Interested in Dental Veneers?

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, also referred to as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance.  These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials.  Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.  Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. 

 

Why Veneers?

Veneers can fix:

• Teeth that are discolored due to root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth that are chipped or broken
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
• Teeth with gaps between them   

  

  Beautifully restored chipped tooth

  

Full mouth restoration

What's the Procedure for Getting Veneers?

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist, one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

• Diagnosis and treatment planning - This first step involves your active participation. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations.  He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

• Preparation - To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area.  Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed for an additional cost.

• Bonding - Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

 

What Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?

• Veneers provide a natural tooth appearance.
• Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
• The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.
• Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color and shape; veneers generally don't require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative.

 

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?

• The process is not reversible.
• Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.
• Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
• Veneers may not exactly match the color of your other teeth. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before getting veneers.
• Teeth with veneers can still experience decay, possibly necessitating full coverage of the tooth with a crown.
• Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with decay or active gum disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental fillings), or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.
• Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause the veneers to crack or chip.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Veneers generally last approximately 10+ years. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.

Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?

Dental veneers do not require any special care. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing as you normally would.
Even though porcelain veneers resist stains, your dentist may recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (for example, coffee, tea, or red wine).

Are There Alternatives to Dental Veneers?

Alternatives to veneers include bondings and crowns. Veneers offer a nice intermediate option. Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit as is done with bonding -- but not enough to require a crown.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Costs of veneers vary depending on the extent of your procedure, and the material chosen (resin or porcelain). Generally, veneers range in cost from $900 to $1600 per tooth. The cost of veneers is not generally covered by insurance. To be certain, check with your specific dental insurance company.