Home/Cosmetic and Restorative Dental Care/Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain dental veneer is composed of a thin ceramic shell that is placed over the front of the affected tooth. As one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry, veneers are able to dramatically improve the appearance of one’s teeth by addressing concerns like cracks, stains, gaps, and misalignment. For many patients, a set of porcelain veneers is placed over the front of the visible teeth to create a brighter, flawless-looking smile.
Veneers are a versatile solution due to their ability to improve a wide range of dental concerns. When made of porcelain, veneers can create a highly natural smile appearance as they are custom-tailored to each patient’s smile characteristics. Unlike porcelain crowns, which require more preparation of the natural tooth, dental veneers typically need little to no removal of the outer tooth structure. Our cosmetic dentists may recommend this innovative treatment for those who would like to achieve the following benefits:
To ensure you get the best possible results from your porcelain veneer treatment, your dentist will first meet with you to discuss your aesthetic goals and provide an oral evaluation. Once you are considered a good candidate, the teeth receiving veneers will be prepared by having a small amount of tooth enamel removed. An intraoral scan is then taken of your teeth to allow for the most precise fabrication process. While your permanent veneers are being made at an accredited laboratory, temporary veneers can be put into place.
Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you will return to our office to complete your treatment. Before placing the custom-made porcelain shells, your dentist will make sure they are color-matched to your surrounding teeth and provide the look you desire. They are then affixed to your teeth with a strong dental cement. Immediately after your treatment, you can begin enjoying your beautiful, natural-looking smile enhancement.
Although porcelain veneers are a durable, long-lasting restoration, you should take certain precautions to ensure they do not get damaged. Porcelain veneers can last as long as 10 or more years when properly cared for. To maintain your veneers, our dentists recommend practicing good oral hygiene, as well as avoiding chewing hard foods and using your teeth as a tool to open items. In addition, if you regularly grind your teeth, it is important that you wear a nightguard to reduce excess pressure on your veneers.
Porcelain veneers can range from $925 and $2,500 per tooth, which will depend upon the specifics of your treatment plan. Additional factors that can influence your total cost include the expertise of your dentist, geographic area of the practice, and how many veneers are being placed. During your initial appointment, our team will provide you with a cost quote to help you budget for your treatment.