Many celebrities have them and almost everyone wants them. No, we’re not referring to adoring fans, we’re talking about a winning smile and pearly white teeth. Have you ever wondered how they all seem to have such perfect teeth? The secret is out. Many of them have dental veneers. These dental veneers, sometimes called porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth colored material, designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These dental veneers improve your appearance and can correct minor inconsistencies in teeth.
What is a Veneer?
Most simply stated, a veneer is a thin covering over another surface. In dentistry, the veneer is usually a thin layer, usually porcelain, that replaces enamel.
What Problems Can Veneers Fix?
Veneers are an excellent (non-reversible) solution to correcting small or medium spaces between teeth and other imperfections in teeth like poor color, shape or contours. They can also help with minor bite related problems.
What Problems Can’t Be Corrected with Veneers?
It’s good to be reminded that veneers are a façade to your natural teeth. So veneers can’t correct things such as poor tooth position, large discrepancies in root position, poor bite and profile-related issues. Many of these situations require orthodontics to move teeth into their proper position both for function and esthetics.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
They can last anywhere from 7-20 years. While the veneer itself is inert and non-living, the tooth or teeth and surrounding gum tissue may change over time. So if the gum line shrinks (for example) it may pull the veneer away. Chips and re-bonding of the veneer can be performed to repair or replace the veneer.
Do Dental Veneers Stain?
Porcelain veneers should never stain like normal teeth with things like tea, coffee and wine.
How to Care for Dental Veneers?
It’s important to maintain your veneers like you would your natural teeth with proper dental hygiene, which includes proper brushing and flossing. There is not a higher (or lower) incidence of cavities with veneers as long as they receive proper care. If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, be sure to tell you dentist. He or she can fabricate an “occlusal” or bite guard for you to wear at night so that you don’t put stress on your new dental veneers.
How Many Visits to the Dentist will it Take to Get Dental Veneers?
Generally, veneers will require two visits to the dentist. The first one is to shape the teeth. The second is to cement the restoration (the veneer) to the teeth. Between visits, your dentist can place an attractive temporary veneer to help prevent sensitivity, allow for limited function, and of course, give you a nice smile. While this is a temporary stage, the veneers should be comfortable and natural looking.
What If My Other Teeth Are Stained?
This is a great conversation to have with your dentist prior to receiving treatment. Often, patients undergo a tooth whitening process to bleach their natural teeth a few shades lighter, and have their veneers fabricated to the desired final tooth color so they will all match.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?
Some insurance companies will cover up to 50% of the fee. But don’t assume anything! It’s important to discuss your dentist’s fees as well as what your insurance will and will not cover prior to any procedure.
A Better Smile is Just a Phone Call Away!
No longer available for only the celebrities and the elite, dental veneers are a reasonable option for everyday people who want to improve their appearance. Learn more about dental veneers and the services we offer in Mesa, Arizona. Call us at 480-838-3033 to schedule an appointment today!