What are Porcelain Veneers?

Not being happy with your smile can undermine your self-confidence and self-esteem, causing difficulty in almost every aspect of your life. Porcelain Veneers (Dental Veneers) are thin covers that adhere to the teeth, covering cosmetic imperfections in your smile to help you feel more attractive and confident.

How do you prepare for Dental Veneers?

During your first visit to Beacon Dental, your dentist will discuss any questions or concerns you have and examine your teeth and gums to determine whether veneers are a good option. In most cases, some preparation of the teeth themselves – including buffing and removal of small bits or plaque or enamel – will be necessary to ensure that the veneers adhere properly.

Why get Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are used to address cosmetic dental issues including cracks, gaps, crookedness, staining, or discoloration of the teeth. They are well-suited to covering broken or irregular teeth, or yellowed or browned teeth that do not respond to whitening treatments. Veneers most commonly cover front teeth which are particularly visible when you smile.

What can you expect during a Dental Veneer procedure?

Typically veneers will be applied over the course of multiple appointments, which can vary in duration depending on how many veneers you are getting. During your first visit, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth and find the best color to match with your natural teeth. The mold will be sent away to a dental laboratory for the veneers to be custom made, a process which may take a couple weeks. In the meantime, your dentist may give you temporary acrylic veneers. These can be sensitive to heat and cold and make it difficult to eat tough or sticky foods in the time between appointments. Permanent veneers will be applied to your teeth during the follow-up appointment, after your dentist has ensured that they are properly fitted.

What is the followup and recovery like for Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers should last 8-10 years or longer, depending on upkeep. If you notice any dental issues such as tooth sensitivity or breakages following application of veneers, followup appointments may be necessary to address the problem.

What are the potential costs for Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure and are therefore not typically covered by insurance.

What are the potential risks for Porcelain Veneers?

Application of veneers often requires removal of some natural enamel from the teeth, which is irreversible and means there is no going back once the procedure is performed. Veneers may also make it difficult to reach the gum line when brushing, which leads to an increased risk of gum disease. In rare cases, veneers can come with a risk of improperly aligned bite, unnatural appearance, tooth sensitivity, or cracks in veneer material.