Does the appearance of your teeth keep you from smiling? Porcelain veneers may be the perfect solution! Discover how our cosmetic dentists at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can use this popular treatment to help you attain a radiant new smile you’ll want to put on display.
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What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers can easily restore the appearance of chips, gaps, stains, and other aesthetic conditions affecting your teeth. A porcelain dental veneer is a custom-designed piece of porcelain that covers the front and side portions of your tooth. At our practice, Dr. Robert Schlossberg and Dr. Deborah Klotz personalize every aspect of the treatment plan to produce beautiful and natural-looking results, effectively hiding teeth imperfections for many years to come.
What’s the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?
Dental crowns and veneers can both enhance the smile, but the two treatments differ in several ways. Since porcelain veneers are designed to cover only the front surface of teeth, they are generally recommended when a patient desires to improve the appearance of teeth that are otherwise healthy and strong. In contrast, dental crowns are made to cover the entire tooth, providing restoration and support to teeth affected by significant damage, decay, and/or other structural issues. They are also utilized to cap dental implants when replacing missing teeth.
Depending on your unique needs, our cosmetic dentists can determine whether porcelain veneers or crowns would be best for your smile goals.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers?
Pros
Treatment with porcelain veneers can renew teeth affected by a wide range of aesthetic issues, including:
- Gaps
- Chips
- Misalignment
- Stains and discolorations
- Worn down teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Each veneer is custom-designed to fit as precisely and seamlessly as possible, ultimately creating beautiful, natural-looking results that have a positive effect on the overall appearance of your smile. To see for yourself, please take a look at some of the smile transformations our dentists have achieved with porcelain dental veneers.
Cons
Perhaps the only con associated with porcelain veneers is that the procedure is irreversible due to the small amount of tooth enamel removal needed to accommodate the veneer. Having said that, virtually all patients are so thrilled with the appearance of their new smile that this aspect of treatment is rarely an issue.
What Does the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Entail?
Dr. Deb or Dr. Rob will first evaluate your needs and help you determine if porcelain veneer treatment is the best option for you. If you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, your dentist will remove a very small portion of the original tooth in order to accommodate the veneer. Then, they will take a dental impression of your teeth, making it possible to create a precise fit. Once made, the veneers will be bonded to the front of the prepared teeth with a durable cement. Finally, the veneers will be color-tinted to achieve the finest results possible.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The average cost of porcelain veneers at Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can vary from patient to patient, based on the number of veneers needed.
It is important to note that not all dental veneer treatments are created equal, which is often reflected in pricing. Along with the type of veneers and quality of materials utilized, factors that can impact cost include where the practice is geographically located and the experience of the dentist.
To receive a custom quote for porcelain veneers, please feel free to schedule an appointment with one of our cosmetic dentists. During your visit, Dr. Deb or Dr. Rob can determine how many veneers are needed to achieve your smile makeover and provide you with an estimate of what you can expect to pay. If interested, a member of our friendly staff can also discuss dental financing options with you at this time.
Are There Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers?
While porcelain veneers are a great way to improve your smile’s structure, function, and overall appearance, if it is determined that this treatment is not right for you, there are a variety of alternatives that our practice offers. Bethesda Sedation Dentistry can provide dental bonding and dental crowns to address tooth damage, Invisalign® treatment for misalignment, and teeth whitening for correcting discoloration. Our team can better determine which treatment is right for your specific needs based on your goals and input at your initial consultation.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?
Insurance coverage for certain dental procedures will be based on the individual policy. Generally, porcelain veneers are not covered by insurance as it is considered an elective and cosmetic procedure. Typically, insurance will only cover dental procedures that are treating a medical concern. Our team will be able to discuss all financial costs with you at your initial consultation.
How strong are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, similar to your original and natural teeth, can be broken with the right amount of force and pressure; however, they are generally very durable and can last a long time without any breaks or cracks. It may surprise some that the thin strip of porcelain that is used for veneers can be so strong. One factor that increases the overall support of porcelain veneers is that the appliance is bonded with your natural teeth, providing an increase in structural stability and functionality.
Do porcelain veneers stain?
As with natural teeth and most dental appliances, there are several foods and beverages that can stain and discolor your smile over an extended period of time. With porcelain veneers, staining can be highly reduced and mitigated due the naturally-stain-resistant material of porcelain. With the proper maintenance and oral hygiene habits, the longevity of porcelain veneers can be extended, as well. Patients can expect to have a teeth-whitening experience when receiving porcelain veneers due to how natural-looking and white the appliance can be. Custom-shaded veneers are also available for patients who want to adjust the color of their veneers to their own personal liking.
Can porcelain veneers be whitened?
It is not recommended to have your porcelain veneers whitened through traditional whitening methods if your appliance has become discolored. If you are looking to brighten the tone of your veneers, you should consult your dentist first. Through rigorous oral hygiene routines at home and teeth cleanings at your dentist, your porcelain veneers can maintain a white glow for years to come. In the event that your porcelain veneers become severely stained, you may wish to have them replaced with a new set.
Are porcelain veneers reversible?
While porcelain veneers can be removed, they are not considered a reversible treatment because of the type of preparation that goes into placing them on your teeth. In order to make room for porcelain veneers, a certain amount of enamel is taken out to ensure a perfect fit. While not reversible, porcelain veneers are certainly replaceable. If there is an issue with your veneers, your dentist or a professional dental surgeon will be able to provide you with a replacement.
Contact Bethesda Sedation Dentistry
Please contact Bethesda Sedation Dentistry online or via phone if you would like more information on porcelain dental veneers, or to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists.
