Discovering Dental Veneers: Your Guide to Aesthetic Dentistry
Dental veneers are a widely acclaimed method for achieving your dream smile. They're not always the most affordable option, and they may not be covered by conventional dental insurance. Despite this, dental veneers are a favored choice for those grappling with tooth damage or imperfections like gap teeth or misshapen teeth. Whether you're aiming for an immaculate first impression or hoping to rectify severe tooth damage, dental veneers could be your ticket to a confident smile. Explore our comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about dental veneers.
What Exactly Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are tooth-hued materials designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your teeth or cover any chips and fractures. Most veneers are fashioned from porcelain, a material that has evolved over time to offer both strength and pleasing aesthetics. The key distinguishing factor between a porcelain dental veneer and a crown is that the latter encapsulates the entire tooth, while the veneer takes a more conservative approach.
Why Opt for Dental Veneers?
The decision to get dental veneers typically stems from either a desire for cosmetic improvement or the need to repair damaged tooth structure.
Aesthetic Enhancements
Aesthetic preferences are a leading reason for seeking dental veneers. Many individuals may find the size, shape, or color of their teeth unattractive. Porcelain dental veneers present a significant upgrade to the current appearance of their teeth.
Repairing Tooth Damage
Our teeth, like any other part of our body, can sustain damage. Chips on the edges of your teeth are often rectified with composite bonding, a material used for fillings in the back of the mouth. However, this composite material lacks the strength and appearance of porcelain. Porcelain dental veneers provide a comprehensive cover for the damaged area.
Is Drilling Necessary for Dental Veneers?
Not necessarily. The thickness of porcelain dental veneers can influence how much of your tooth structure needs removal. If one of your teeth protrudes more than its neighbors, this tooth might need to undergo more substantial structural removal to align all veneers. Even straight teeth might require some removal to establish where the porcelain dental veneer should end on your tooth—this is known as the margin. This margin is usually set near your gumline and between your teeth to maintain the veneer's natural look.
What's the Price Tag for Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers can cost between $500 to $3,500 per tooth, largely contingent on your location and your dentist's rates. Quality often comes at a higher price, so cheaper veneers may not deliver the best aesthetic results. Flexible payment options, like monthly financing or split payments, may be available.
Do I Need a Cosmetic Dentist for Dental Veneers?
Not necessarily. All dentists have the necessary expertise to handle dental veneers. Still, the ultimate quality and appearance of porcelain dental veneers significantly depend on the dentist's experience. A dentist's relationship with their dental lab can also influence the final outcome.
What Should I Discuss with My Dentist About Dental Veneers?
If you're considering dental veneers, here are a few critical questions to kickstart your conversation with your dentist:
1. How many veneers would enhance my smile?
2. Can you showcase some cosmetic cases you've completed?
3. Could you explain the difference between a crown and a dental veneer?
4. Can you walk me through the dental veneer process?
How Long Does the Dental Veneer Process Take?
The time taken to complete dental veneers depends largely on your dentist and their preferred approach. However, the procedure typically starts with a wax-up, where an impression of your teeth is sent to a dental lab for creating your porcelain veneers. This can now be digitized and 3D printed. Once you approve the wax-up, the subsequent work on your teeth can range from 2 to 5 hours, depending on how many dental veneers you're having done. It usually takes a few weeks for your porcelain dental veneers to be made at the dental lab before delivery.
What to Expect on Your Dental Veneer Appointment Day?
You can expect to have your teeth numbed for comfort during the veneer preparation process. A significant portion of the appointment is spent creating enough room for your porcelain dental veneers to fit naturally. Following the preparations, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth, which is sent to the dental lab to fabricate your porcelain dental veneers. You'll be fitted with temporary veneers that should resemble your final veneers, although the material will not be as aesthetic.
What to Expect on Your Porcelain Dental Veneer Delivery Day?
Once again, your teeth will likely be numbed. The dentist will remove your temporary veneers, prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers, and try them on for fit and aesthetics. If you like the way the porcelain veneers look, your dentist will prepare the porcelain and your teeth for the bonding process. Once the veneers are cemented to your teeth, your bite will be evaluated, excess cement removed, and possibly pictures taken.
How Long Can Dental Veneers Last?
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain dental veneers can last an average of 15-20 years. Regular cleanings and adherence to your dentist's instructions are critical to the longevity of your veneers. Avoid activities that might dislodge your veneers, such as biting into hard foods or using your teeth to open things.
How Do You Maintain Dental Veneers?
Porcelain dental veneers require the same hygiene routine as your natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing around your veneers is essential to keeping the underlying teeth healthy. For those with temporary veneers, a Waterpik or water flosser can maintain gum health until your permanent veneers are delivered.
Little-Known Facts About Dental Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers can be made from various materials and prepared differently based on your specific needs and the dentist's technique. Some veneers require little to no removal of tooth structure, while others may need more extensive preparation.
Having dental veneers is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. It is essential to have a clear understanding and realistic expectations of the outcomes, and the potential risks and costs involved. By having an open and comprehensive discussion with your dentist, you can ensure that the decision you make is the best one for your dental health and aesthetic goals. Remember, everyone has different expectations of what they want their teeth to look like and what they're willing to sacrifice to achieve it.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.