Porcelain Veneers in Lake Katrine

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers porcelain are thin shells that are attached to the front surfaces of teeth. They can be shaped to match the exact shape of your teeth and can be used to correct a variety of issues, such as teeth that are chipped or cracked, stained or discolored teeth, and small gaps between teeth.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Each patient that comes into our office has different needs, so there isn’t a set amount for the porcelain veneers cost. The complexity of your case and how many teeth are receiving veneers are just a couple of factors that can affect cost. Since veneers aren’t considered medically necessary and are an elective procedure, treatment isn’t typically covered by insurance. Our office may have payment options or financing options available to help you cover the cost of your veneers procedure. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dentists who can provide you with a cost estimate.

How Is a Veneer Different From a Crown?

Both dental crowns and veneers are composed of porcelain, and they are great options for changing the shape of your teeth and improving the color of teeth. The main differences between these two forms of restoration involve how much tooth structure needs to be removed and the thickness of the materials.

Porcelain crowns can be up to two millimeters thick, so your dentist must remove more of the tooth’s natural enamel in order for a crown to fit properly. Since veneers are ultra-thin, most of your natural tooth enamel is preserved. Crowns fit over the entire tooth’s surface, in a process known as capping a tooth. However, veneers only cover the front surface of a tooth.

For teeth that are badly decayed or weakened from excessive tooth grinding, crowns are a good option for strengthening teeth and preventing additional damage from occurring. This is especially true for back teeth since crowns are strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing. Veneers aren’t designed to strengthen teeth and will only improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. They are a good choice if your teeth are healthy. Set up your appointment today to begin the process of enhancing your smile with porcelain veneers in Lake Katrine.

How Are Teeth Prepared for Veneers?

Most patients require two appointments for the placement of veneers. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during the porcelain veneers procedure.

To prepare your teeth for veneers, the dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel. The enamel removed will be minimal, typically less than one millimeter, but it’s necessary to allow enough room for the veneer to sit against the surface of teeth. This also ensures a natural look and feel. Next, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where a dental technician will create custom-made veneers that fit the unique shape of your teeth. This process can take one to two weeks, so your dentist may apply temporary veneers during this period of time or have you wait until they are ready before removing any tooth enamel.

You’ll come in for a second appointment after your permanent veneers have been made. After removing the temporary veneers, the dentist will clean your teeth and use dental cement to securely hold the veneers to the surface of your teeth. After the veneers are bonded to your teeth, they are polished to reveal a sparkling smile.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Even though porcelain teeth are very thin, they are a strong and long-lasting treatment option that can last up to 20 years. Despite their durability, it’s important to brush and floss daily and maintain preventive care by seeing your dentist twice a year. Just like natural teeth, however, veneers can be damaged if they’re subjected to force or pressure. This is why you should avoid opening packages or bags with your teeth and be careful when biting into hard foods. In addition, we also recommend wearing a mouth guard while playing contact sports. If you frequently clench or grind your teeth, ask our dentists how you can protect your veneers with a night guard.