A broken, chipped, or discolored tooth can be a source of discomfort and displeasure. But thanks to cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers can fix the aesthetically unappealing teeth. Are teeth veneers the solution to your dental problems? Find out in today’s article.
What are Dental Veneers?
Cosmetic dental veneers are custom-made masks for your teeth. Made to be attached to the front of your teeth, dental veneers hide aesthetic imperfections. These can be used to enhance the color, shape, size, and even the length of imperfect teeth!
How do dental veneers work?
Their primary purpose is to camouflage all flaws that may impact your smile or overall facial appearance.
Teeth veneers can be of many types.
1. Composite Resin Veneers
Made of teeth-colored composite resin, these veneers are ideal for fixing cracked or chipped teeth. They can also be used to fix small gaps between teeth. Typically, the surface of your natural tooth is etched before a layer (or multiple layers) of composite veneer is applied. It is then shaped and hardened using a blue dental curing light.
2. Porcelain Veneers
These teeth veneers are made from porcelain. Dentists use CAD/CAM technology to take impressions of your teeth and create a custom fit. Because the material used in these veneers has light-reflecting properties similar to naturally occurring teeth, they are perfect for covering stains.
They are usually cemented into place for restoration and durability.
3. Non-prep Veneers
Non-prep veneers are a less invasive option that does not require intense enamel removal like the two other options discussed above. Fast and easy, non-prep veneers are good short-term fixes for those with gaps between their teeth. They usually come from specific brands like Lumineers and Vivaneers.
However, not everyone is an ideal candidate for non-prep veneers. Consult your dentists in Montebello to find out if you’re a good fit for non-prep dental veneers.
4. Pop-on Veneers
Also known as removable or snap-on veneers, these are the least expensive dental veneers of the lot. They can instantly improve your smile and hide stains. They can be removed anytime. But, pop-on veneers may make it difficult for you to chew your food. You may also experience slurring in your speech.
Note that all types of tooth veneers do require enamel removal. Therefore, only those with good dental health can get them. If you have cavities or suffer from any gum disease, dental veneers are not for you.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Certainly, unless it’s a specific type like pop-on veneers. They are most certainly long-lasting and can have a lifespan of 20 years if you opt for the porcelain ones. Carefully consider your requirements before choosing to get them attached to your teeth.
Also ensure that you maintain proper oral hygiene and go for regular check-ups. Both are non-negotiable in maintaining the dental veneers.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer multiple benefits that include:
- Aesthetic perfection for those with chipped, broken, gaping, or misshapen teeth. Teeth veneers are also good for covering stains that do not improve with whitening.
- Low-maintenance and high durability. Once the veneers have been fitted onto your teeth, follow regular dental care and maintain hygiene. That’s all it takes to keep up the appearance of veneers.
- Natural-looking coverage. Since dental veneers are custom-made for your teeth, they look like natural replicas and are hard to spot as cosmetic enhancements.
- Quick and easy fix. Unlike more invasive procedures like implants or crowns, veneers are a quick and less invasive fix for anyone who needs a confidence boost.
- These reasons cumulatively contribute to the popularity of dental veneers, which, today, happen to be one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures.
What to Expect During the Veneers Procedure
The veneers procedure begins with a consultation. At this stage, your dentist assesses your requirements and determines if dental veneers are an ideal fit for your immediate needs. If it’s affirmative, the next step is to design veneers customized to your teeth.
Custom veneers may take up to two weeks to be made. But in the case of non-prep or pop-on veneers, the process is instantaneous.
During the veneers procedure, these custom veneers are applied and cured to your teeth.
Preparation begins with trimming and etching your enamel to ensure the veneer fits right. You can choose to get anesthesia for this step.
Then the veneer will be attached with a specific type of cement for bonding. Matching the color of the shell to the cement is important to ensure an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
After this, the veneer is cured with the help of a special light, as mentioned earlier in the article. Inform your dentist of your preferences before they laminate your teeth.
Your dentist will proceed to check you for alignment, bite, and other factors that may affect the use of your mouth. Minor adjustments are made to ensure the teeth veneers are a comfortable fit.
The process is fairly hassle-free. Reach out to us if you want to get dental veneers in Montebello.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
The price of dental veneers varies by material and number. On average, expect to spend anywhere between $250 and $2,500 per tooth. Check out the breakdown of the prices for dental veneers to get a better idea:
- Composite Veneers cost $250 to $1,500
- Porcelain Veneers cost $900 to $2,500
- Non-prep Veneers cost $800 to $2,500
In addition, the cost of dental veneers increases if you’re opting for a full set. These could be for eight to 20 teeth. If the entire set is composite, then prices can go over $12,000. Meanwhile, porcelain sets will cost you more than $30,000.
Of course, modern-day veneers are expensive.
Does dental insurance cover veneers?
That depends on the insurer. In cases where veneers for teeth are considered cosmetic enhancements, you may not get any coverage. However, if your dentist is able to prove that the veneers also have a functional purpose in improving your bite or overall gum health, you may be eligible for partial coverage.
Discuss the options with your dentist before deciding how to fund your veneers procedure.
Keen on getting teeth veneers? Schedule a consultation at our dental care in Montebello today.