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Some folks would hesitate in getting dental veneers simply because they are not familiar with what they are, what they’re for, and when they should be used. Similar to other cosmetic procedures, these laminates also possess a couple of advantages and disadvantages. Fortunately, in this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about them. This includes how much you will be spending if you’ve decided on them.
They are small shells or laminates that are placed on the affected area – usually on the front surface of the teeth. They are wafer-thin and can either be made from porcelain or resin composites. Other names for them are ‘Ceramic Sheaths’ and ‘Porcelain Sheaths’.
These shells have a thickness of about half a millimeter. To apply them, the dentist would need to remove a layer of enamel (from the affected tooth) that is as thick as the sheaths to be used.
Porcelain laminates emit a similar color to our natural enamel, allowing it to reflect the original tooth color. Unfortunately, porcelain sheaths are brittle. They are prone to cracking, especially when they fail to watch what they eat. Its entire strength and durability depend on the remaining enamel.
Other than the removal of a thin layer of enamel, the whole process of applying them is relatively safe and painless. However, due to the removal of enamel, one may feel slight tooth sensitivity that can be felt for about a couple of weeks.
Overall, as a cosmetic solution, they are pretty ideal to use for solving common cosmetic problems that are usually affecting the front area. This means they won’t be beneficial if they’re placed somewhere that’s not usually visible, like the back molars. Moreover, this procedure is not suitable for replacing lost back ones where dental implants should be more likely considered.
This type of veneer is the most similar in terms of the appearance of natural teeth. Thus, it is the most popular among the kinds of veneers. It fixes the size, shape, and color of the affected teeth. Not only does it have excellent aesthetic benefits, but it is also durable. With regular oral hygiene and proper maintenance, it can last for as long as 10-15 years. Moreover, it is biocompatible and hardly affects the gum tissues as well as the surrounding ones in the mouth. As a permanent cosmetic procedure, this type may need the removal of a few millimeters of the tooth enamel before attachment.
Among the types of veneers, composite veneers are the most affordable. Created from composite resin material (a combination of organic and inorganic substances), composite veneers consist of the filler (an inorganic material utilized in composite resin) while the bonding agent used to create composite resin is just like tooth-colored fillings. They are sturdy but not as durable as porcelain veneers. Thus, they don’t last as long (only for about 5-7 years). Furthermore, compared to porcelain veneers, composite veneers do not match well with the color of natural teeth and they are most likely to be discolored. As a permanent veneer procedure, this type may need the removal of a few millimeters of the tooth enamel before placement. With porcelain veneers, you can replace the outer layer of a tooth and repair a number of different cosmetic issues, such as gapped teeth, severe overbite or underbite jaw.
Lumineers dental veneers are a brand name of a special type of porcelain veneers that make use of wafer-thin porcelain laminate material. Thus, only a little portion of the tooth enamel is needed to be shaved, unlike traditional porcelain veneers. Similar to other types of veneers, Lumineers can effectively correct misshaped and stained teeth. Although they match the color of natural teeth as well as feel natural just like traditional porcelain veneers, they do not last as long.
Unlike direct bonding, applying the sheaths can be a little complicated. The entire procedure involves a 3-step process: (1) Consultation and planning phase; (2) Preparation of the mouth and creation of impressions; (3) actual installation. Usually, it takes about two to three visits to finish the whole process. However, this depends on whether there was a separate consultation visit made or not. Let’s look at the 3-step process even further:
This happens when the patient first meets one of our esteemed experts. During this phase, the dentist will explain everything about their case – the dental issue, the solution, and the various options available to them as well as the estimated costs that they may have to spend. Our dentist will examine the mouth and determine whether they would be the perfect solution for their problem. However, if there is a bite issue, this should be addressed first before proceeding with the application.
This next visit will focus on two important steps:
In this step, a thin layer of enamel that is equal to the thickness of the proposed veneers will be removed from the front area of the affected teeth. If you’re using composites, then a little more (enamel layer) has to be taken, while it’s lesser if the sheaths are made from porcelain. If there are crooked or crowded ones, then more enamel must be trimmed off. Not just on the front, but also on the sides. Keep in mind that this process may bruise the gums resulting in a slight discomfort that would last for a few days or until your gums have fully recovered. But you don’t have to worry because they’ll surely start healing as soon as possible. Then, they’ll be back to normal in just a couple of days. For partially broken ones, the dentist will have to fix that first.
