Contents: What are Porcelain Veneers? | Procedure | When To Use? | Advantages & Limitations | Aftercare | How much cost? | Appointment | FAQ

What is porcelain veneer?

Best Veneers DentistVeneers are wafer-thin shells or laminates that are usually made of porcelain or resin composites. Dental laminates, ceramic sheaths, or porcelain sheaths are the right dental terms. They are under half a millimeter thick, and as a result, they are not always visible. Porcelain veneers are transparent, which creates a more natural appearance by allowing the original color of the tooth enamel to show through. However, they are fragile and rely significantly on the underlying enamel for strength.

While trimming a layer of enamel may sound uncomfortable, it is an entirely painless and safe treatment. Anticipate tooth sensitivity in the first few weeks, but this is normal after a little layer of the enamel is removed for this surgery.

Cosmetic dentistry treatment is primarily used to improve the look of a patient’s teeth, which is why it is typically conducted on the front teeth. It won’t be that important to have veneers in molars where the teeth are not directly visible. A better solution for the back teeth would be dental implants.

How Are They Applied?

In comparison to direct bonding, the application procedure can be fairly complex. Three steps comprise the procedure:

  1. A consultation
  2. Preparing the patient’s mouth as well as the creation of impressions
  3. the application of the actual veneers

The entire process will usually take from two to three visits to complete. This depends on whether the patient will need additional consultations or not.

  • Consultation and planning stage – This happens at the patient’s initial consultation with the dentist. During the session, the patient has the opportunity to discuss his or her concerns or aesthetic goals with the dentist, who will assess the patient’s oral health and determine whether the patient is a good candidate for this procedure. It is critical to convey any concerns to the dentist, such as biting problems or oral health diseases. In addition, the patient will be given a step by step comprehensive explanation regarding the different cosmetic/restorative options available to them as well as the possible expenses that may occur.
  • Preparation of the mouth and impression creation – The following visit will concentrate on two critical aspects of the procedure:
    • Preparing the patient’s mouth – Preparation entails removing a thin layer of the tooth enamel, the same thickness as the veneers. Take note that porcelain veneers are thinner than composite therefore porcelain only requires a thinner layer of enamel removed than composite. If somehow the tooth is crooked or overcrowded, additional enamel may be removed, most notably on both sides of the impacted area. Anticipate bruised gums after the enamel layer removal, which may result in sensitivity and mild discomfort for the first few days until the impacted area has completely healed. Nonetheless, you should not be alarmed, as your gums will begin to heal very instantly and you will begin to feel normal within a few days. Finally, if the patient has any partly fractured teeth, they should be corrected prior to applying the veneers.
    • Creating impressions – After the patient’s mouth has been prepared, we will take impressions of their teeth. These impressions, together with the patient’s type of material and color preference, will be forwarded to the lab for the fabrication of the proper veneers. After that, the laboratory will create it according to the dentist’s specifications. The process of making veneers can last for 10 days.
  • Application – This final step occurs after the dental impressions are taken and forwarded from the lab to the office. The completion of veneers will take around 10 days. Following the fabrication of the veneers, the patient’s teeth will be cleaned, polished, and chemically etched to roughen the enamel and help in the appropriate bonding of the veneers. The material is then adhered to your teeth using translucent cement. When porcelain is used to conceal discolored teeth, opaque cement is applied to conceal the defects. After the application is done, the patient will be instructed to close their mouth to ensure that the top and lower teeth fit appropriately and without any discomfort.

When to use veneer?

They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. They may be recommended in a variety of scenarios by your dentist.

These are the most frequent scenarios:

  • Tooth discoloration – Tooth discoloration is common not just in men, but in women as well. There are many ways people can have discolored teeth. The food we consume, our vices and habits (smoking, drinking alcohol), and lack of proper oral hygiene are some of the reasons our teeth discolor. Additionally, if you have too much fluoride it can also cause tooth discoloration. There are also conditions that can cause this such as gastric reflux, root canal treatment, and large resin fillings. Substance or drug abuse can cause discoloration as well.
  • Worn-out tooth – Similar to other parts of our body, our teeth can also get worn out. The main reason this happens is because of a lack of oral hygiene. However, there are additional factors that contribute to premature tooth wear, including diabetes, fluoride deficit, and heredity.
  • Chipped or cracked teeth – They can assist in repairing damaged or cracked teeth.
  • Gaps – if patients have gaps in their teeth, this treatment can help them a lot. It can be used regardless if the gap is small or there is a huge gap in the patient’s smile.
  • Abnormally-shaped or misaligned teeth – Because not everyone is born with sparkling white teeth, if you have discolored teeth, dental veneers can conceal them and restore their white appearance. Additionally, it can be used to fix minor flaws such as uneven width or height of the tooth, or surfaces with bulges or depressions in the front.

Are there any Advantages and Limitations?

Advantages:

  • They can help restore the affected tooth’s natural appearance.
  • Porcelain veneers easily adapt to gum tissues. In addition, this type of veneer is able to resist stains very well.
  • They are perfect for those with stained or discolored teeth.
  • Porcelain comes in various colors which makes it better at hiding dark-looking teeth and make them look whiter again.
  • Compared to dental crowns, they require less effort in reshaping therefore providing a better cosmetic option.
  • The procedure does not require that you have sufficient jaw bone density.
  • it doesn’t use metal on any of its procedures.

