Cosmetic Dentistry Porcelain Veneers
For those of us who do not have aesthetically pleasing teeth, there is cosmetic dentistry that will allow you to cover-up or remove tooth imperfections. These defects may be caused by bad dental hygiene habits which have lead to tooth to decay or hereditary anomalies. Our smile is one of our most valuable assets and it affects the way we project ourselves to others. Dental veneers will allow you to straighten crooked teeth without the use of braces. Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining and provide long-term tooth whitening results that cannot be achieved with chemicals and require less maintenance. They not only provide a solution for yellow and discolored teeth but also teeth that are:
- Cracked
- Chipped
- Uneven
- Broken
- Gaps or spaces in between teeth
- Restore the tooth’s surface
- Dingy teeth
Types Of Dental Veneers
There are 2 types of veneers porcelain and resin composite.
Porcelain veneers (made of thin shells of pure porcelain) are placed over natural teeth. To accomplish this part of the tooth’s enamel is removed through reshaping and contouring. The entire procedure can be completed in 2-3 office visits. The final bond is stronger than resin composite veneers. Your cosmetic dentist will need to send out to a lab to have the veneer fabricated.
Lumineers are an improved version of porcelain veneers. They are thinner and stronger and no tooth reshaping is necessary. If removed at a later date, the original tooth maintains its appearance.
Resin Composite veneers are reinforced plastic. The resin is applied in layers, shaped and contoured. The entire procedure can be performed in the office in one visit and is reversible. This type of veneer is less stain resistant and more susceptible to wear and tear.
How Long Do They Last
If taken care of properly with good oral hygiene and avoid biting into objects that cause excessive pressure to be applied when eating like nuts, apples, fingernail biting, ice cubes, hard or sticky candy, using non-abrasive toothpastes
- Porcelain (also called porcelain laminates) last about 10-15 years
- Composite about 7 years
Disadvantages Of Porcelain Veneers
Although the procedure is an often sought after means of enhancing personal appearance; there are drawbacks that you should consider before making a final decision.
- Cannot be repaired
- Not recommended for those who grind their teeth because it may cause veneer to chip or crack
- Because tooth enamel is removed (cannot be reversed) teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold foods (may be temporary)
- Can be costly
- Veneer can fall off or dislodge when biting into hard foods like apples and nuts
- Not recommended for those with weakened teeth or periodontal disease until those issues have been addressed
Procedure For Getting Dental Veneers
- Consultation with your dentist
- X-Rays
- Tooth impressions are made and then sent to a lab for constructing a custom veneer for best fit.
- Anesthetic may be used.
- Tooth enamel is removed about equal in thickness to the veneer to be placed (roughly a 1/2 millimeter).
- Lab returns veneer in about 2 weeks.
- You can request temporary veneers until procedure is completed.
- Once veneer is returned from lab your dentist will fit for comfort and compare color to likeness of your natural teeth.
- Tooth will be cleaned, polish, etched and then bonded with cement by use of lighting that helps the cement harden.
Why My Dental Veneers Smell
Bad breath odor can be caused by a buildup of bacteria in spaces created by a failed fitting. This can occur because of bad contouring, sizing, bonding or chipping.
Cleaning
Veneers require no special cleaning. You would maintain them in much the same way you would care for you normal teeth by practicing good oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing.
The Cost
- The cost for porcelain veneers can range from $500 to $3000 per tooth.
- Resin porcelain veneers can cost from $200 to $300 per tooth and sometimes more.
- Lumineers can cost from $600 to $1500 per tooth and up.
Price can vary further depending on the location and experience of the dentist.
Are Veneers Covered By Dental Insurance
Most dental plans do not cover dental veneers because they are considered cosmetic dentistry. Check with your insurance provider for more information and exceptions.
Another alternative is discount dental plans which may help reduce the cost.
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