Once the specialist has finished all the preparations, he or she will now assemble the materials and take the exact measurements needed to make the impressions. This includes the type of material used, the color, and the size. All these will be sent to the lab for manufacturing. Then, the lab will create the impression according to the dentist’s exact instructions. This process would normally take around 10 days to finish and that will overlap with the healing of the gums. Therefore, once the impressions are done, the gums have already recovered, which then makes the impressions easier to fit.
This is the final step. Once the impressions are done, they’ll be sent back to the clinic. Then our experts will have to clean the mouth again by polishing and chemically etching it to roughen its surfaces. They do this so the laminates would bond properly to the teeth. Afterward, they will be attached using transparent cement. If you’re using porcelain skins which will be installed on discolored ones, opaque cement will be used to glue them on. The opaque cement will match the color of the adjacent ones. Once the installation is a success, the patient will be asked to close their mouth to see if the upper set would match perfectly with the bottom set.
They are primarily used for solving common cosmetic problems. To know whether you’re qualified to get them, you need to first consult with your dentist and he or she will decide whether they would suit your case or not. They’ll first do some tests and thorough examinations. Afterward, they’ll discuss with you what will happen once you decide to have this as well as the possible expenses that may occur during the entire process. Nevertheless, they are proven to be useful in the following situations:
For those with discoloration caused by the following: poor hygiene, gastric reflux, root canal treatment, excessive smoking and drinking, large resin fillings, they can greatly help in bringing back those pearly whites. Also, did you know that too much fluoride may cause tooth discoloration?
Just like our body, our teeth would also gradually deteriorate over time. Aging is the primary cause, but poor oral hygiene can speed up the process. Acquiring specific diseases like diabetes, fluoride deficiency or even genetics may also contribute to the quick deterioration of them.
It’s so easy to repair chipped or cracked ones with them. Read more about cross bite.
They can also provide a great solution to gaps regardless of how small or large the gaps may be.
Unfortunately, some are born with a bad set of teeth. This includes crooked or misaligned ones, as well as ones that have unequal width or height. Furthermore, there are also some with depressions or bulges on their front ones. Good thing, sheaths can easily solve these cases.
Though the actual installation is not painful, local anesthesia may still be used during the initial preparation of the mouth. Nevertheless, if there is a great deal of pain after the procedure, it’s advisable to go back in so you could get a prescription of over-the-counter medication. Remember, you may have some slight sensitivity that would last for a couple of days. This is because of the trimmed enamel layer. Sometimes, there may be some discomfort while eating hot or cold foods.
But once they are fully installed, aftercare is no longer required. Just remember to properly brush at least 3x a day, floss and rinse, and use mouthwash every now and then. Also, do avoid eating hard foods during the first week after the application since they may get cracked or chipped. Keep in mind that broken or chipped veneers are unrepairable.
If you compare them to braces, the former is much cheaper. However, if you compare it to simple cosmetic solutions like resin bonding, then Veneers are more expensive. Overall, veneers offer an excellent solution to some of the most typical cosmetic problems. If you’re thinking of getting them, our experts will explain all of the options available to you and give you an estimate of how much you will be spending before making your final decision.
The total price of dental veneers is estimated to be around $250 to $2,500 per tooth. The cost will also depend on the kind of material used. Porcelain veneers generally cost about $925 – $2,500 per tooth while composite/resin veneers ranges from $250 and $1,500 for a tooth. Since veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment, most insurance providers do not cover them.
Our Highland Oak Dental office located in Frisco, Texas accepts most insurance plans and provides assistance in filing your claims. We also offer to manage the insurance paperwork on your behalf to ensure that your benefits are maximized. Schedule a visit with us today and learn more about the dental veneers we offer and their costs.
For patients with veneers, it is advised to avoid chewing ice, eating sticky or hard candies, consuming hard foods like nuts and pretzels, drinking acidic beverages and alcohol as well as prevent eating or drinking stain-causing foods and drinks.
You can make the most out of them by making sure you treat them well. After all, these are a significant investment in your dental health, so make sure it lasts long to make your money’s worth.
Just like your natural teeth, dental veneers are likely to chip or crack if proper care is not regularly practiced. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene will lead to decay on the sides of the dental veneer resulting in the corrosion of the tooth under it.
It is important to choose a dentist near where you live, work, or go to school for better convenience. Since follow-up check-ups are quite common during dental treatments, having a dental specialist nearby will help you save money and time. Moreover, it’s best to find a dentist with exemplary reviews for dental veneers to ensure that you’ll get your desired results. Feeling comfortable with your dentist is also a factor you should keep in mind.
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