Section 1
What Are Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are precisely cut, thin slices of porcelain that are permanently and seamlessly bonded to the surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance. In doing so, veneers are one of the most efficient ways for a smile makeover.
Modern-day porcelain is inherently a strong, durable, and nonporous material, often stronger than the natural enamel of your permanent teeth. Porcelain veneers not only enhance the aesthetics of your smile, but they also have a long life expectancy.
They are known to resist common staining agents such as coffee and cigarettes (although smoking is still not recommended) and repel odor-producing bacteria. They are also biocompatible, esthetic, insoluble, and quite hard.
On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, dental porcelain rates at a 7, which on par with quartz. Generally speaking, dental porcelain is the industry standard for life-like, durable, and aesthetically pleasing dental work materials.
Tell us: Are you thinking about getting dental veneers?
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers last, on average, about 10 to 15 years. They can last 20+ years and still look great with the right maintenance.
The longevity of porcelain veneers usually comes down to proper care and good oral hygiene. Just like your natural teeth, which are prone to decay with a lack of oral hygiene, veneers can become stained when exposed to beverages and food without proper oral hygiene.
Veneers Process
Typically the whole veneers process will require just three appointments.
The first is merely to identify which treatment or procedure is best suited for your needs and budget. Once it has been determined and decided that porcelain veneers are the way to go, a second appointment will be necessary to prepare the teeth.
During this second preparatory visit, the dentist will lightly buff your teeth in order to remove a small portion of the enamel to accommodate the proposed veneers.
On the same visit, molds of the teeth to be treated will be taken and sent to a lab for fabrication of the porcelain veneers.
Finally, on the final visit, the dentist or prosthodontist in question will bond your custom veneers to your teeth utilizing a very strong, specialized bonding agent. Once this process is complete, you are done!
Your veneers are now an extension of your natural teeth.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Dental veneers are permanent, but they are not forever.
Let me explain, bonding cement is a substance that microscopically creates bridges from your real tooth to the porcelain so that it adheres to your tooth and becomes one. Think of it as the glue for a press-on nail—only you can’t get this one off once it’s on.
After the bonding cement is in place, and the dental veneer is on your tooth, the bonding cement is cured with a tiny handheld UV light to secure everything in place.
With that said, with good oral hygiene, dental veneers could easily last 20+ years, at which point they will need to be replaced.
To replace dental veneers, the dentist carefully drills off the old veneer around the natural tooth. Once completed, the process starts over.
Section 2
How To Take Care of Veneers
If you want to help your dental veneers to last for a long time, I recommend the following steps.
1. Practice proper hygiene.
Though porcelain veneers do not decay, portions of the teeth can be exposed and at risk of decay. I recommend you brush twice a day. I highly recommend an electronic toothbrush to reach areas a traditional toothbrush often cannot reach because of the veneers. I also recommend you floss at least once a day.
2. Avoid foods that stain your teeth.
Today’s porcelain veneers are mostly stain resistant. The problem is the adhesive used to keep your dental veneers attached are not stain resistant.
Avoid drinks such as wine, coffee, and sodas.
I recommend using a straw when drinking beverages that are prone to stain.
3. Use a good toothbrush and toothpaste.
Be sure when brushing your teeth to use a soft toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes will damage your dental veneers. Also, avoid toothpaste with harsh abrasives.
4. Don't smoke.
5. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth.
Grinding or clenching your teeth will eventually cause severe damage to your veneers and prematurely wear down the veneer. If this is a habit, you have to be sure to mention it to your prosthodontist for a solution.
6. Get frequent dental check-ups.
Keep regular scheduled dental appointments. I recommend at least two dental checkups a year. This will prolong the life of your veneers.
Section 3
Veneers Before and After
Section 4
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The costs of dental veneers can vary from dentist to dentist, but on average range from $800 to $1,500.
Veneer Cost Factors
Several factors can determine the veneer cost. The following are some of the most common influences on veneer cost price:
- The quality of veneer (resin or laminate)
- The size of the dental veneers that you will require
- Different locations across the country can influence the price
At Willow Pass Dental Care, we provide affordable veneers.
Section 5
Am I A Good Candidate for Veneers?
Most people who are looking at getting veneers are wanting to correct a dental issue. For example, some don’t like the color of their teeth or want to get rid of crooked teeth without getting braces. Others have front teeth that are chipped, and some patients have veneers who want a more natural finish than what they currently have.
You would be a good candidate for any of those reasons I have mentioned above as long as you have healthy gums and good oral hygiene.
