Glancing at your teeth, you may find they all look a little different. No one’s set of teeth is the same. Variants like size, shape, and color distinguish a single tooth from any other. When you watch television shows television shows investigating a serious crime, teeth are almost always an identifying factor, and this is because everyone is unique. However, for some, the appearance of their smile is somewhat not what they had hoped for, or perhaps they have had an injury that may have changed the look of their teeth. The front teeth are a top priority for those who want to look great.
Porcelain veneers are often described as a thin shell placed on a tooth’s front surface. Your dentist will put the veneers directly on top of the teeth. Porcelain lends itself very well to dental treatments. It is used for fillings because it has a more natural appearance than almost any other material that can be used. With veneers, the porcelain is more translucent and mimics the look of the tooth almost seamlessly. They are so seamless that no one can tell they are veneers when a patient has them installed.
Benefits of Choosing Porcelain Veneers
Of all the cosmetic dental procedures a patient can have, porcelain veneers are the most versatile. There are many ways veneers can help create the perfect smile and allow for better function and appearance. One little-known fact about them is their ability to protect the teeth. While gaining a beautiful, perfect smile is a fantastic benefit, veneers can solve many dental problems with just one treatment option. Some of the uses you may consider veneers for can include:
- Close gaps between teeth
- Repair chips or minor cracks
- Reshape jagged or misshapen teeth
- Lengthen teeth
- Conceal worn enamel
- Straighten crooked or slightly overlapping teeth
- Hide discolored teeth with a whiter surface
What To Expect: Veneers Before and After
It can be devastating to a person’s self-esteem to have problems with their teeth, including chips and broken or misshapen teeth. Veneers, in most cases, are not reversible. This means a certain level of commitment to caring for them will need to occur. By now, you are probably wondering what the process is for placing veneers. It isn’t as simple as gluing on a thin piece of porcelain. Your dentist will have to do many things before they can place them.
It would help to have an initial consultation with your dentist before getting veneers. At this time, you will discuss the issues you are having with your teeth. Your dentist will want the desired results but may also recommend a treatment plan that can exceed the expectations for getting veneers. There are some situations that porcelain veneers can’t help, and your dentist will discuss if it is the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
The preparation for veneers begins with having to shave the natural tooth. Your dentist will do this to match the surrounding teeth’ thicknesses and make it appear more natural and not excessively thick. While veneers are extremely thin, about as thin as paper, they will be virtually undetectable by shaving the tooth slightly.
Your dentist will prep your teeth to provide an imprint for the veneers. The lab will get your dental impressions and use them to build a veneer that matches your smile in color and form.
Lastly, they will be installed when the porcelain veneers return from the lab. The dentist will use a very strong bonding agent and correctly place the veneer on the tooth’s front surface. They will ensure that the color, size, and shape match and are positioned correctly. Once they are on, your dentist will reveal your brand-new smile.
Prepless Veneers
An option available at some dental offices doesn’t require shaving the natural tooth. Prepless veneers like Lumineers and DURAthin are much less invasive. Because there is no need to prep the teeth, your dentist will not remove any enamel from the tooth. With this option, patients can skip the drilling and shots, which many people enjoy and are drawn to. However, not every patient will qualify for this type of veneer. Your dentist can discuss this possibility and if it is right for you.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers depends on how many need to be applied and what material is used. A single traditional veneer can range from $925 to $2500. It may seem like a lot of money, but the results gained from traditional porcelain veneers can far exceed the price tag. Veneers can last up to ten years, so it is worth factoring in the time they last versus the upfront cost. When you compare the cost of composite veneers to porcelain, they are much less expensive. Composite veneers range from $250 to $1500 per tooth. The downside to using composite instead of porcelain is how long they last. Composite has an expected lifespan of only five to seven years.
When discussing the cost of porcelain veneers compared to other options for enhancing your smile with your dentist in Dublin, CA, it is essential to talk about the quantity needed and the expected outcomes. Inquire about the material options offered by their office as well. For those seeking an impressive smile on a budget, composite veneers might be the optimal solution.
Having an imperfection in your smile doesn’t mean you have to settle and accept the existing shape or issues. After understanding what porcelain veneers are and how they can enhance the appearance of your teeth, it’s worth considering them as an option to achieve the best possible smile.