Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers can be a good choice for some patients over other cosmetic dentist procedures, such as orthodontics or bonding.  However, not all patients are suitable candidates.

What is a porcelain veneer?

A porcelain veneer is a very thin piece of custom-made tooth-colored material that covers the front surface of a tooth.  In most cases, porcelain veneers provide an entirely new natural-looking appearance to the teeth and make it possible to improve the function and health of your teeth as well as your smile’s appearance. In many cases, they can complete change – or at least have a dramatic improvement – in how your teeth look.

What are porcelain veneers used for?

Porcelain veneers are commonly used to correct the following cosmetic dental problems:  chipped or cracked teeth, unevenly shaped teeth, excessively worn enamel, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth.

However, there are many other reasons why dentists may treat patients using porcelain veneers, which include improving bite function or reshaping the tooth’s contour in order to restore chewing efficiency. Porcelain veneers can also be an effective treatment for sensitive teeth by preventing exposed dentin at the gum line. Will my insurance cover it? Unfortunately, most insurance plans won’t cover porcelain veneer costs because they consider it a cosmetic procedure.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

In most cases, porcelain veneers are expected to last from five to 10 years before replacement is needed. However, some patients have been happy with their results for 15 years or more. Replacing the veneer can be an additional cost associated with the initial treatment. If your new smile is only going to last a few years, you might want to consider other options over porcelain veneers that will require less maintenance and won’t be as costly in the long run – such as dental bonding or tooth-colored composite fillings.

Contact us for financing options or to discuss your personal dental plan.