Dental Veneer

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