If you have been considering improving your smile then you may have considered temporary veneers or even permanent veneers. Both dental procedures have a similar process and the veneers can be made from various materials.
Types of veneer materials include porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin veneers. Porcelain is the easiest material to color-match with the rest of your natural teeth.
This article discusses porcelain veneers with an emphasis on who is a candidate for them as well as the procedure and the cost.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a thin, toothlike material that is attached to the surface of your natural teeth to improve the overall appearance. They are not intended to strengthen existing teeth but are used as a cover for imperfections.
Imperfections can include stained teeth, cracks, chips, breaks, or misaligned teeth. Veneers are an excellent solution for stained teeth that teeth whitening procedures have been unsuccessful to correct.
Who is a Candidate for Veneers?
If you have any of the following dental flaws, you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers:
- Stained Teeth
- Small Imperfections such as Chips, Cracks, or Breaks
- Slightly Misaligned Teeth
- Multiple Cosmetic Issues (Stained Teeth, Chips, Misaligned Teeth, etc.)
It is also important that you can meet the following oral health criteria:
- Acceptable Amount of Tooth Enamel
- Healthy Teeth and Gums (No Gum Disease)
- Do Not Grind Teeth
- Maintain a Good Oral Routine
Listed above are the ideal conditions for anyone interested in dental veneers. One of the most challenging issues that dentists come across is that a patient does not have an adequate amount of tooth enamel.
The enamel can become too thin to support the thin shell of the veneer. Enamel erosion is caused by consuming sugary foods, poor oral habits, and genetics. Your dentist will confirm if you are eligible for veneers after they do a general mouth examination and measure your tooth enamel.
Dental Veneer Procedure
The process of getting dental veneers is completed over multiple visits to the dentist.
The first step in the process of getting permanent veneers is to have a one-half millimeter of enamel removed from each natural tooth that the veneer will be replacing. This process is completed with a handheld sanding tool. They do this so that the custom veneer will have a new healthy layer to adhere to.
Once the enamel of the tooth structure has been removed, the dentist will take an impression of the tooth, or teeth, so that the lab can recreate each tooth perfectly. After the lab has created the veneer, the dentist will check each tooth to confirm it is the correct size and color.
They will trim down the molded veneer to ensure that it fits properly before applying the bonding material. Once the veneer is in place they will apply pressure and a light source to solidify the bonding material or cement.
Finally, the dentist will remove any excess cement and check your bite to confirm it is in the appropriate spot. The dentist may have to take multiple bite strips to ensure that the veneer is placed properly.
Longevity of Porcelain Veneers
Due to the material being strong, porcelain veneers have an excellent life expectancy. They typically last a minimum of ten years but have been known to last up to twenty years with proper oral care.
Maintenance of Porcelain Veneers
The best way to increase the longevity of the veneer is to have excellent oral hygiene. You can do this by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly. Not only will this increase the lifespan of the veneer, but it will also prevent cavities and gum disease.
It is best to avoid chewing hard foods like ice to prevent the veneer from cracking or chipping. Any food that is sticky like caramel needs to be avoided. It is recommended that patients form the habit of chewing with the back teeth instead of the front teeth to lessen the chance of damaging the veneer.
Lastly, if you grind your teeth at night, dentists recommend using a nightguard to protect the veneer from damage.
Cost of Porcelain Veneers
The cost of veneers varies by the material used, the location of the dentist, and the dentist’s experience. The cost includes the entire procedure from preparing your teeth to having the veneer placed.
Porcelain veneers range in price from $925 to $2,500 per tooth with the average coming in at $1,500 per tooth. The price of veneers depends on the location of the tooth and if dental contouring is required.
Since this is considered a cosmetic procedure, oftentimes dental insurance will not cover the cost of the entire procedure. However, each insurance company offers different benefits. Contact your insurance provider for more information on what cosmetic dentistry procedures they cover.
The good news is that the majority of dental offices offer payment plans. After checking with your insurance provider, contact your dental office to request an estimate and discuss payment options.
Dental Veneers at East Valley Dental Professionals
At East Valley Dental Professionals, we are dedicated to working with families and developing long-term relationships with our patients. If you desire a smile makeover contact our team of professionals at (480) 838 – 3033 to schedule an appointment today!