Veneers are made up of a thin layer of porcelain that is fitted over the front sides of your teeth to mask chips, discoloration, and other positioning flaws. They are made to match the color and shape of your own teeth, so choosing a doctor with a great visual aesthetic is very important. A strong cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Thanh Luu here at Elevated Smiles in Carlsbad, will take the time to make sure the new veneer shape will not only enhance your smile but also match perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
Is There an Alternative to Porcelain Veneers?
Composite bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers. Composite bonding is a special tooth-colored material that is shaped and bonded to the tooth. The main difference between bonding and veneers is that bonding is not a permanent fix to your problem. Bonding usually only lasts about five years before needing replacement while dental veneers can last up to 25 years. If you’re not ready to commit to dental veneers though, dental bonding might be a great starter option!
Ask your dentist what type of veneer is best for you. If you only need minor cosmetic enhancements, composite bonding may be better for you.
Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?
Veneers are not generally a painful process. Veneers may or may not require local anesthesia and little of the original tooth structure is lost when they are placed. Those are two key upsides to veneers. After numbness subsides, there is very little discomfort during the healing process. You likely only need over-the-counter pain medication if any to stay comfortable.
Do Porcelain Veneers Stain?
No! One of the best aspects of having porcelain veneers is that they don’t stain. You never have to worry about always drinking through a straw to avoid staining your teeth. Your veneers will look just as beautifully white in a few years as they do on the day you get them. Enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks that stain your teeth without yellowing your smile.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Veneers will last somewhere between 10 to 25 years, depending on your level of care and maintenance. Of course, proper dental care and hygiene are key to making veneers work for you. Brushing twice daily for 2 minutes, flossing daily, and wearing a bite guard at night is a great way to protect the veneers. Avoid eating very hard foods like nuts, or cracking shells with the front veneers. If you chew on ice or bite your nails, you’ll need to work towards nixing the habit in order to protect the veneers for years to come.
What Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
An investment in your smile is an investment in your future, which is why you owe it to yourself to discuss veneers. Not every patient has the same needs for porcelain veneers. Some patients might only require one or two veneers to perfect their smile while another patient requires almost an entire mouth. Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what the cost of your treatment is until you visit us for a consultation since every patient varies in price. We can tell you that on average, individual veneers cost anywhere from $800 to $3,000 each.
If you’re wondering if dental insurance covers porcelain veneers, the answer is very unlikely. We recommend checking with your insurance but this is usually not a procedure they cover since it’s cosmetic. It doesn’t hurt to ask though!
To receive a customized dental treatment plan, please schedule a Free Cosmetic Consultation with one of our top Carlsbad cosmetic dentist – Dr. Thanh Luu.
What Is The Process?
After the initial consultation and a review of your x-rays, you can expect the dentist to remove about 0.5mm of the enamel of your tooth as an initial preparatory step, to allow room for the new veneer.
If you are getting permanent veneers, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a mold, then fit you with temporaries. The mold will be sent to the laboratory and the veneers will be prepared within a week or two.
Once the new veneers arrive, the dentist will make sure everything is perfect before adhering them to your teeth with a cementing agent.
After the process is complete, your dentist will guide you on proper care and make sure you are scheduling regular cleanings to maintain the health of your new veneers.
Will My Teeth Feel Sensitive with Porcelain Veneers?
Getting porcelain veneers requires two visits to our dental office. It’s likely you experience some discomfort or sensitivity after your first appointment when we remove the thin layer of your enamel. However, once we place your permanent veneers, all sensitivity should subside.
Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers in Carlsbad, CA
If you’re ready to achieve a smile that’s whiter, straighter, more symmetrical, and overall more beautiful, contact our Carlsbad cosmetic dentist today to schedule a free consultation. Please call (760) 622-3010 to start your journey to a better smile today!
