If a chip, stain or crack in your teeth is making you too self-conscious to smile, you may benefit from veneers. Made of high-quality porcelain, veneers are ultra-thin shells placed over the surfaces of teeth to conceal an array of cosmetic imperfections. Whether you require one or several, veneers have the potential to completely transform your smile.
Porcelain veneers are one of the most commonly performed cosmetic dental procedures today. Nevertheless, they require the training and skill of a cosmetic dentist who possesses a strong sense of aesthetics. For over 27 years, Dr. Julie Spaniel has utilized porcelain veneers to expertly craft beautiful and radiant smiles. She stays up to date with the latest advances in veneer and cosmetic dentistry technique to provide patients like you with the most long-lasting and natural-looking cosmetic results.
Porcelain Veneer Benefits
Dr. Spaniel can place porcelain veneers to conceal an array of cosmetic imperfections affecting the shape, size, color or spacing of your teeth. Veneers can help enhance the appearance of your smile if you are bothered by one or more of the following:
- Minor chips or cracks
- Stains or tooth discoloration
- Irregularly shaped or sized teeth
- Small yet noticeable spaces between the teeth
- Uneven or worn teeth
Porcelain veneers can be placed as a standalone procedure or as part of a smile makeover. In any case, Dr. Spaniel will carefully plan out the placement and creation of your veneers to ensure the perfect fit, feel and appearance.
Veneer Procedure Details
Veneer placement typically requires two appointments. During the first appointment, Dr. Spaniel will remove a small amount of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer. Impressions will be taken and sent to the dental laboratory where your veneers will be crafted. Veneers typically take two weeks to create. In the meantime, Dr. Spaniel will place temporary veneers to protect the treated tooth or teeth.
Once your veneers are ready, you will return to our office for placement. The temporary veneers will be removed and replaced with the permanent ones. Dr. Spaniel will check your bite to ensure a proper fit. Once ready, the veneer is bonded into place and polished for a beautiful and seamless finish.
With proper care and attention, your porcelain veneers will last for many years. You should brush and floss your veneers like your regular teeth, and have them checked by a dentist every six months. Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth, or biting down on hard objects, such as bottle caps or ice, which could possibly damage your veneers.
Dental Veneers FAQs
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
Porcelain veneers are very durable and realistic looking, with the price reflecting that. The total cost for your treatment depends on how many veneers you desire to achieve your ideal smile. Our team can discuss specific costs during a consultation so that you may make an informed decision about your care. Because veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment, they are not typically covered by dental insurance.
Will veneers help to fix my existing dental problems?
Although it would be nice to simply cover up a tooth with a cavity or other dental problem, veneers do nothing to help stop decay. Prior to adding veneers, Dr. Spaniel will examine your teeth to check for any problems so those can be taken care of first.
How long do veneers last?
With proper care, veneers last 15 to 20 years. Once your veneers show wear and tear that can be expected with teeth, they must be replaced. Because veneers require filing enamel off the front of your teeth, having veneers is a lifetime commitment.
At what age can I have veneers?
Dr. Spaniel typically suggests that patients wait until at least age 18 to have veneers. Not only does it ensure that the patient is mature enough to make a permanent decision about their teeth, it also gives enough time for the mouth to finish growing. Even though adult teeth come in sooner, the mouth can change in size throughout puberty. There is not a formal upper age limit for veneers. While veneers are most popular with patients 40 and younger, plenty of patients who have healthy teeth and gums seek this cosmetic treatment in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Does it hurt to get dental veneers?
Dr. Spaniel uses a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before the start of the treatment. Although you should notice some pressure on your teeth, it does not cause any significant discomfort. Most patients report no pain after their procedure, but over-the-counter pain medication can help those who do have some discomfort. Rinsing your mouth out with salt water can also minimize swelling.
Is there a less invasive alternative to veneers?
If veneers seem like too much of a commitment for you, you may be interested in dental bonding, which uses composite resin molded over the tooth (without actually making any permanent changes to the tooth) to achieve your cosmetic goals. Although bonding is much less durable, it is also less expensive.
How will my smile look after having veneers?
Veneers are custom chosen to fulfill your unique cosmetic goals. Whether you want your teeth to be longer, have smaller gaps, or look blindingly white, you can design your perfect smile with precise veneer selection. Dr. Spaniel will work with you to ensure you are satisfied with the aesthetics of your new smile.
Do veneers get stains?
Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than natural teeth, so they should largely keep their color over an extended period. They can still be susceptible to surface stains from tobacco, wine, and coffee, so you should make sure to brush your teeth regularly to remove these stains.
Beautify Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers
If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, porcelain veneers could give you the confidence you need to show off your smile to the world. Dr. Spaniel and our team are happy to meet with you and discuss your options for a brighter and more radiant smile. To learn more about veneers, schedule a consultation with Summerwood Aesthetic Dentistry. Contact us by calling or emailing our office today.