While many people prefer to let nature take its course when it comes to teeth damage, others rely on specific, goal-oriented dental procedures. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures of today is porcelain veneer treatment.
Veneers have come a long way. Through the years, dental laboratories have improved the quality of porcelain veneers and helped people in making choices. If you’re new to veneers, you can learn important facts in this simple article.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are small, custom-made shells placed over broken, stained, or damaged teeth. Usually, these veneers are placed externally – just over teeth enamel. Even though these veneers are small, they are extremely durable and can last for up to 15 years. With proper care, veneers can go beyond that range!
If you heard someone say that veneers are for the rich, they’re somehow correct. Veneers are expensive because they are the hallmark of dental cosmetics. They can make damaged teeth appear beautiful and evenly measured. While veneers don’t fix deep gum infection problems, they are still considered as long-term dental solutions.
What if you’re strapped for budget but really in need of a cosmetic solution? In that case, you should check out composite veneers. These are different from porcelain veneers since they’re made of resin. Composite veneers are cheaper and can be fitted at a small amount of time. For that, you have to sacrifice durability. On average, composite veneers can last for 4-8 years – depending on your oral hygiene. Also, composite veneers are not stain-resistant, unlike porcelain veneers.
Another best way to control your veneer expenses is to rely on dental insurance coverage. Some plans do not cover veneers, while others do. Not all dental offices have the same policies when it comes to insurance, so you need to do your homework. Don’t hesitate to visit the websites of various dental clinics so that you can become more aware of insurance policies and fees. Reviews of dental clinics can help, but you should take them with a grain of salt. If a dental clinic has lots of positive reviews, then you probably spotted a winner. And before agreeing to a dental plan, always read the fine print and understand everything. Ask questions so that you can avoid overpaying or settling for mediocre veneer coverage.
Veneers Treatment – A Breakdown
A veneer procedure starts with a smile analysis. The dentist will analyze your smile, as well as your face and mouth measurement. This process is important because it will determine the accuracy of the veneers.
After the analysis, the dentist will get a mold impression of your teeth. This impression will then be sent to a dental laboratory. From there, the lab technician will rely on the impression to come up with your custom veneers. The whole process takes approximately 1-2 weeks.
If you need a porcelain veneer fast, your dentist will utilize temporary veneers. These are placed over your teeth through a special bonding cement and bonding laser. You may feel pain for a while, but it’s generally manageable. If there are other symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist right away.
You must also be aware that the dentist might consider shaving off specific portions of your teeth. The main reason for this is to ensure that the veneers will fit properly. If there are no alignment problems, then your dentist won’t have to shave your teeth. This is a standard part of the veneer procedure.
Conclusion
If you want to get a porcelain veneer, awareness plays an important role. You must understand the veneer procedure and plan for its cost. Being prepared is always half the battle, and the aesthetic payoff is worth the sacrifice!
Here at Guelph Royal Dental, we want you to have an awesome, confidence-inspiring smile. Contact our office today to learn more.