Porcelain Veneers

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are very thin, custom-made pieces of porcelain which a dentist adheres to the front of your tooth. They are a conservative way to mask cosmetic issues which detract from your smile. Veneers can hide:

Tooth Color: If you have one discolored tooth from trauma or certain medications, a veneer can hide the tooth and make your teeth a uniform color. These types of stains won’t respond to teeth bleaching treatments. If you have a tooth whitening procedure, the discolored tooth will stand out unless you have a veneer covering it. You can also choose veneers for your front teeth and have the sparkling white smile you’ve always wanted without ever needing a teeth whitening procedure.

Alignment and Spacing: Veneers porcelain can close small gaps between your teeth and hide minor alignment issues. Braces may be more than you need to correct a misaligned tooth or two, so dentists often suggest using veneers to hide a slightly crooked tooth.

Tooth Size and Shape: A chipped tooth can hinder your desire to smile, making you self-conscious. Having your dentist cover one chipped tooth with a veneer can make a major difference in both your smile and your self-confidence. Veneers can also make your short teeth appear longer to compliment your face shape or the size of your lips.

During the porcelain veneers procedure, your dentist may need to remove less than one millimeter of enamel so the veneer is flush with your other teeth. Once your dentist removes a small amount of tooth enamel, he or she will create a mold for your veneers and you’ll return for their placement once the dental lab fabricates the veneer. You may have temporary veneers to wear in the meantime, depending on whether your dentist needs to remove any enamel. One of our dentists in Dental One Associates at Steeplechase will assess your needs and let you know whether veneers are the right cosmetic solution for you.

How Much Is the Average Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Your specific porcelain veneers cost will depend on the amount of tooth reshaping need for the veneers you’ve chosen and how many veneers you need for your smile makeover. Call us to request a consultation and our dentist will go over what you need to achieve the look you want and your anticipated cost. Since veneers are a cosmetic enhancement, dental insurance plans rarely cover the cost of veneers.

There are also composite veneers, which cost less. However, since composite isn’t as strong as porcelain, composite veneers last only about half as long as porcelain ones. Besides, nothing matches the natural translucency of enamel like porcelain teeth.

Are Veneers the Same as Porcelain Crowns?

Veneers and crowns are both porcelain and both provide cosmetic benefits, but that’s where the similarity ends. Veneers cover the front of a tooth while a crown covers the entire tooth. Veneers are typically purely cosmetic; crowns will strengthen a weak tooth. If you have a slightly cracked tooth, contact our office for an appointment. Veneers can strengthen a cracked tooth in certain cases.

Our dentist in Capitol Heights will perform an examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. If not, a crown or other option may be more suitable for you.

How Many Years Will Veneers Last?

If you don’t use your teeth with veneers as tools to untie knots or open bottles, you can expect your investment to last at least a decade, several decades is more likely. If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, protect your investment with a custom mouth guard. To avoid chips, don’t bite hard objects with your veneers. Chew with your molars, cutting up foods such as apples and raw carrots before eating them.

Is Caring for Veneers Difficult?

Care for your veneers like you would your natural teeth; brush with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush and floss daily. Good dental hygiene is essential to avoid gum disease, which can cause your gums to recede and expose the top of your veneers.

How Do I Schedule a Consultation for Porcelain Veneers in Capitol Heights?

Call us at (240) 392-3983 to arrange a consultation. Tell us what you don’t like about your smile and we can explain how veneers can make the changes you want possible. If veneers are not the answer, we will explain which other cosmetic procedures will give you the smile you want.