Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin laminates that are attached to teeth as a corrective measure for a variety of conditions.
With age comes natural staining of the teeth. For some the teeth may take on a yellow or brownish tint. Veneers are, for many people, a solid choice for corrective treatment instead of teeth whitening. Crooked teeth – however they may have occurred – can be formed with veneers to have a uniform and attractive appearance again. Chips and fractures in teeth are also prime for veneers. Veneers can also be used to fill spaces between teeth in to maintain a consistent look.
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are made, well, from porcelain. Composite veneers use a resin mixture that hardens into a putty-like substance that can be molded by hand. Composite veneers require a skilled dentist to artistically sculpt the putty as needed to restore the enamel surface. Even so, composite veneers are generally less costly and quicker to apply than porcelain veneers. Conversely, porcelain veneers are more durable and long lasting.
While one of the main purposes of veneers is to give the teeth a better look – or smile makeover as it is sometimes called. But veneers can also protect the teeth from further damage and strengthen the oral area structurally, particularly in comparison to other procedures like crowns.
Once the dentist has recommended the procedure and the type of veneers decided, the treatment can take anywhere from a single day to four weeks depending on the extent of work and the type of veneers that are chosen. Porcelain veneers usually take several office visits and a waiting period that lasts several weeks while the teeth are custom crafted. Most patients want to be numbed for the procedure, but that too depends on the extent of work. For most procedures, a portion of the natural tooth has to be shaved down in order to create a place for the veneer to sit. A mold is then taken of the teeth so a laboratory technician can use the impression to craft the new veneers. The process can take nearly a month, so a temporary veneer will be placed for the meantime. Once the new veneers are finished, a second visit to the dentist’s office will have the temporary fixtures removed and replaced. The permanent veneers will be affixed with an adhesive agent called dental cement.
Some soreness may be felt after the procedure but the patient should be able to return to normal activities right away. Keep in mind that the new veneers may feel odd for a while as the body adjusts. With proper care and dental maintenance, veneers can last well over a decade. But that’s no promise – injury, neglect or general wear and tear could require the veneers to be replaced much sooner.
Veneers – unless you are a very skilled negotiator – are considered cosmetic procedures by most insurance companies. That means they are unlikely to cover much, or any, of the cost of veneer replacement. Prices for out-of-pocket treatment can run from $500 to well over $2,000. It is not uncommon for dental practices to offer financial plans to cover treatment.