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Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are customized thin pieces of porcelain utilized to treat dental conditions and transform the smile. Veneers are an alternative treatment for crowns. Veneers are not a permanent treatment and may require replacement. This treatment can be maintained with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to Valley Alder Family Dentistry.

Patients may need veneers for:

  • Cosmetically transforming the smile
  • Crooked or Misshapen teeth
  • Discoloration or stains
  • Spacing issues
  • Chipped teeth

Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

Candidates for veneers are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles and wish to change their smiles. Patients must be free of oral health issues to undergo this treatment. If patients have any dental health issues, Dr. Patel will have to address the condition before performing a veneer treatment. Patients will meet with Dr. Patel for a comprehensive dental examination to determine if the porcelain veneers treatment is right for them.
Dr. Patel will perform an oral examination and various other tests including a digital X-ray exam to assess whether a porcelain veneer treatment is right for the patient. If the patient is a candidate, Dr. Patel will create a dental treatment plan detailing the entire process. Patients will be educated on all pre- and post-treatment instructions during this appointment. Porcelain veneers can be performed as a stand-alone treatment or combined with another dental treatment.

Porcelain Veneers Treatment

Porcelain veneers can help patients address a number of cosmetic dental issues. Veneers benefits also include:
  • Customized to match the patient’s smile
  • High-quality materials
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy care
Patients may require veneer replacement. Dr. Patel can replace porcelain veneers one at a time and reinvigorate the smile. At Valley Family Dentistry, Dr. Patel uses the highest quality materials for porcelain veneers to help create a more natural, yet beautiful smile. During the porcelain veneer consultation appointment, Dr. Patel will educate the patient on all aspects of the treatment and help the patient decide whether this treatment is right for them.

Proper Care for Veneers

Porcelain veneers require no special care. Veneers can be cared for like a natural tooth. Patients can resume their daily oral hygiene process following a porcelain veneer treatment. To help extend the life of the veneers, patients can use a soft toothbrush, avoid toothpaste with baking soda, and avoid harsh mouthwashes. Patients should also schedule biannual visits to our office to ensure that they are properly taking care of their porcelain veneers.

Contact Valley Alder Family Dentistry

Contact our friendly staff at Valley Alder Family Dentistry to learn more about the porcelain veneers process. Dr. Patel provides state-of-the-art dental care and treatments that can help transform the smile. Achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of with Valley Alder Family Dentistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of veneers is largely influenced by the material they are made of. The cost of porcelain veneers ranges between $900 and $2,500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the work. Resin composite veneers tend to be more affordable, with the price ranging from $300 to $900.

Teeth whitening is an effective procedure if your main concern is discoloration or surface stains on teeth. Professional teeth whitening is safe for your teeth, and the results can last up to 3 years with proper care. Dental bonding can be used to mask stains that do not respond to whitening, or other imperfections such as chips, cracks, or minor gaps between the teeth. Dental veneers are the most extensive procedure of the three, which can completely alter the appearance of your teeth. Veneers can be used to restore structurally damaged teeth and mask cosmetic defects. Also, veneers are an irreversible procedure, as it permanently alters your teeth.

Porcelain veneers last for 10 to 15 years, while resin composite veneers last for 5 to 7 years. The longevity of your veneers also depends on your oral care routine and personal and dietary habits. If you experience bruxism (involuntary teeth grinding and jaw clenching) or use your teeth as tools, it can make your veneers wear off quicker or chip and fracture.

When a veneer breaks or falls off, the tooth underneath is left exposed to bacteria and acid in the mouth. Since the tooth is filled down before veneer application, its natural enamel does not protect it effectively enough. Therefore, the risk of tooth infection or damage increases when a veneer is compromised. That is why it is necessary to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible (preferably the same day) and have your veneer repaired or replaced.

Porcelain veneers look very natural, as the material mimics the appearance and translucency of natural teeth enamel. Also, high-quality veneers have slight variations in their shape and surface texture, just like our teeth. For your veneers to look as natural as possible, we recommend making sure that their shade matches your skin tone and age. Overly white veneers can appear fake even if they are high-quality.

Two materials most commonly used for dental veneers are porcelain and resin composite. Porcelain veneers are a gold standard, as they closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth enamel and are durable and stain-resistant. However, resin composite veneers tend to be more affordable.

Dental veneers do not damage your teeth, but the way they are applied alters your teeth permanently. For veneers to fit, some of the tooth enamel has to be removed, meaning that the teeth will rely on veneers for protection instead of their natural enamel. This makes dental veneers an irreversible procedure. Once your veneers wear off, you will have to replace them with a new set or with dental crowns.

Dental veneers are typically not covered by insurance because they are considered an elective cosmetic procedure. Some comprehensive dental insurance plans may partially cover veneers if they are used to restore a cracked or broken tooth and can be proven to be a medical necessity.

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