Porcelain Veneers
Worn, chipped, or slightly crooked teeth can compromise your smile in ways that affect your self-confidence.
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made porcelain shells that conceal imperfections and give your smile a healthy, symmetrical look.
What makes porcelain veneers such a great option?
Porcelain Veneers Create Brilliant, Confident Smiles
Made from Medical-Grade Porcelain
This advanced dental ceramic mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel and is color-matched to the shade of surrounding teeth.
Versatile Smile Enhancement
Porcelain veneers can be used to conceal chips, cracks, misalignment, gaps, and stubborn discoloration that does not respond to whitening treatment.
Quality and Durability You Can Feel
Veneers are also remarkably strong. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 years or more.
Many of Us Would Like a More Attractive Smile
Requirements for Candidacy
Sufficient Enamel
In most cases, a certain amount of enamel is required. This is because before traditional veneers are placed, a certain amount of enamel must be removed to achieve a natural appearance. Minimal- and no-prep veneers allow a broader range of patients to qualify. However, some patients with very worn or thin enamel might not be eligible for veneers.
No Teeth Grinding
Bruxism is characterized by clenching and grinding, which can fracture porcelain. Some patients can protect their veneers with an oral appliance. In other cases, your doctor might recommend resolving the problem before placing veneers.
Only Minor Misalignment
Although veneers can conceal small gaps and minor misalignment, severely crooked teeth are often better treated with orthodontics.
You're Ready for a Permanent Change
Traditional veneers require permanent alteration of the teeth, meaning that any teeth you treat with veneers will always require some kind of restoration. Minimal-prep veneers can provide a reversible alternative for the right candidates.Veneers Can Enhance Teeth That Are…
Will People Be Able to Tell That I Have Veneers?
In the past, veneers could appear unnatural, too perfect, or bulky. But with today's state-of-the-art materials, they are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Although every patient's results will vary depending on their goals, you can generally expect a brighter, more balanced, and more youthful-looking smile.
Stunning, Natural-Looking Enhancement
How Do I Protect My New Smile?
You can care for veneers just like your natural teeth. However, you should take extra care to avoid:
- Chewing ice
- Biting your fingernails
- Opening packages with your teeth
- Chewing on pens or other objects
If you grind your teeth or play contact sports, speak with your doctor about a customized mouthguard.
How Much Does Treatment Usually Cost?
Porcelain veneers can cost about $800 to $3,000 per tooth. Because it is a purely cosmetic treatment, patients should keep in mind that insurance does not cover any portion of the cost of veneers.
Several Factors Impact the Price of Treatment
Which Material You Choose
There are a variety of materials that can be used to create porcelain veneers, including pressed ceramic and feldspathic porcelain. Each offers its own unique benefits, including varying degrees of strength and translucency.Traditional vs. Minimal-Prep Veneers
While minimal-prep veneers are slightly less expensive, they usually do not last as long as traditional veneers.Doctor's Experience
Some doctors have undergone extensive training to provide porcelain veneers and often charge more than their less experienced colleagues. However, the added investment is more likely to give you the results you want.
The Location of Your Doctor Makes a Difference
In general, you can expect to pay more in highly populated metropolitan areas with a high cost of living. This is primarily due to the fact that the cost of operating a practice is also higher in these areas.
Are There Less Expensive Procedures?
Dental bonding is commonly used to treat many of the same conditions as porcelain veneers. However, while bonding is a reliable option, composite resin cannot compete with the strength, durability, and lifelike appearance of a porcelain veneer. Some patients choose to receive bonding as a way to determine if they would eventually like to invest in veneers.
Discuss Your Options with a Dentist
Bonding can address a number of imperfections, but the results do not last as long as veneers. Whitening can eliminate surface stains, but deeper stains require more extensive measures. Orthodontics can permanently improve the alignment of your smile, but treatment can take a year or longer, and requires a great deal of care and discipline.
Porcelain veneers can provide a dramatic enhancement in just two office visits. With proper care, veneers can give you 10 years or more of beautiful, confident smiles. Schedule an appointment to learn more about what porcelain veneers can do for you.
