When it comes to making changes to your smile, you have many options. Whether you have crooked teeth, teeth that are discolored, or other cosmetic dental concerns, dental veneers may be an effective way to achieve a whiter, more beautiful smile.
Our dental care team uses dental veneers for subtle changes as well as dramatic transformations. Depending on your specific needs and goals, Dr. Conover and Dr. Doray may recommend either porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers to cover the front of your teeth, giving you a whole new smile.
Our dental care team will meet with you to evaluate your smile, discuss your cosmetic goals and create a personalized treatment plan to meet your needs. Conover will recommend the most suitable treatment option to ensure the best possible result.
Your dentist can use dental veneers to:
- Close spaces between teeth
- Improve the appearance of crooked teeth
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Cover stained or discolored teeth
Which Type of Dental Veneers Are Right For You?
There are several types of dental veneers available and we will recommend the best option for your circumstances.
Composite Resin Veneers
This type of dental veneer consists of tooth-colored biocompatible composite resin material, similar to a dental filling. Composite resin veneers usually require little to no preparation of the teeth and are not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers.
They can be an excellent interim cosmetic solution providing an improved smile for a number of years. The doctor applies the composite resin directly to the tooth and then sculpts it into a natural shape for virtually undetectable restoration.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin, translucent shell of tooth-like material. Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant and have similar light-reflecting properties compared to natural teeth. They offer a longer-lasting cosmetic restoration of anterior teeth.
There are several material options for conventional porcelain veneers. Conventional veneers require more tooth preparation but are still much more conservative than full crown restorations. These restorations are ideal for cases requiring more significant cosmetic changes than an ultra-thin veneer allows.
About The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Porcelain veneers typically take a few visits to complete. To begin, the doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation and consultation to determine which type of veneers are right for you.
Once the doctor prepares your teeth for your veneers, we will take an impression or scan. A dental ceramist will handcraft your final porcelain restorations in one of our selected dental laboratories.
For conventional porcelain veneers, we make temporary veneers that serve two purposes: allowing you to preview or try on the veneers and covering your teeth so that they will be comfortable and attractive while the porcelain veneers are being made.
In approximately 3–4 weeks, your porcelain veneers will be ready to be bonded to your teeth. We will evaluate the veneers for fit, shape, and color before bonding them to your teeth with special resin cement.
Porcelain Veneers Frequently Asked Questions
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
Dental veneers can vary in price depending on the material used, the number of dental veneers to be placed, and the complexity of the desired final smile design. Generally, composite resin veneers are less expensive than conventional porcelain veneers.
Prior to treatment, we will complete a full review of the procedure, including the porcelain veneer cost. We offer convenient payment options, including deferred interest financing through Care Credit for qualified patients.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Custom porcelain veneers look beautiful, feel natural, and last a long time. You can ensure this longevity by following through with a proper hygiene routine at home and regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning and examination.
Is the porcelain veneer procedure painful?
We take steps to ensure that each patient undergoing treatment with porcelain veneers is comfortable and relaxed. Most of our patients watch movies or relaxation videos while we complete their treatment.
It is possible for patients to experience some mild sensitivity immediately following any treatment procedure. These symptoms generally subside within 1 – 3 days of treatment. In our office, our goal is to make all of your visits painless and comfortable.
Do porcelain veneers break easily?
Porcelain veneer material is extremely durable, however, it is more brittle than natural tooth enamel. If you bite down on hard items like your fingernails, plastic packaging, or beer caps, your veneers are more prone to chip or crack.
What can you not do with porcelain veneers?
Patients with porcelain veneers should avoid chewing particularly hard foods such as meats, raw fruits and vegetables, ice, and candy. Patients should also avoid eating foods and drinks that may stain the surface of veneers, such as soda, ketchup, coffee, etc.
Do veneers make your breath smell?
Veneers should not make your breath smell bad. If your breath smells after receiving dental veneers, it is likely an oral hygiene issue and has nothing to do with your new veneers.