Veneers are thin, shell-like coverings that bond with teeth and give your smile a bright, rejuvenated and, most importantly, healthy appearance. They are used to address a variety of dental issues, including chipped teeth, discoloration, misaligned or crooked teeth, and gapping between teeth. Since veneers have a major impact on the appearance of your smile, they fall under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. That’s not to say, however, that they don’t offer other benefits beyond the scope of aesthetics as well. For instance, veneers also provide support for your teeth, protect them from staining and damage, and in some cases they can even be used in lieu of certain minor orthodontic procedures. (Learn even more about their benefits here.)
There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite. Which material we use is determined by a few different factors that can vary between patients, so the choice will be personalized for your specific needs. With that said, here are a few of the key differences between porcelain and composite veneers:
Last longer 10-15 years
Very strong
Stain resistant
Irreversible
Last 4-8 years
More prone to chipping, but also easier to repair
Not stain resistant
Easier to make adjustments if you don’t like the fit or appearance
Whether you’re looking into veneers for their cosmetic or their medical benefits, and regardless of what material you go with, they are certainly a worthy investment. So, this begs the question…
Generally speaking, our veneers start at $1450, but we recommend booking an appointment so you can get a more specific idea of what to expect. Depending on the reason you’re getting the procedure, your insurance may cover it if it’s deemed medically necessary. If your insurance won’t cover it, there are also financing options like CareCredit that allow you to pay off the procedure in smaller increments over time.
The first step begins with a consultation, where we take a look at the affected tooth (or teeth) and determine whether or not veneers are the right choice for you. Once we’ve taken a look, we can also determine whether porcelain or composite veneers would be best suited for you. The two kinds of materials entail slightly different processes for application.
Before applying a porcelain veneer, we will need to remove all enamel from the tooth. Then, we make an impression of it and send it to a lab that will make the veneer. After receiving the veneer from the lab, we shape and mold it for the perfect fit, and finally, bond it onto the tooth.
Composite veneers require less enamel to be removed. Once the necessary amount is stripped from the tooth, we apply a composite material that can be shaped to the desired appearance and feel. Once it feels and looks good, we send it to the lab and the veneers are made based off of the model we created. Once we receive the finished product, we bond it to the tooth and further shape it for the most comfortable fit. It’s worth noting that for both porcelain and composite veneers, the whole process can take multiple sessions, making veneers not only an investment of your money, but also your time. However, it’s an investment we highly recommend because you can’t put a price on a healthy, confident smile!
Still have questions? Give us a call or come in and see us so we can help you make a dental health decision you feel good about. Book an appointment with us today!