Dental Veneer is a thin layer of tooth-colored material
placed over the front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance and esthetics. There are two main types of material used to
fabricate a veneer; composite and porcelain. Both composite and porcelain veneers strive to
achieve the same result; they create bright, white smiles with beautifully
aligned and natural looking teeth. Patients
need to consult with the dentist to decide which veneer material is the most
appropriate for their teeth.
What is Composite
Veneer?
Composite veneer is resin material that is bonded over the
front surface of the tooth to improve its appearance. The treatment of
composite veneer can be completed on the same day dental visit and no
laboratory work is required. Composite veneer can restore and correct small
chips, cracks and discoloration of the tooth.
However, the resin material may not be as durable as porcelain and it is
not stain-resistant.
What is Porcelain Veneer?
Porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded over
the front surface of the tooth. It usually requires a minimal amount of tooth
(enamel) reduction. This reduction
creates room for the porcelain veneer to be bonded onto the front surface of
the tooth.
Porcelain veneer is fabricated by the dental laboratory
technician, and the fabrication of the veneer may take 1 to 2 weeks before it
is delivered to the patient. Porcelain
veneer is more expensive than composite veneer, but is much more durable and
less likely to stain than composite veneer.
Some of the dental problems that are treated with porcelain
veneers:
·
Fractured/chipped/discolored teeth
·
Worn dentition (worn edges of teeth resulting in
a prematurely aged appearance)
·
Mal-aligned teeth/Crooked teeth
·
Diastemas (spaces between the teeth)
·
Black triangle between teeth caused by gum
recession
·
Tetracycline stained teeth
**Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening and/or
orthodontic treatment before restoring your teeth with porcelain veneers.
Advantages &
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
·
Provide a natural tooth appearance
·
Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well
·
Stain resistant
·
Change tooth’s color and shape
·
Minimal Tooth (enamel) reduction
·
May not require local anesthesia
Disadvantages of
Porcelain Veneers
·
Irreversible process (tooth reduction-enamel)
·
Patients wait 1-2 weeks (laboratory time) before
they can be bonded onto the teeth
·
More costly than composite veneers
·
Porcelain veneers are usually not repairable if
they chip or crack
·
Teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold
foods and beverages
Maintenance &
Post-Procedure Care of Porcelain Veneers
·
Brush & floss daily
·
Use non-abrasive toothpaste
·
Do not bite or chew on hard objects (nuts
shells, bones)
·
Do not open or tear packages
·
Brush after drinking red wine, coffee, tea, or
soda
·
Wear a night guard if patient grinds or clenches
(prevent damaging the veneer)
·
Regular dental examinations and dental cleanings
Dental Veneers Cost
& How long do they last?
·
Porcelain veneers cost between $1100 and $2500
per tooth but can last 10 to 15 years.
·
Composite veneers cost between $250 and $1500
per tooth and may last between 5 to 7 years
·
Longevity
of veneers depends a lot on how well patients maintain them, such as their oral
hygiene and eating habits
Veneers Cost Factors:
·
The fees of the dentist performing the procedure
·
The artistic and technical skill of the dental
laboratory technician (ceramist)
·
The location-where dental veneer treatment is
performed (region of the country, metropolitan areas versus small towns)
·
Types of Dental Insurance (Most dental insurance
companies do not cover dental veneers)
Dental veneers can change the shape, length, width and color
of your teeth. The decision to enhance your smile with dental veneers is a very
personal one. Even a subtle change in your smile can make an exceptional
difference in the way you look and feel.
If you have any questions about porcelain or composite
veneers, please call Dr. Anna Lee at 626-335-5114 for a complimentary
examination. Or visit us at www.annaleedds.com
