expensive option and takes more appointments to complete.
Composite veneers take less appointments and can be done chairside. They cost less and can be changed if something needs to be fixed. However, composite veneers are not color stable since composite material absorbs coloring from food, drinks, mouth rinses, etc. Composite veneers can be easily chipped or fractured. They are porous and might have air inclusions/bubbles visible to natural eye. They also can lose their shine over time and may need to be repolished every few years.
How long will it take to place veneers on my teeth?
The time that takes to make dental veneers depends on your existing teeth condition such as color of your teeth and material that you chose for your dental veneers.
In some cases, when you want to have whiter looking teeth you will bleach or whiten natural teeth first, this can take from few days to 1-2 months. After you are happy with the teeth and their color, we can start dental veneers fabrication. For porcelain veneers it takes from 3 to 4 appointments. For composite veneers 2 appointments on average.
Do dental veneers require special care?
Dental veneers need to be cared for. We always recommend fabricating and wearing night guard to protect your veneers from chipping over time. We also recommend not to use your front teeth to bite into hard food or other objects like fingernails. Natural enamel has hardness of a diamond, materials that dental veneers are made of would not match the hardness of the natural teeth. In other words, you must remember to be more careful with dental veneers to avoid their fracturing.
How long do veneers last?
Dental veneers last for a long time, especially if you are taking good care of them. On average porcelain dental veneers should last you for over 10 years and composite veneers for at least 5 years.
What is the cost of dental veneers, and is there financing available?
Dental veneers are a costly procedure, especially if they are fabricated from dental porcelain. Cost can range from few hundred dollars for over one thousand for each tooth. The financing is readily available to help cover the cost if needed. The third-party financing could be a good option and provides no interest payments for 6-12 months.
Does most insurance cover the cost of veneers?
Most dental insurances do not cover dental veneers since they consider veneers a cosmetic and unnecessary procedure. However, in some cases with teeth being broken veneers could be partially covered by dental insurance.
When should I schedule an appointment to get veneers?
You are welcome to call and request a consultation for veneers any time. During this initial consultation all your answers and concerns will be addressed, and you will have a very clear understanding if dental veneers are for you.
If you have additional questions or if you're ready to take action, please give us a call at (360) 800-2372. We're here to help!