Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers – made from composite or porcelain – represent solutions
for worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, abnormal spacing, chips
and cracks.
Although veneers might be considered expensive – with porcelain veneers
costing more than direct composite veneers – people often are very
satisfied with their results and feel the benefits far outweigh the cost
Veneers Cost Factor
The cost of dental veneers depends on many factors, including:
- The fees of the cosmetic dentist performing the procedure.
- The artistic and technical skill of the ceramist making the veneers and the cosmetic dentist who places the veneers.
- The location where dental veneers treatment is performed. Costs for dental veneers and all cosmetic dentistry procedures vary widely by region of the country, specifically from large metropolitan areas to smaller towns.
- The type of dental insurance you have. Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures.
- The material used. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than indirect or direct composite resin veneers.
- The number of teeth requiring veneers.
Many dentists offer payment plans for cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. Ask your dentist about financing options. If your dentist doesn't offer financing, you may qualify for third-party financing through companies like CareCredit. Qualified candidates can work with a financing company to develop a monthly payment plan to fit their budget.
Veneers Consultation and Treatment Planning
To determine if you are a candidate for dental veneers, your dentist will schedule a preliminary consultation during which your oral health will be evaluated and all available treatment options discussed. Veneer treatment involving tooth preparation is irreversible, so it is important that your dentist discuss any alternatives that provide the same results but with minimal to no removal of tooth structure. If you and your dentist decide that veneers are the best option, the next step involves a thorough review of treatment details, including preparing your teeth for your specific veneer procedure and what will be necessary for them to look and fit correctly.
During your veneers consultation, you will actively participate in the "smile design process." By sharing your preferences for the shape, length, width and color of the veneers and the change in the appearance of your smile that you want them to create, you help ensure that your veneer treatment will meet your expectations. It is important that your dentist understands your objectives when undergoing a veneer procedure.
Dental Veneer Procedure
The dental veneer procedure can often be completed in two dental visits
over the course of six weeks. The visits are comprehensive and may
require several hours of examination and tooth preparation. Dental
offices typically boast amenities that may include sedation dentistry and audio/visual distractions, and dental spas even offer massages and other services to help you relax and stay comfortable.
The diagnostic and examination phase of dental veneer treatment is
essential and identifies any oral health concerns that must first be
addressed before veneer placement. Your dentist also will work with you
to select the best tooth color for you from a special shade chart.
Imaging technologies can provide you with a preview of your expected
results, and before and after images can allow you to view other
successful cases. Treatment begins when the examination is completed and
the customized plan designed.
There are several steps in the dental veneer procedure. First, your
dentist will likely administer a local anesthetic so you will be
comfortable during tooth preparation and placement of the veneer. Your
natural tooth is then prepared by minimally reshaping it with a small
handheld rotational cutting device called a bur to provide the best fit.
Burs come in various shapes and sizes and allow precise and minimal
shaping of a tooth prior to veneer placement.
If your treatment involves direct composite resin veneers, your dentist
then will apply the appropriately shaded composite to your teeth, shape
the material and harden it using a high intensity light. Additional
layers of composite may be applied to build the veneer to the correct
shape, length and form for your smile. When all composite is placed, the
veneers will be finished and polished using burs and polishers to
create a vital and lifelike smile.
If your treatment requires porcelain veneers, your dentist will make an
impression of your teeth from which a mold of your mouth will be made.
This impression may be sent to an outside dental laboratory where the
veneers will be professionally fabricated. Some dentists have an
in-house dental laboratory and technicians to provide restorative and
esthetic treatments such as porcelain veneers in less time. Other
dentists have chairside CAD/CAM technology and may fabricate the veneer in one visit.
Veneers Recovery and Post Procedure Care
Veneers are durable and have been shown to last for many years before
requiring replacement. Seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular
examinations and dental cleanings is important for maintaining the
health of your mouth and longevity of your veneers.
However, like other porcelain restorations, chipping and fractures may occur. Chipped or fractured porcelain veneers cannot be repaired, so your dentist will advise you of the costs and added time associated with replacing a damaged restoration.
To reduce the risk of damage to your veneers, do not bite or chew on hard objects such as nut shells or bones, and do not use your teeth to open or tear packages. Your dentist also may advise you to avoid certain foods that could damage the porcelain or composite used.
Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, and be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Because veneers are highly polishable, the risk of staining the veneers with food or drink after the procedure is complete is greatly reduced. However, brushing after drinking red wine, coffee, tea or soda is advisable.
E-mail: gerwig@gerwigfamilydental.com
