Porcelain Veneers
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Do you have misshapen, crooked, stained, or chipped teeth? Do you want a dramatic and immediate impact on your smile? Composite veneers may be the exact solution you’re looking for.
Porcelain veneers are razor-thin, incredibly strong, custom-made tooth-colored shells designed to create your ideal smile. When we notice a smile, we are really seeing the harmonious relationship of our teeth with lips, facial structures, and gum lines.
Every situation is unique, and your care should always be personalized. If you have specific questions about whether you might be a good candidate for porcelain veneers, please feel free to contact our wonderful staff at River’s Bend.
River’s Bend Family Dental provides a wide range of dental procedures to make it convenient for your family to tend to all its dental needs.
Porcelain Veneer Procedure Expectations
To get porcelain veneer, there are usually a few dental appointments. Your first appointment is the consultation. A digital 3D scan of your teeth is created, and digital X-rays and photographs are taken of your teeth and mouth. This is a great time to bring up any special requests you have, show old photos of your youthful smile you’d like to emulate and see what the final product will look like. Though the cost of composite veneers is a bit on the higher side, it is outweighed by their long term benefits.
Once a plan is in place and finalized with you, a preparation appointment is set. Dr. Wimmergren will prepare your teeth by creating enough space for the thin porcelain that is layered on top of the tooth. Generally, a painless process, anesthesia, and nitrous gas are always offered to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
When the preparation is completed, a digital impression is taken with the 3D scanner, and the shade is chosen for your ideal tooth color. After this, the veneers are created and set in a lab before they come back to River’s Bend for your bonding appointment.
At the final bonding appointment, the veneers will be tried in first to confirm that the shape, seating, and color are to your liking. With your approval, the teeth are readied for their final placement. The teeth are cleaned up, polished, and etched. A special bonding cement is lined on the inside of the veneer, and finally, it is cured into its final position by a special UV light.
As soon as the last veneer is cured and cleaned up, it’s time for you to rock the world with your new custom-made smile!
The Benefits of Choosing Porcelain Veneers
If you are thinking about having porcelain veneers, it is a serious investment in yourself. This is showing yourself that you are more than worth it because the expense of veneers can add up. While the cost of veneers can add up, noticing your friends smile back at you can really uplift your spirits each day. Your smile will be brighter and whiter with the new porcelain material. Any lost or damaged enamel is restored to a complete, natural tooth again. Your newfound ability to smile can help melt away any potential feelings of insecurity. These are just some of the tremendous benefits you can look forward to with veneers.
Choosing Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Crowns
- Porcelain veneers are cosmetic in nature. They improve the outward appearance of shape, size, and look of the tooth and smile. Utilize porcelain veneers when you want to be ultra-conservative and not take away so much tooth structure.
- Dental crowns are functional and cosmetic in nature. They help protect the entire chewing surface of the tooth while improving its cosmetic appearance. Dental crowns should be utilized when the underlying tooth needs to be protected because of past decay, large fillings, or cracks.
Family Dentistry
Caring For Your Veneers
The 24 hours after your veneer procedure are critical in caring for your new veneers. During this critical time, avoid chewing on hard substances as the cement is setting to its final cure. After the 24-hour period, there are no specific restrictions you have to follow. Use your new veneers like you would natural teeth. That also means brushing and flossing them like natural teeth twice a day. Follow up with your regularly scheduled exams and hygiene appointments as well to catch any issues early.
Associated Costs
Every situation and specific insurance plan is unique. For most dental procedures, coverage and costs are determined by your policy and plan. Porcelain veneers are typically covered by many dental insurance plans. It’s important to check your policy for maximums and understand any potential out-of-pocket expenses if you reach your limit. If you don’t have dental insurance or have payment questions, our knowledgeable staff is available to assist and discuss options with you. Therefore, composite veneer costs can often be offset through dental insurance coverage.