Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
One hundred years ago, a California dentist was called upon to improve the smiles of actors during a Hollywood film shoot. He invented dental veneers, which were porcelain shells designed to be placed over the actors’ teeth to hide their imperfections. A century later, improved and perfected veneers are still being used. Discover how you can transform your smile with teeth coverings that look like you were born with them.
What Types of Dental Veneers Should I Consider?
Unlike dental crowns, veneers don’t cover the entire tooth. Rather, they are only applied to the front of your teeth. There are two main types: porcelain and composite veneers. And each have their pros and cons.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
Custom-made for every patient, porcelain veneers provide a more natural appearance — and last longer — than their composite counterparts.
The downside? They tend to:
- Cost more than composite veneers
- Fall off (which means you’ll need to have them reattached)
- Require more than one visit to be installed
Comparing the processes for installing veneers can also help you make an informed choice. If you choose porcelain veneers, your dentist will first make an impression of your teeth during an office visit. Then, they will send the impression to a lab, where technicians will make the veneers specifically for your teeth. While you’re waiting for the permanent veneers, you’ll receive a temporary set to wear. When the porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will use cement to attach them to the front of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers usually last 10 – 15 years; sometimes more.
Are Composite Veneers Your Best Choice?
Composite veneers, which are made of tooth-colored resin (the same resin used for dental bonding), cost less than porcelain veneers and require less time to apply. Sometimes, though, composite material can chip and is more likely to have to be replaced than porcelain veneers after normal wear and tear.
Applying composite veneers is much like applying porcelain ones but will take only one office visit. After taking impressions, your dentist will apply the composite resin directly to your teeth, which has a clay consistency that allows them to mold it into shape. You and your dentist can work together to pick the color you want for your veneers — sometimes even mixing composite resin colors to help your teeth look natural — and to ensure your desired look is achieved.
You can expect your composite veneers to last about five to seven years.
Here to Help You Achieve Your Best Smile
If you think dental veneers may be right for you, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a dentist. The skilled and caring team at Eastridge Family Dental, which is just minutes from downtown Lee’s Summit, is ready to meet all your dental needs, including helping you make an informed decision about how to enhance your smile — and understanding what it might cost. Contact us.