Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are the cornerstone of cosmetic dentistry. They can be used to fix gaps in front teeth, a chipped front tooth, or to adjust the shape and alignment of front teeth. Because they are long-lasting, durable, and stain-resistant, dental veneers are the perfect solution in cosmetic dentistry. If you are considering enhancing your smile and looking for dental veneers near me, don’t look further.Our dentists at Pulse Dental can help. You just need to call or fill out the online form.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are custom-made thin shells of porcelain or resin that cover the front area of a tooth. Their ability to match tooth color makes them a perfect solution in cosmetic dentistry. Dental veneers offer a wide range of clinical applications. They can alter the shape and form of all front teeth, including closing gaps and adjusting alignment. The preparation process for veneers requires minimal to no reduction, making them a safe solution.
Veneer Process
Creating dental veneers involves a meticulous multi-step process to ensure optimal results. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Patient Evaluation: The dentist first examines the teeth requiring veneers. This examination includes taking X-rays and a clinical assessment. Typically, veneers can’t be placed on decayed teeth or those with previous fillings.
Wax-Up: This phase involves crafting a model of the desired veneer shape and form. It gives patients a preview of the expected outcome and provides guidelines to achieve the best results.
Preparation: This involves getting the teeth ready, which might necessitate slight tooth reduction. After this, an impression is taken to send to the lab for veneer creation. At Pulse Dental, we use a digital scanner for impressions instead of traditional molds.
Temporary Veneers: A temporary veneer is placed on the prepared teeth while awaiting the permanent veneers from the lab. This usually takes around 10 days. However, Pulse Dental’s advanced digital technology, including 3D printing, speeds up veneer fabrication.
Veneer Placement: Finally, the dentist removes the temporary veneers and fits the final, lab-made veneers.
Veneer VS Crown
| Aspect | Dental Veneer | Dental Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Primarily cosmetic, for issues like discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth. | Restorative, for broken, heavily decayed teeth, or teeth weakened by large fillings. Also used with implants. |
| Coverage | Covers only the front surface of the tooth. | Encases the entire tooth, acting as a “cap.” |
| Tooth Reduction | Minimal, maintaining most of the natural tooth. | Significant, to allow the crown to fit over the tooth. |
| Material | Typically porcelain or composite resin. | Porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or gold. |
| Durability | Strong, but may not last as long as crowns. Up to 15 years with care. | Typically lasts longer than veneers, 15-30 years, depending on material and care. |
| Cost | Generally more affordable than crowns, though costs vary. | Typically more expensive due to materials and procedure complexity. |
| Procedure | Involves tooth impression, minimal reduction, and veneer bonding to the tooth’s front. | Involves intensive tooth reduction, impression, and then cementing the crown over the prepared tooth. |
Just remember ,It’s important to consult with a dentist for personalized advice and to decide which treatment is best suited for individual dental needs.If you are considering cosmetic treatment call us at Pulse Dental or fill out online form for your free consult.
What are Different Types of Veneers?
Composite Veneers: These veneers are made of composite material, which is the same as the material used for fillings. The process for creating composite veneers doesn’t require all the typical steps of traditional veneers. Dentists usually recommend composite veneers for minor imperfections, and they can be applied quickly.
Porcelain Veneers: These veneers are fabricated in a lab. Thanks to the high-quality material, variety of shades, and meticulous fabrication process, they are often the top choice for extensive cosmetic treatments.
No Prep Veneers: These veneers require little to no tooth preparation. Due to the intricate fabrication process, they must be made in a lab. Although these veneers involve less tooth reduction, meaning fewer alterations to the natural tooth, they aren’t suitable for everyone.
Snap-On Veneers: These are removable veneers designed to temporarily cover teeth imperfections. They’re not ideal for regular functions like chewing or speaking, so they serve primarily as a cosmetic solution.
FAQ
In Houston, TX, veneers typically cost between $800-1200 per tooth. Prices vary based on several factors, including the type of treatment, the number of veneers required, and the dental office’s location.
Typically, insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures, including veneers. If you’re considering veneer treatment, contact our team at Pulse Dental. We offer affordable payment plans that can help you get your treatment without any delay.
Veneers, especially those made of porcelain, are stain-resistant and generally do not discolor as easily as natural teeth. Porcelain is a ceramic material that repels most stains from common beverages and foods like coffee, tea, wine, and berries. However, the cement or bonding agent used to attach the veneer to the tooth might be susceptible to staining over time, especially at the margins.