Limitations:

While veneers are relatively safe and the most well-known cosmetic dental treatment available, they, like other treatments, also have a few limitations:

  • To apply veneers, dentists will scrape off a thin layer of the patient’s enamel. When the enamel is gone, it can no longer be restored.
  • Compared to other cosmetic procedures like resin bonding, dental veneers tend to be expensive.
  • They are not easy to fix and have limited repairability.
  • Patients will feel slight teeth sensitivity during the first few weeks because a thin layer of tooth enamel has been scraped off.
  • The color of the veneers doesn’t change; therefore the color should exactly match your neighboring teeth before your dentist begins the treatment.
  • Though this rarely happens, veneers have a possibility to get dislodged or fall off. This is the reason dentists advise patients to avoid eating hard foods right after the procedure.
  • If a tooth is decayed, a dental crown is suggested.

When Are They Not Appropriate?

Veneers are not advised for people with weak or fragile teeth, infection in the gums, fractures, or big fillings, as well as those with excessively thin enamel. It is also not recommended for patients who often grind or clench their teeth as the veneers may chip or crack. It is critical that you discuss any dental concerns you may have with your specialist. Know more about underbite and misalignment of the jaw.

Dental veneer: Aftercare

Applying dental veneers is a relatively pain-free procedure. However, your dentist will still administer local anesthesia before starting the treatment. If a patient experiences pain following the treatment, dentists will typically prescribe over-the-counter painkillers. It is usual for the teeth to be sensitive following treatment, and this will last for a few weeks while your body adjusts to the veneers. Expect to experience discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.

Nonetheless, once the veneers have firmly adhered to the teeth, no specific upkeep measures are required. All that is required is that you practice proper dental hygiene, which includes cleaning and flossing your teeth after each meal. Using mouthwash on a daily basis also contributes to maintaining optimal dental health.

Dental Veneers Cost

Dental veneers cost more than almost any other cosmetic dental procedure. However, they are still cheaper than braces. The price of the treatment will vary depending on the patient’s oral health, the position of the teeth, and the number of teeth being treated. Certain dentists charge more than others within La Habra and adjacent cities. This depends on their skill and prestige.

How much do Porcelain veneers cost?

The Cost of dental veneers projected to generate between $250 to $2,500 a tooth; basing on the chosen material. Porcelain veneers commonly range in price from $925 - $2,500 per tooth. The price of composite/resin veneers varies between $250 and $1,500 for each tooth. Veneers are often not covered by dental insurance because they are deemed a cosmetic treatment. Per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, porcelain veneers can last between ten and fifteen years while composite veneers can last from five to seven years.

La Habra, Porcelain veneer

Schedule an Appointment today if you have any questions about Porcelain Veneers in or any other inquiries you may have. We are conveniently located in , . We are eager to assist you in making positive changes to your smile and life!

Veneers FAQ

Are veneers permanent?

Veneers are not used to replace teeth permanently because they must be changed every ten to fifteen years. Before the veneers are installed, a thin layer of the enamel will have to be scraped away. Check out what Dr. Manali Patel, DDS has to say about porcelain veneers.

Are veneers painful?

No, the procedure is completely painless. Before the process of placing veneers on the tooth begins, your dentist will provide a local anesthetic and any necessary sedative. When the anesthetic wears off, the majority of patients at Summit Smiles experience minimal to no pain. If there is any sensitivity, it will subside in just a few days.

Do teeth rot under veneers?

It is possible that your teeth will rot under the veneers especially if you fail to properly take care of your teeth. Brushing your teeth and flossing after every meal can prevent bacteria build-up which is the primary reason for the tooth roots. Go to our Summit Smiles office discover more about the aftercare of veneers.

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

No, veneers don’t ruin your teeth because the materials used in them are not harmful. In comparison to original teeth, these are extremely robust and resistant to injury.

What can't you eat with veneers?

To prolong the life of the veneers, we suggest avoiding the following:

  • Chewing ice
  • Sticky candies
  • Hard foods like nuts and pretzels
  • Too much alcohol causing corrosion of the bonding material
  • Acidic foods and beverages which eat away at the bonding material
  • Stain-causing foods and drinks

Can I bite an apple with veneers?

No. When eating hard foods like apples, we suggest that you chop them into bite-sized chunks first and chew them using the back of your teeth.

What can go wrong with veneers?

It can chip or crack if it's not cared for properly. If the patient does not practice good oral care, decay can form on the sides of the veneers, jeopardizing the tooth beneath.

Can I drink coffee with veneers?

Because porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, consuming coffee and tea is entirely fine. However, be wary when drinking coffee or tea when you have composite resin veneers as they can easily get stained.

Why do people get veneers?

One of the reasons patients prefer veneers is because it can fix minor, unsightly appearance in their smile such as discolored tooth/teeth, chipped, misshapen, or seal the gaps or fix alignment issues with only one treatment.

Dental Veneer Near Me

When it comes to finding a dentist, location is critical. When the dental practice is close to your home, place of employment, or education, you can save considerable time and money on dental appointments. You’ll need several appointments such as treatment and follow-ups along with your routine visits; thus, having an office nearby can help dental visits be more convenient. Choose a dental veneer specialist who has outstanding patient testimonials.

Check Summit Smiles reviews.

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