Veneers

What are Veneers?

One of the most popular and effective developments in cosmetic dentistry, veneers are thin, custom made casings that cover the front side of your teeth. Veneers are used to correct uneven teeth, worn enamel, discoloration, chipped teeth and irregular spacing, and can last over 20 years. In some cases, veneers can serve a restorative purpose and can protect a damaged tooth from further harm.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

After a thorough examination of your teeth, which may include X-rays, Digital photographs and taking impressions of your teeth, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. Then he or she will create an impression and send it to a laboratory to create the veneer. While the veneers are being created, your dentist may provide you with temporary veneers. Finally, the veneers size and color are given one last adjustment before they are cemented to your tooth on your second visit.  Veneers are always done in multiples of 2, i.e. 2, 4, 8, or 10 teeth.

What Are the Advantages of Veneers?

Veneers can give your teeth a more natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance and are stain resistant and very kind to the gums. In some cases, veneers can serve a restorative purpose and can protect a damaged tooth from further harm.  I can greatly improve one's smile by closing spaces, reshaping and resizing teeth, and in minor cases straighten rotated or slightly malpositioned teeth, as well as improve the color.

What Are the Risks of Veneers?

In rare instances, veneers can chip or crack, in which case they would have to be replaced. Since enamel is removed in the procedure, the process is not reversible, and you may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods for the same reason. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, you may be asked to wear a mouth guard when you go to bed. Many people who grind their teeth in their sleep don't even know it, but your dentist will be able to tell you if you are one of those people from the wear on your teeth.

Types of Veneers

• Porcelain
• Resin Composite

Since porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains, chipping, and they hold up better, they are the recommended treatment.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Depending on the experience of your dentist and the material or brand being used, veneers can cost from $800 to $2000 a tooth. Porcelain veneers are generally the most expensive and longest lasting aesthetic restorations. Lumineers are advertised and most people desiring veneers have heard of them.  They are a name brand and require minimal reduction.  My lab can fabricate beautiful, minimally invasive, and strong veneers. See our smile gallery for some examples of cosmetic bonding of our actual patients.

Will My Insurance Cover Veneers?

As this procedure is elective and primarily cosmetic, most dental insurers will not cover veneers. However, veneers can be financed either through your dentist or an outside company such as Care Credit or DentalFeePlan.

The information in the article is accurate, and I wrote it for educational purposes, but is not intended as a substitute for a complete diagnosis. Please call 480-807-9559 today to schedule an appointment for a cosmetic consultation.