FAQs About Porcelain Veneers Answered by Our Dentist
Written by Scripps West Dental
Dental veneers are thin porcelain restorations that cover the front of your natural teeth. They’re one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments that our Mira Mesa dentists offer. That being said, there are plenty of questions about dental veneers we hear from prospective smile makeover patients. Here are some of the most common:
What can dental veneers treat?
Veneers are used to treat cosmetic concerns like teeth that are crooked, misshaped, crowded, stained, chipped, or uneven. They are strictly cosmetic in nature, so they are not used for issues such as tooth decay or significant structural damage. Veneers specifically make teeth look whiter, straighter, and more symmetrical.
Can dental veneers help with sensitivity?
In some cases, yes, especially if you have enamel erosion or minor gum recession. The veneer is made out of porcelain, so it provides an added layer of protection over the front of your tooth. However, it does not wrap around the back of the tooth, so additional measures may be needed for severe sensitivity.
Are dental veneers expensive?
Compared to other types of cosmetic smile enhancements, dental veneers tend to be on the premier end of aesthetic treatments. The cost of veneers depends on the type of dental veneer you choose and how many you need. Some types of veneers are more affordable than others. The best way to afford a more complex smile makeover is to take advantage of one of our monthly payment plan options (low and 0% financing are available.)
How long do dental veneers last?
Most porcelain dental veneers can easily last about ten years or more with great home care. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing around them daily and wearing a nightguard when you sleep. Even though veneers can’t get cavities, it’s still important to keep the tooth behind them healthy to prevent premature failure or chipping of the restoration.
How many dental veneers do I need?
The number of veneers you need will vary depending on how many teeth are visible when you smile. Most smile makeover cases use between 6-10 dental veneers. They’re typically placed on the upper front teeth rather than the lower ones.
In some cases, we may only place one or two dental veneers, particularly if there are only one or two teeth causing an aesthetic concern. In those situations, chairside composite veneers may be recommended over traditional porcelain ones.
What are the requirements to get dental veneers?
Veneers can only be placed over healthy teeth. It’s important that there are no symptoms of gum disease, bone loss, or tooth decay on the teeth in question. Active infections will need to be managed beforehand to ensure a healthy “foundation” to support your dental veneers.
Adults make the best candidates for veneers, as their mouths are fully developed. Teens should wait until they are at least 17 or 18 years old at the youngest, as their mouths are still growing and developing.
How many appointments are involved for veneer treatment?
The typical veneer case requires three visits: the consultation, the preparation, and the placement. In some cases, we’ll add an additional “try in” appointment between the first two visits, allowing you to preview the proposed veneer design before we start the actual treatment. There are approximately two weeks between the preparation and final placement visits, as this allows our lab adequate time to create each custom veneer.
What’s the difference between veneers and crowns?
Crowns cover the entire tooth and are used for restorative purposes. Such as repairing broken or decaying teeth that require additional structural reinforcement. But veneers only cover the front of the tooth and are strictly used for cosmetic purposes.
Porcelain Veneers in Mira Mesa
If you’re considering a smile makeover or dental veneer treatment, call Scripps West Dental. Our Mira Mesa dentist will assess your unique smile and help you determine the best aesthetic treatment for your goals and smile needs. Contact us today to reserve a no-obligation dental exam.
