Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. The shells are very thin and made from either porcelain or resin composite materials commonly used in other dental procedures such as fillings. The type of material used for your veneers depends on your teeth and gum health.

Veneers can be a good option for you if you have some of these problems:

• Your teeth are worn down (not all the same length, for example);
• Your teeth are chipped or broken;
• You have gaps between teeth;
• Your teeth are uneven or irregularly shaped.

It’s important to understand that getting veneers is an expensive procedure not usually covered by dental plans. If veneers are to be used, it would be best to have your dentist submit a pre-determination estimate with proper documentation (written and x-ray evidence) as to the reason for the diagnosis of a veneer.

Veneers give your teeth an evenly-spaced, bright appearance.

Veneers don’t stain, so you don’t have to worry about polishing them like you would your natural teeth.

Your gums generally don’t react to the material. (This is something your dentist can test ahead of time.)

Getting veneers doesn’t require significant filing down or re-shaping of your teeth, which happens when you have a crown.

Although porcelain veneers are not considered a permanent procedure since they will likely have to be replaced at some point, they can last for decades as long as you take care of them properly. Some patients may never need to replace them at all. Porcelain veneers are, however, irreversible.

Veneers aren’t the same as tooth implants or crowns. Veneers cover the front surface of the tooth. Implants, on the other hand, replace the entire tooth. Crowns also encase the entire tooth, while veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth (which is visible with a smile).

No, porcelain veneers do not ruin your natural teeth! In fact, they are designed to fit over your teeth and enhance their naturally beautiful appearance. … This means that having the veneers attached does not ruin or hurt your teeth. Secondly, porcelain veneers are not made of enamel like the front of your natural teeth

Although everyone’s teeth respond differently to veneers, here are some of the potential pitfalls to consider:

• They’re permanent: You can’t get veneers and then have them removed because enamel had to be filed off to make the veneers fit.
• Chips and cracks can’t easily be repaired: Although they’re quite strong once the bonding cement is dry, veneers can chip or even fall off if you put excessive pressure on your teeth. Avoid biting your nails, chewing on pencils or crunching on ice. Keep in mind that when you replace a veneer, the new color may not be identical to that of your original veneer.
• They are more expensive than other whitening procedures: Veneers are not necessarily covered by your insurance, especially if you’re having them applied for cosmetic reasons. Check your benefits before deciding.
• You cannot whiten your teeth after getting veneers: The color you choose for veneers is the color you will have moving forward, so be sure you are happy with the look.
• Your teeth might be more sensitive: Hot and cold foods and drinks might bother you a bit because of the enamel that had to be removed for the veneers

Because veneers are bonded to your teeth they are only as strong as the bonding material. This bond is super strong. You eat like your normal teeth.

To make space for a Veneer, it is necessary to remove about .5mm of tooth structure anywhere that the veneer will be placed. It is not necessary to remove tooth structure aggressively to enhance a smile with veneers.

Yes, you can still get decay anyplace where natural tooth structure still exists. It is impossible to get decay anywhere that the veneer has been placed. The most vulnerable place for decay is the veneer to natural tooth junction. Prevent decay with brushing, flossing and use of a waterpik.

The most common number of teeth for veneer is eight because color matching with natural teeth does not become a problem. It is important to discuss options regarding the number of teeth you plan to veneer.

Occasionally the insurance company will cover 1 or 2 of the veneers if the teeth have severe fractures or large amounts of filling or decay present. However, insurance rarely covers the cost of any kind of cosmetic dentistry.

Veneers can be used to treat a number of different cosmetic concerns, including chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth. Some people may only get one veneer in the case of a broken or chipped tooth, but many get between six to eight veneers in order to create an even, symmetrical smile.

It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed. Bonding . Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color.