Frequently Asked Questions About What Veneers Are, How Much They Cost, and Whether You Should Opt For Them or Another Cosmetic Dental Treatment
In the pursuit of a more confident smile, you may come across a number of options that straighten or whiten your teeth or fill unwanted gaps.
One of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures that can correct all of these common dental flaws is porcelain veneers.
If you find that you’re wishing for a different smile than the one you have, porcelain veneers may be right for you. Keep reading these commonly-asked questions to learn more about this noninvasive procedure.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of dental porcelain that are bonded – or glued – to the front of your teeth. They solve for slightly crooked teeth, chips or fractures, and discoloration. They also can close gaps without the need for orthodontic treatment.
Because they blend in with your smile, no one will know you have them, and you don’t need to prepare your teeth for their application. You also will not need any sedation to receive porcelain veneers.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers varies, depending on the number of them you need to revitalize your smile. Because they are considered cosmetic, your dental insurance is unlikely to cover the cost.
Many people, however, find that the amount their veneers cost was completely worth it.
If veneers do not fit your lifestyle, a cosmetic dentist at E-Care Dentistry can suggest alternatives at varying prices, including bonding and contouring, to get similar results.
When Will My Porcelain Veneers Be Ready?
If you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers, your dentist will carefully measure your teeth using advanced digital imaging technology. Then, a mold of your teeth will be sent to a lab, who will make custom veneers out of dental porcelain that perfectly fit the surface of your teeth. When the dentist receives the veneers, you’ll return to the office to have them bonded in place.
Expect to wait a week or two between being measured for veneers and having them bonded. However, all your veneers can be applied in one office visit.
Will I Need to Be Sedated to Receive Porcelain Veneers?
Bonding porcelain veneers requires no drilling, pain medication, or sedation. The dentist may need to lightly file the front of your teeth to remove a layer of enamel so that the bonding agent better adheres. However, this isn’t a painful process.
Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
To determine whether porcelain veneers are right for you, you’ll need to meet with a cosmetic dentist, who will examine your teeth and check your oral health.
Unfortunately, if your teeth show any signs of tooth decay, such as demineralization, or have a current cavity, you may not be able to get veneers at this time. It is unsafe to place a porcelain veneer over damaged tooth enamel.
If you have a history of tooth grinding or clenching, you may not be a good candidate for veneers, either. This is because a misaligned bite can put strain on the porcelain and damage your veneers.
Further, if your teeth are extremely crooked, a veneer may not function or adhere as it should. In this case, you may need to pursue other options.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Is Better?
The two most important differentiators between crowns and porcelain veneers is how they fit your tooth and why you need them.
Remember that a veneer is bonded to the front of your tooth only. However, a dental crown covers your entire tooth. This means that the application of a dental crown requires drilling. Crowns may also show slightly more gum margin than veneers.
Generally, you require a dental crown to protect a damaged tooth, whereas a porcelain veneer serves purely cosmetic purposes. Thus, dental insurance may cover some of the cost of a crown.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Pop-on Veneers: Which Is Better?
You may have seen ads in your social media feed for “pop-on veneers,” which cover the arc of your teeth and can be removed at will. Sometimes called flippers, they are a quick and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth.
However, you cannot eat with pop-on veneers, nor are you advised to sleep with them in. They also require special care to keep them clean and free of damage.
Although a “flipper” may help you improve your smile in the short-term, it is simply not a permanent solution. However, a set of porcelain veneers stay fitted to your teeth, so you can eat and drink as normal, and no one will know you have them unless you tell them.
Where Can I Get Veneers?
To get a set of quality porcelain veneers, you’ll need to visit a cosmetic dentist in Kansas City. You will first be asked to establish care and may need to attend a consultation or preventative care visit prior to being evaluated for candidacy.
If you live in the Johnson County, Kansas, area, E-Care Dentistry is near you, in Olathe. At E-Care, our staff and dentists have the expertise required to add confidence to your smile and strive for excellence in everything we do. You can count on us to help you revitalize your smile in our spa-like practice.
Learn more about porcelain veneers by requesting an appointment today.