Dental Veneer Options
Dental veneers and tooth bonding are two cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help patients improve the appearance of their smiles. If you have questions about whether veneers or bonding might help improve your smile and oral health, please give us a call.
Veneers
What types of veneers do you offer?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material designed to cover the front surface of teeth. When bonding teeth, the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin that is then hardened with a special light to “bond” the material to the tooth.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers can be made of porcelain or from a resin composite. Porcelain resists stains better than resin and look more like natural teeth. Veneers are used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, or teeth that are misaligned or uneven.
How many dentist appointments should I expect to attend when getting veneers?
When you get tooth veneers, it usually takes three trips to the dentist.
First Trip: The first is a consultation, and the other two are to make and apply the veneers. During the consultation, it’s important to talk with the dentist about the result you expect. The dentist will review the options and examine your teeth.
Second Trip: In the second visit, the dentist will shave a thin layer of enamel from the tooth or teeth to be covered. A mold of the teeth will be made and then sent to a laboratory to craft the veneers. It usually takes a week or two.
Third Trip: On the third visit, the dentist will bond the veneers to the teeth and make sure they fit correctly.
What are the advantages of getting dental veneers?
Dental veneers have several advantages to other treatments. Porcelain is more natural looking and resists stains. Veneers are a conservative way to change a tooth’s color and shape and they usually don’t require the extensive shaping that crowns do, and veneers are stronger and nicer looking. You can expect veneers to last 5 to 10 years.
Are there any disadvantages associated with dental veneers?
The process is not reversible, and veneers are not repairable should they chip or crack. Because tooth enamel is removed in the process, the tooth might become more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks. The color of a veneer can’t be altered, so if you plan to whiten your teeth, you should do that before getting veneers.
Who wouldn’t be considered good candidates for dental veneers?
Veneers aren’t a good choice for people who chew their fingernails, bite on things like pencils or grind their teeth. People with lots of tooth decay or gum disease are not good candidates for veneers. Lastly, veneers are more expensive than composite resin bonding. The cost ranges from $500 to $1,300 a tooth, and dental insurance generally does not cover veneers.
Who would be considered a good candidate for dental veneers?
Veneers offer a nice intermediate option between bonding and crowns. They may be best suited to people 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.