What are veneers?
Veneers are an aesthetic option when you want to fix your front teeth. For example, if you broke your two front teeth, have a little chip area, or have discoloration that you're unhappy with or unevenness in your smile that you want to fix, veneers are an option for you.
When would a dentist recommend using veneers?
Veneers are very less invasive. We would recommend veneers if you have a big chip in your teeth that we can't put a regular filling in for you, significant discoloration that you're unhappy with, unevenness in your teeth, or smile irregularities that you're unhappy with.
What is the difference between dental veneers and crowns?
Dental veneers are like a front tile in your mouth. You still have most of your own teeth, with three-quarters of your tooth still yours. A dental crown involves removing the whole circumference of your tooth, while with dental veneers, you only remove the face of what you see.
What is the process for placing veneers?
The process of placing veneers involves coming into our office for a little wax up to see what your veneers would look like. You will wear that shape for the next two weeks until we fabricate your veneers. We remove only a minimum of one millimeter of your tooth structure right in the front; everything in the back of your teeth is still yours. We then give you a temporary veneer, have a veneer fabricated for you, and restore what your teeth would look like. All the unevenness and discoloration will be gone, so you have teeth that look natural, with the color matching your own teeth.
What are the differences between porcelain and composite veneers?
Porcelain does not discolor, while composite will discolor over time. With a composite veneer, you will see a tint of yellow over time that would need to be polished off. The composite layer would be shortened over time, but porcelain veneers will not discolor, will not be abrasive, and will not change color over time. I recommend porcelain veneers as their strength is much better.
What should I do to care for my dental veneers?
Like your regular teeth, brush, floss, and visit your dentist every six months regularly. That's all you need to do.
How much do veneers cost?
Veneers range from $600 to $1,000. However, getting back your smile, changing discoloration, teeth irregularity, and restoring function is worth more than the cost of a veneer.
Are there any financing options for getting veneers?
Yes, we have many options here at our office. We will work with you to ensure we provide an option that you're happy with.
Does insurance cover the cost of veneers?
Unfortunately, insurance doesn't cover veneers as they view it as cosmetic, even if you chipped a big piece of your tooth. However, we will definitely look into it for you and file your insurance to help you out. You can also call your insurance to see if they will cover it, but in our experience, most insurances do not.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers, or cosmetic teeth veneers, are an ultra-thin shell of porcelain or composite resin material that is bonded to the front of a tooth. These are ideal for improving the tooth’s esthetic appearance and may also be used to protect damage to the tooth’s surface. Porcelain may be fabricated in a laboratory in Palm Harbor and bonded to the tooth or a composite veneer may be directly built up in the mouth.
The procedure begins by visiting our Palm Harbor office to determine if veneers are the best option for you, or if there are alternative solutions available. At this time, it is critical to communicate the cosmetic dentistry improvements you would like made to your teeth. At this appointment, we will analyze your smile and create a custom treatment plan specifically for you.
At your next appointment, we will begin to prepare your teeth. The teeth will be lightly buffed to remove a thin layer. You may receive local anesthesia if desired. Composite resin veneers are generally completed in one appointment. Your cosmetic dentist, will carefully bond and sculpt the composite material to your teeth.
For porcelain teeth veneers, our team of dentists uses the prestigious da Vinci veneers – seen on the television shows “Extreme Makeover” and “The Swan.” Created by da Vinci Dental Studios in West Hills, California, da Vinci veneers provide the best in cosmetic dentistry and can literally change your entire smile in just a few visits. We will take a mold of your teeth and send it to the lab for fabrication. If desired, we can create temporary veneers for you to wear until your permanent ones are ready from the dental lab.
Bonding Porcelain Veneers
You will return to our Palm Harbor office once your porcelain veneers have been sculpted in the laboratory. Our team of doctors will remove your temporary veneers, if necessary, and lightly place your new, permanent veneers on your teeth to ensure they fit and the color matches perfectly. When you look at the veneers on your teeth, pay particular attention to the color. If necessary, your cosmetic dentist can adjust the shade of your veneers with the shade of cement used to bond them to the tooth. Once you approve your new porcelain veneers, we will bond them to your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will cleanse the tooth with special chemicals, apply the veneer with light-sensitive cement, and harden the bond with a light beam.
Because they are individually sculpted for you in the laboratory, it is nearly impossible to notice a difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Contact us today to find out how our veneer specialists in Palm Harbor can enhance your existing smile.