are wafer-thin porcelain shells that can be bonded to the fronts of teeth to improve the appearance of any smile. Our Troy, MI, cosmetic dentist may recommend porcelain veneers if you have certain imperfections, like gapped, chipped, or irregularly shaped teeth, that show when you smile and talk.
In the meantime, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from patients on the topic of . We hope this comprehensive guide becomes a valuable tool while you decide whether this option is right for you.
What Happens During the Veneers Procedure?
From start to finish, the porcelain veneers procedurerequires multiple trips to our Troy, MI, dental office. During your first visit with us, we’ll need to remove a thin layer of enamel (about ½ millimeter) from the fronts of your teeth to make room for the veneers.
We’ll then take impressions of your teeth to send to the lab that will make your dental veneers. Temporary covers will be put on your teeth to protect them until we’re ready for the final placement of porcelain veneers.
During your second appointment with us, we’ll remove your temporary veneers and replace them with the permanent ones. Our local cosmetic dentist will examine the size, shape, and color of your veneers to make sure they match the rest of your smile.
Don’t be alarmed if our dentist makes slight adjustments to your porcelain veneers before bonding them to your teeth. This is done to make sure your final smile looks beautiful and natural.
Once our dentist is satisfied with the way your custom dental veneers look and fit, we’ll clean, polish, and etch the surface of your teeth. This roughens the tooth so it can bond strongly with your new porcelain veneers. We then carefully cement each veneer in place, using a light beam to strengthen the bond.
How Long Does It Take to Get Veneers?
As mentioned above, it takes two appointments for us to plan and place your porcelain dental veneers. Since your veneers will be made in an outside lab, it generally takes about 2 to 4 weeks for us to receive them.
The dental lab will create your tooth veneers from the dental impressions we take in our office. That way, you can be sure you’re getting veneers that will look natural and sit comfortably on the surface of your teeth.
What Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are able to repair slight cosmetic damage to teeth that show when you talk and smile. Our dentist may recommend veneers for front teeth that have slight chips, cracks, discoloration, stains, and other cosmetic issues. Many of our patients appreciate that veneers for teeth match the rest of their smile and look natural.
Don’t underestimate the power of having a beautiful healthy smile. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious of your teeth, you owe it to yourself to schedule a veneers consultation with our dentist. From there, we will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for the procedure.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?
One of the disadvantages of dental veneers is that we have to remove a thin layer of healthy tooth structure to make room for your veneers. However, it’s worth noting that we don’t have to remove as much healthy tooth structure for veneers as we would for a dental crown. Since a dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, we would have to remove more enamel to make room.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The out-of-pocket cost of your veneers will depend on how much your insurance is willing to cover. Before scheduling the first appointment, we highly recommend you call your insurance company to learn what cosmetic dental procedures are covered by your policy. This will save you the headache of trying to deal with unexpected costs later.
Our office accepts all insurance, but only participates with Cigna, Delta Dental Premiere, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Traditional. We also accept all forms of payment, which include cash, checks, all major credit cards, and CareCredit.
Are Veneers Painful to Get?
Since we only remove a thin layer of enamel from the fronts of your teeth, you most likely won’t need pain relievers. However, our dentist will do everything possible to make sure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
If you have sensitive teeth, you may want to take over-the-counter pain relievers after getting traditional porcelain veneers to manage any dental discomfort. It’s important to understand that each patient is different.
Depending on your medical history, you may have a higher or lower pain tolerance than some of our other patients. Before you leave with your permanent veneers, we’ll check your bite to make sure you’ll be able to chew without pain or discomfort.
How Do I Take Care of Veneers?
Porcelain veneers don’t require special care. You can take care of them like you would your natural teeth. If you aren’t already, you’ll need to brush twice a day and floss once daily.
You’ll also need to see our dentist at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. If we still find excessive plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth, we may recommend adding a fluoride mouth rinse to your daily oral hygiene routine to strengthen enamel.
While front teeth veneers are durable, they aren’t indestructible. To avoid chipping them, don’t chew ice or use your teeth as tools. Chewing hard foods (like popcorn kernels) can chip the outer layer of your teeth, which is why it’s important to pay attention to what you eat.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
The will depend on how well you take care of them. Patients who smoke, neglect oral hygiene, or use their teeth as tools tend to need their dental veneers replaced sooner. On average, veneers can last between 7 and 15 years. However, to expect these same results, you’ll need to take excellent care of your teeth.
It’s important to understand that the health of your entire mouth will affect the longevity of any restoration, including veneers. For example, patients with advanced gum disease often have untreated plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth and gums. Once plaque and tartar builds up on the surface of your veneers, it could discolor the dental restoration over time and reduce its functional lifespan.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Veneers?
If you have a tooth made fragile by trauma or decay, our dentist may recommend a dental crown. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth, restoring its natural strength and appearance.
If your teeth are discolored, but healthy, we may recommend teeth whitening to help you smile with confidence. Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist to learn what procedure is best for your teeth and gums.
What Types of Dentists Offer Veneers?
You’ll need to see a cosmetic dentist who has extensive experience with the veneers procedure. While plenty of dentists offer porcelain veneers, our dentist has years of experience helping patients smile with confidence. is both a science and an art.
Our dentist understands how to create veneers that will match the rest of your smile in shape, size, and color. Even something like the shade of white we use for your veneers will affect the appearance of your smile.
It’s important that you see our cosmetic dentist for porcelain veneers. Our dentist regularly attends continuing education courses to stay up to date on the absolute best treatments for her patients.
Schedule a Veneers Consultation
Our cosmetic dentist in Troy, MI, is dedicated to helping you maintain a beautiful healthy smile with porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and more. To request an appointment, call Mosaic Dental today at (248) 528-2270.
This post has been updated.
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