What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers use a thin layer of porcelain applied to the tooth's surface. They are custom-made, meaning their shape, size, and color will be what you desire.
Although many people get porcelain veneers to improve their appearance, others may need veneers to restore their teeth. Accidents can lead someone to develop chips or cracks, while poor oral hygiene can lead to discoloration. All of these concerns can be covered with veneers — so that you can get your old smile back.
Veneers are attached to the teeth non-invasive, making them a great alternative to procedures like dental crowns, dentures, or implants.
Veneers can be made from various materials. However, porcelain is one of the most popular options, which is for a good reason.
Porcelain is a strong and durable material that can make porcelain veneers last for decades. In addition, porcelain most closely resembles the natural appearance of the teeth, which means that they won’t make your teeth look “fake.”
When To Get Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers can be a great option for those who experience the following concerns:
- Discoloration can be due to stains from certain antibiotics, excessive fluoride consumption (which leads to fluorosis), large resin fillings, and prior root canal treatments.
- Teeth that are chipped or cracked.
- Teeth that are uneven, irregularly shaped, or misaligned.
- Teeth with noticeable gaps between them.
You can get veneers on all of your teeth, only a few, or just one.
Who Should Not Get Veneers?
While all of the above are valid reasons to get veneers, not everyone will be a candidate.
First, those considering veneers need to be in good dental health. If someone has numerous cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease, then their teeth won’t provide a good foundation for veneers. If you suffer from these problems, your dentist might suggest treating them before you proceed with veneers.
However, if your dental problems have led you to experience a decrease in your tooth enamel, then veneers may not be an option. Because your dentist has to drill down the enamel to attach the veneers, not having enough of it can make it difficult to get through with this procedure.
Your dental habits also play a role in making you a candidate for porcelain veneers. You may quickly damage your porcelain veneers if you have a history of poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding or clenching, or other destructive habits. It’s best to address these issues before getting porcelain veneers.
What Is the Process for Getting Veneers?
Getting porcelain veneers is fairly simple, requiring only two visits to your dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare your teeth for the veneers. They will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the teeth — this will make room for the veneers, so they don’t bulge out.
Immediately after, your dentist will make an impression on your teeth. This will determine the best shape for the veneers. Your dentist will also choose the best shade for you during this time. This concludes the first visit.
Following the first visit, your dentist will send the impression to a dental laboratory, which will make the porcelain veneers that will fit over your teeth. This may take up to a week.
You can come in for your second appointment when your veneers are ready. Your dentist will place the veneers against your teeth to ensure they fit. If they do, they will bond the veneers to your teeth using a resin-like material. After this, you should be ready to enjoy your new smile.
How Do You Care for Veneers?
Porcelain veneers don’t require any special care compared to your natural teeth. Of course, you still have to maintain good oral hygiene — tooth decay is very much possible with veneers. In addition, you should see your dentist for cleanings twice per week.
Other than that, avoid any behaviors that can chip your veneers. Like your natural teeth, you want to avoid tooth grinding or clenching, biting down on hard food, and opening packages with your teeth.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
If you don’t damage them, your porcelain veneers last you for up to 20 years. If you begin to notice chips or cracks, you can see your dentist have them restored. Because veneers cannot be repaired, restoration usually entails replacing the damaged veneers.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers largely depends on where you’re located. Large cities command higher prices than rural areas. Depending on your location, the cost of a porcelain veneer can range between $900 to $2,500 per tooth.
Why Are Porcelain Veneers so Expensive?
Well, porcelain veneers look completely natural. To achieve their appearance, they are made by highly-skilled technicians who carefully stack layers of porcelain to achieve the ideal result. This is a time and labor-intensive process, which results in a higher price.
However, when you consider how long porcelain veneers can last — and how much they can improve your smile — they prove to be worth their cost.
Fortunately, you do not need to place veneers on all your teeth. Many people choose to place veneers only on their front teeth, which impact your smile most.
You also do not need to pay upfront for the entire cost of your veneers. Many dentists offer payment plans, meaning you can split up your payments for many months. Often, payment plans are interest-free.
What To Know Before Getting Veneers
Before you proceed with the process of getting veneers, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Placing veneers on your teeth requires drilling down on enamel, a process that cannot be undone.
- Because your enamel is removed, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
- Veneers cannot be repaired if they chip or crack. If you experience any damage, you will have to replace them entirely.
- The color of veneers cannot be altered once they’re in place. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re satisfied with their appearance before they’re bonded to your teeth.
- Your natural teeth can experience decay. This can make it necessary to remove a veneer and replace it with a dental crown.
Your dentist should discuss all of these concerns during a consultation — so you can know if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you.
Low-Cost Veneers Phoenix AZ
Are you interested in getting porcelain veneers? Flossy can connect you with a cosmetic dentist in Phoenix, Arizona — or nearby areas.
In our network of dental professionals, you can be sure that you’re getting the lowest price — without sacrificing the quality of your dental work. Schedule your appointment today.
Sources:
Laminate veneer ceramics in aesthetic rehabilitation of teeth with fluorosis: a 10-year follow-up study | BMC Oral Health
The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type | PMC
Advantages and limitations in the use of porcelain veneer restorations | ScienceDirect
