Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a thin ceramic layer usually made out of porcelain or composite resin. In general, a dental veneer procedure is irreversible. After applying a local anesthetic or numbing agent, your dentist will file away a layer of tooth enamel and perform any necessary gum reshaping before fitting the veneers with dental adhesive. The procedure takes one to three hours.

Good dental care following your dental veneer procedure will help extend the lifetime of your dental veneers, but eventually they will need to be replaced. On average, your dental veneers will last 10 years before requiring replacement.

The largest difference between dental veneers and crowns is the amount of tooth they each cover. Dental crowns are designed to encase the entire tooth to protect and strengthen it. Veneers only cover the front part of the tooth which is seen when smiling, to create a more cosmetically attractive smile as well as strengthen the natural tooth structure.

Lumineers are a brand name of dental veneers. The main differences between lumineers and traditional veneers are the thickness. Lumineers are typically 0.3 mm thick compared to the traditional 0.5 mm because they are designed to cover the existing tooth surface without requiring your teeth to be smoothed out. This may result in a thicker tooth which can be difficult to clean. Ask your dentist which brand is right for you.

Because we do not offer a one price fits all approach, a consultation is really in your best interest. At that time, it can be determined what your goals are and a custom treatment plan can be explained. Often patients find they can address one tooth and it changes their whole smile. Others find they need a full set of veneers. Veneers can range in price starting at $1000.

For the most part, your dental veneers can be cared for in the same way you care for your other teeth. Regular brushing and teeth cleaning will help keep your teeth veneers clean. You will also need to keep an eye on any signs of degradation, which will happen eventually over time.