What Are Veneers?
Veneers are bespoke, half-a-millimeter-thin shells that cover the front surface of your tooth to improve the tooth’s overall appearance. They’re typically made of porcelain and ceramic that mimic the tooth’s color, blending seamlessly with the other teeth. These shells cover imperfections on the tooth’s surface, like stains, cracks, chips, and even large gaps between the teeth. They are permanent cosmetic treatments that last ten to thirty years with proper maintenance.
The Veneers Process
Treatment Plan and Tooth Preparation
The veneers dental process begins with consulting the dentist about your wish to get veneers. This consultation involves discussions about your cosmetic goals and expectations. Next, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine the viability of the treatment. If viable, the dentist will create a treatment plan and prepare the tooth by shaving bits of enamel to make room for the veneers.
Taking Impressions and Veneer Fabrications
Once the treatment plan is ready, the dentist will press a putty-like material on the affected teeth to create molds. Alternatively, they might use a 3D digital scanner to take digital impressions of the teeth. The molds and impressions are then couriered to a lab where skilled lab technicians will create custom veneers to your precise specifications.
Veneer Placement and Final Adjustments
The veneers will be ready after one or two weeks, and the dentist will schedule an appointment to fit them. During placement, they’ll first check how the veneers fit and whether they match your teeth color. If everything checks out, they’ll apply a strong adhesive on the teeth’s surface before placing the veneers on the teeth and using a special light to cure it. After making final adjustments, they’ll give you instructions for maintaining your veneers and schedule follow-up appointments if necessary.
Answering Your FAQs About Veneers
Can Veneers Be Whitened?
Veneers are prone to discoloration when exposed to highly pigmented food and tar and nicotine common in tobacco products. However, unlike your natural teeth, you cannot whiten veneers.
Veneers, unlike your natural teeth, are made of porcelain or ceramic, which are immune to the bleaching effects of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide. Applying a bleaching agent on veneers won’t lead to any noticeable change in color. Some bleaching agents temporarily whiten composite veneers but, in most cases, lead to color mismatch with the rest of the teeth, which occurs when your veneers appear noticeably darker than the rest of your teeth.
The best way to keep your veneers white and shiny is to brush properly (at least twice a day), floss, and visit your dentist regularly. We also recommend doing a teeth whitening treatment before your veneers for the best results.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of veneers depends on the type and number of veneers. The most affordable type of veneers are composite resin veneers, which cost as little as $250 to $1,500 per tooth. However, these veneers look less like your natural teeth and have a short life span.
Slightly above composite veneers are porcelain and ceramic veneers, which cost between $800 to $2500 per tooth. They're much stronger than composite resin veneers and also last longer, sometimes up to 30 years.
It’s worth noting that the location of the dental clinic also influences the cost of getting veneers. Dental clinics in large cities charge a premium for veneers as compared to those in less-populated regions. The dentist's experience may also be a factor in the price of veneers.
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