Chipped teeth, stained teeth, cracked teeth, discolored teeth, or crooked teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. It may make you reluctant to open your mouth wide in public or to laugh. While you could get these problems treated with dental bonding, porcelain dental veneers, one of the most popular and versatile cosmetic dentistry options available today, can positively improve the appearance of your smile.
What are veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, semi-translucent shells made of a special ceramic material that is custom matched with your existing teeth. They are fitted and adhered to the outward surface of the tooth. This may require some preparation or shaving down of the tooth in order to accommodate the dental veneer. Certain new versions of veneers (e.g., Lumineers) will require less or no preparation of the tooth prior to placement of the veneer.
Once the veneers are placed, your smile will be enhanced. Since the veneers are semi-translucent, they will look natural rather than artificial. With proper dental care such as brushing and flossing and with regular dental checkups, your dental veneers can last for a number of years after you've received them.
If you are concerned about the preparation of the tooth for veneers or have other concerns with treatment, you can discuss this with your dentist, who will also let you know if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If not, he or she can recommend another comparable treatment, such as dental bonding or a teeth whitening regimen consisting of in-office and at-home products and systems. For more severe dental problems, dental crowns may be a better option than porcelain veneers.
Cost of Veneers
Cost may be another concern for some prospective patients since the price of porcelain veneers can range from $700 to $2,000 per tooth. There are financing options available for those interested in dental veneers which can be discussed with your dentist during a consultation.