Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers are an excellent way to improve the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, misshapen, or have gaps between them. Here is an in-depth look at veneers dental service - what they are, their benefits, the procedure to get them, costs, and results you can expect.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. Veneers are custom-made for each patient from porcelain or composite resin, materials that closely mimic the look of natural teeth. The veneers dental service bonds these covers to your original tooth structure to provide a natural and attractive smile.
Veneers are used to treat a variety of cosmetic dental issues, including:
- Discolored or stained teeth that don't bleach well
- Worn down, chipped, or fractured teeth
- Misaligned, crooked, or unevenly spaced teeth
- Teeth with uneven shapes and sizes
Unlike dental crowns, veneers don't require your dentist to remove large amounts of your natural tooth structure. This makes them a more conservative solution for minor tooth flaws.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Veneers offer many benefits that improve the aesthetics of your smile:
1. Whiter, Brighter Smile
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and won't discolor over time like your natural tooth enamel. They create an instantly whiter and brighter smile.
2. Cover Stains and Discoloration
Veneers can mask teeth stains caused by coffee, wine, smoking, medications, and other sources that don't respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
3. Repair Chipped and Worn Teeth
Small chips and worn spots on teeth can be easily mended with veneers. They restore strength and structure to damaged teeth.
4. Close Minor Gaps
Gaps between front teeth can detract from your smile. Veneers can eliminate gaps up to a few millimeters, improving the fullness of your smile.
5. Balance Out Teeth Size and Shape
Veneers can reshape teeth to create uniformity. They can lengthen short teeth and fix irregular tooth shapes.
6. Quick and Easy Process
Getting veneers takes just 2-3 visits versus multiple visits for braces or dental bonding. No dental impressions are needed either.
7. Natural Looking Results
Porcelain veneers closely mimic the light reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. Individual veneers are customized for a natural shape and color.
The Veneers Procedure
Placing dental veneers is a multi-step process that is minimally invasive and requires little recovery time.
Initial Consultation
During a consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth’s structure and aesthetic flaws. They’ll recommend veneers if you’re a good candidate and discuss material options, like porcelain and composite resin. You’ll select a final shade for your veneers together.
Tooth Preparation
Your natural tooth needs minor reshaping before veneering. Your dentist will remove 0.3 to 0.5mm of enamel from the front surface of your teeth. This allows the veneers to sit flush on your teeth.
Taking Impressions
Your dentist will take impressions of your prepared teeth, either with putty in your mouth or using a digital scanner. These impressions will create a model to fabricate your veneers.
Custom Veneer Fabrication
A dental lab uses the impressions to design and meticulously fabricate your veneers out of porcelain or composite resin. This process takes around one to two weeks.
Bonding the Veneers
At your next appointment, your dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth with a special dental adhesive. Each veneer is placed on a prepared tooth and hardened with a curing light.
Follow-up Appointments
You’ll return about 2 weeks later for a follow-up visit to check your bite and make any adjustments to the veneers if needed. Excellent dental hygiene is vital for maintaining your veneers.
How Much do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers can range widely, with the average price per veneer being $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Your location, the materials used, and your dentist's fees impact the final price.
Factors that affect veneers dental service costs include:
- Type of material - Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers
- Extent of tooth flaws - More corrections mean higher costs
- Treatment location - Veneers in major cities are more expensive
- Dentist technique - Cosmetic dentists often charge more
- Number of veneers - Prices are per unit, not tooth
Many dentists allow patients to pay through low-interest financing plans to make dental veneers affordable. Getting veneers at a dental school can reduce costs as well.
Results to Expect from Dental Veneers
Veneers offer incredible, natural-looking transformations. Successfully placed dental veneers will:
- Look and feel just like your real teeth
- Have seamless blending with your natural tooth structure
- Have imperceptible thickness to surrounding teeth
- Retain original tooth structure
- Resist future stains and discoloration
- Last 10 to 30 years with proper care
- Allow teeth whitening if matching veneers are placed
With high-quality materials and proper dental technique, veneers give you a flawless and durable smile you can show off with confidence!