Veneers

More than one-third of adults in the United States are unhappy with their smile! Looking to have a brighter smile, many of them turn to veneers as a custom-made solution for making their smile sparkle naturally.

So, if you are looking to get back into the smile game, veneers from may be right for you! One of the most preferred cosmetic dentistry procedures, veneers completely cover the affected tooth with a durable hard coating that allows it to closely match the color of natural teeth.

What Are Veneers for Your Teeth?

Did you know that dental veneers can reverse the wear, tear, and age of your entire smile? This is because while teeth whitening procedures effectively address many of these issues to produce cosmetically pleasing results, certain issues are better addressed with veneers.

Despite being no thicker than a fingernail, veneers can easily conceal dental issues, such as:

• Gaps between teeth
• Chipping
• Discolorations
• Crooked or oddly shaped teeth
• Misalignment

Veneers can also help create an even bite in the most visible part of your smile, helping you and your smile look as superb as possible.

Different Types of Veneers

Veneers are shell-like implants that are shaped and bonded directly onto the surface of an individual tooth. Because veneers are made from different materials, you have several options for finding the one that can help you smile healthier.

• Porcelain- These veneers are thin shells of porcelain adhered to the outer surface of the tooth that mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth that are stain-resistant, and gum-tolerant.
• Composite Resin- While not as strong as porcelain veneers, these are more easily replaced and repaired. The resin is added to your teeth in liquid form before being cured, polished, and adhered to teeth.
• Lumineers- Lumineers are a minimally invasive alternative to veneers made from a thin laminate that’s applied seamlessly over your existing teeth. This procedure typically requires no shots, drilling, and less preparation than traditional veneers.

Advances in technology and dental research have made cosmetic dentistry less complicated. As a result, the quality of veneers has improved so much that they help restore damaged teeth to their original functionality. Additionally, modern veneers provide strength and resilience that is similar to natural teeth.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

While porcelain or composite resin veneers are durable options for enhancing your smile, there are definitive contrasts between them. First, despite their initial fragility, porcelain veneers become tougher and stronger after they are bonded to a healthy tooth.

By comparison, composite veneers are durable, but not as strong as porcelain veneers. They are also more prone to chipping. However, despite this, they can be fixed, unlike porcelain veneers which are unable to be repaired if broken, or damaged.

There is also a significant price difference between veneers. In general, composite veneers range from $200 to $1500 per tooth with porcelain veneers costing $950 to $2500 per tooth. In addition to costing less, composite veneers differ from porcelain ones in that porcelain veneers last 10-15 years while their counterpart, composite resin-based veneers last about 4-8 years.

Perhaps the biggest difference between porcelain and composite veneers is how they affect the wearer’s overall appearance. The stain resistance of porcelain veneers makes future whitening less likely. Composite veneers, however, are prone to staining like regular teeth, meaning further whitening procedures are possible.

Finally, while both veneers provide a long-lasting cosmetic way for making your teeth shine, they each give their users differing options for continued use. Unfortunately, if you are not thrilled about how porcelain veneers feel in your mouth or make you look, they cannot be reversed. However, if you do not like the look or shape of your composite veneers, they can be reversed.

The Veneer Process: What to Expect

The process of creating porcelain and composite veneers is fairly simple. However, before porcelain veneers can be applied a dentist must first remove all enamel from the affected tooth. Next, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth which is then sent to a lab where the veneers will be made. After they return from the lab, the dentist will mold, shape, and then bond the veneer onto the tooth for a comfortable and natural look.

For composite veneers, a smaller amount of enamel is removed than with porcelain veneers. Once the necessary enamel is stripped away, the dentist applies a composite material to the teeth which is then shaped to conform to the desired look and feel before being sent to the lab. After the new veneers arrive, they are bonded onto the front of the affected teeth and then crafted to give the wearer a more comfortable fit.

With both porcelain and composite veneers, the entire process of bonding and shaping can take several hours and require multiple appointments.

What to Do After You Get of Your New Veneers:

Once your veneers are applied you will need to follow a few directions to ensure they help brighten your smile.

• Brush and floss as you normally would. The veneers can handle it! We do, however, recommend non-abrasive toothpaste and a good home care regimen to ensure the best esthetic success of your veneer.
• Be aware of temporary sensitivity. Due to the amount of enamel left on the tooth after preparation, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after placement of your veneer. This is completely normal and should subside after a week or two. If sensitivity persists, please call your dentist.
• If you are known to clench and grind your teeth, you may be given a night guard.
• If you want to see your smiling self again choose veneers from . Call today at for a consultation with our dentist to see if veneers are right for you.