For those who want to improve their smile, but don’t want to spend 2-3 years of their life wearing braces, dental veneers may be the answer they are looking for. Veneers can be applied in as little as three dental appointments and can last for years.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are wafer-thin pieces (about ½ millimeter) of either porcelain or composite resins that are bonded to the surface of the teeth to make them appear straighter, whiter, or to fill in gaps. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining than resins, but resin veneers are thinner and require less removal of the surface of the tooth. Both kinds of veneers can be shaped and tinted to match the color of natural teeth.
Am I a Good Candidates for Veneers?
In addition to straightening teeth, veneers are good for people with Tetracycline or Fluoride stains, or teeth that are chipped, worn-down or damaged. People with very unhealthy teeth or active gum disease are not good candidates for veneers, as well as those who clench or grind their teeth. People with excessively thin tooth enamel should not get veneers.
What Will Veneers Cost?
According to The Consumer Guide to Dentistry, the average cost of veneers is between $900.00 – $1500.00 per tooth. Porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive than resins. Prices vary by region and expertise of the cosmetic dentist. Other procedures related to applying veneers, such as X-rays, and teeth cleaning may add to the cost as well.
How are Veneers Applied?
The procedure usually takes 3 visits. The first visit is a consultation with the dentist to determine the desired result. The dentist will evaluate dental health with X-rays and possibly take impressions (molds) of the mouth.
During the second visit the dentist will take an impression of the tooth and send it to a lab that will create the veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the finished veneer to come back from the lab.
At the final visit the dentist will check the veneer for proper fit and make necessary adjustments. Once the proper fit is ensured the dentist will remove some of the surface tooth enamel and roughen the tooth. A local anesthetic may or may not be applied at this time. After the veneer is bonded to the tooth a light beam is shone on the veneer to cure the bonding chemicals and provide a tight seal.
What are The Risks and Recovery Time?
Veneers are safe, and there is little to no recovery time, other than waiting several hours for the effects of the local anesthesia to wear off. However there are some downsides to having veneers. They are not reversible, and not repairable if damaged. Because some of the enamel is removed teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold. In rare cases, the veneers can become loose and fall off.
Do I Need a Specialist?
Any dentist can apply veneers. However, cosmetic dentists undergo additional training after dental school. In order to achieve the best results, it is wise to find a qualified cosmetic dentist who specializes in veneers.
What Will the Veneers Look Like and How Long Will They Last?
When applied by an experienced cosmetic dentist, veneers will look just like natural teeth. They will last from 5-10 years. After that time they will need to be replaced.
How Do I Take Care of My Veneers?
Veneers do not require any special care other than regular good oral hygiene. The dentist may advise patients to avoid stain-causing food such as coffee, tea, and red wine. To keep veneers from possible breakage, avoid chewing on ice or other hard foods, and biting fingernails.
Are Veneers a Good Alternative to Braces?
Veneers are a great alternative to braces. Rather than waiting a year or more to straighten teeth with braces, veneers can achieve the same look in just 3 appointments.
How Do I Find a Cosmetic Dentist?
Simply fill out the form below and a consultant will contact you to answer any questions you may have regarding veneers and to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist in your area.
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