Dental veneers are extremely popular among celebrities and everyday people alike. They are used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. At URBN Dental, we specialize in porcelain veneers, i.e., the best types of dental veneers to improve your smile. If you are interested in learning more about veneers, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact URBN Dental today. You can find our dental clinic in Uptown Houston, a short drive from the Galleria shopping mall.
Below, we answer your questions about porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers, no-prep veneers, temporary veneers, veneers cost, and much more.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are extremely thin laminates of tooth-colored porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are used to change the color, size, shape and length of teeth. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry option because they can provide a natural looking smile makeover in just a few visits to the dentist. Veneers can be used to fix many different types of dental problems, including teeth that are discolored or stained, chipped or worn, and misaligned or gapped.
What Can Dental Veneers Treat?
Dental veneers are usually made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. They are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to change their color, shape, size, or length. Veneers can be used to correct a number of cosmetic dental problems. They are often used to improve the appearance of teeth that are:
- Discolored
- Worn down
- Chipped or broken
- Misaligned or irregular in shape
- Too small or too large
Types of Veneers
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are very popular because they offer a natural-looking, durable, and stain-resistant solution for improving the appearance of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are made from ultra-thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-crafted to fit over the front surfaces of your teeth.
To prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel from the front surfaces of your teeth. Once your teeth have been prepared, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab, where your custom veneers will be made.
Once your veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office for a second appointment to have them bonded to your teeth. Porcelain veneers can last for many years with proper care.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made from a tooth-colored composite resin material that can be custom-tinted to match the color of your natural teeth. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers, and the preparation process is less invasive because your dentist will not need to remove as much enamel from your teeth.
Composite veneers can be placed in a single office visit, and they provide an excellent solution for repairing small chips or cracks, closing small gaps, and improving the color of your teeth. However, composite veneers are not as durable as porcelain veneers and they may require more frequent touch-ups and replacements over time.
No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers, also known as minimal prep veneers, are a type of veneer that does not require the removal of any tooth enamel before they are placed. No-prep veneers are made from a thinner composite material, and they are bonded directly to your natural teeth with a special adhesive.
No-prep veneers are an excellent solution for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth with veneers but don’t want to damage their tooth enamel. However, no-prep veneers are not as durable as traditional veneers and they may not last as long.
The type of veneer that is right for you will depend on your budget, your aesthetic goals, and the condition of your teeth. Your dentist will help you choose the best type of veneer for your smile makeover.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers Over Composite Veneers:
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials. Porcelain veneers are more popular than composite veneers because they look more natural and last longer. The following are the benefits of porcelain veneers over composite veneers:
- Porcelain veneers are more durable. Porcelain is a stronger material than composite, so porcelain veneers are less likely to chip or break. They can last for 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper care.
- Porcelain veneers resist staining. Porcelain is a smooth, non-porous material that doesn’t absorb stains the way composite does. This means your porcelain veneer will stay looking white and bright for many years.
- Porcelain veneers look more natural. A porcelain veneer can be made to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. Composite veneers are sometimes made slightly larger than your natural teeth, which can give your smile a “ fake ” look.
The Dental Veneers Procedure: Start to Finish
The dental veneers procedure usually takes two visits to the dentist. The first visit is to prepare the tooth or teeth, take impressions, and provide temporary veneers. The second visit is to place the permanent veneers with dental cement.
During the first visit for tooth preparation, the dentist will:
- Remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth or teeth. This is necessary to make room for the veneer.
- Take an impression of the tooth or teeth. The impression will be sent to the dental laboratory to make the veneers.
- Place temporary veneers on the tooth or teeth. The temporary veneer will protect the tooth while the permanent veneers are being made.
During the second visit, the dentist will:
- Place the permanent veneer on the tooth or teeth.
- Make sure the dental veneer is the right size, shape, and color.
- Trim the dental veneer if necessary.
- Cement the veneer in place with dental cement.
- Give you instructions on how to care for your new veneers.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
The answer isn’t quite as simple as you might think because there are two main types of dental veneers – porcelain veneers and composite veneers. And, of course, the cost of each type of veneers will differ. Traditional porcelain veneers usually cost more than composite veneers cost because they are more durable and require more preparation.
There are several factors that can influence the cost of dental veneers, including:
- The number of veneers that you need: The more veneers you need, the more it will cost.
- The type of veneers: As we mentioned, there are two types of veneers – traditional porcelain veneers and composite. And, as you now know, porcelain veneers are usually more expensive.
- The dentist you use: Obviously, the dentist you choose will have an impact on the cost. More experienced and well-renowned dentists will tend to charge more.
- The dental lab: The lab that produces your veneers will also have an impact on the cost. If your cosmetic dentist uses a high-end dental lab, you can expect to pay more.
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about dental veneers. If you’re looking for a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you must contact highly-skilled dentists specializing in the latest cosmetic procedure, such as teeth whitening, dental crown, removable veneers, broken teeth repairs, and more. You must also maintain optimal dental hygiene to increase the longevity of your dental veneers.
