What To Know When Considering Veneers

What To Know When Considering Veneers

By Dr. Nora Kweik, MINT Lead Cosmetic Dentist

The dental industry has come a long way since Hesi-Re (the world’s earliest known dentist) handed out toothbrushes made of twigs and leaves in 3,000 B.C. Since the early days of dentistry and George Washinton’s infamous wooden teeth, our knowledge of oral health has evolved, as well as the societal preference for an aesthetically pleasing smile (aka: #SEXYTEETH!).

Dental veneers are one of the most common ways individuals quickly transform the appearance of their smile today. Veneers are made up of small pieces of porcelain or resin-based materials and molded together to look like natural teeth — giving the results of a perfect, white, Hollywood-style smile.

Have you ever wondered how you could achieve a perfect smile without wearing braces for years at a time? Veneers are often the perfect alternative for those who don’t want to spend the time and stress often associated with traditional orthodontics and Invisalign.

If you’re interested in improving the look of your teeth and smile, continue reading about what to expect when considering veneers.

1. Veneers Quickly Transform Your Smile

If you want to transform your smile quickly, then veneers are your ideal option. Veneers are a great, non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your teeth compared to other procedures like dental implants. Veneers mask cosmetic flaws including teeth that are crooked with varying degrees of length, stains, or gaps. And, while veneers can be made of porcelain or resin, porcelain veneers are more common as they limit discoloration over time and better match the natural teeth’s light-reflecting properties.

2. The Best Candidates for Veneers

Many times, people are unaware that veneers are an option for them. If you have minor crowding or gaps between your teeth, or your teeth are stained, discolored, or chipped, or if your teeth appear asymmetrical in size or shape, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic veneers. Anyone who has an interest in improving the look of their smile should consult with their doctor about the possibility of getting veneers.

Veneers Have a Multi-Step Application Process

Before getting veneers, you will have a consultation visit where the dentist will decide whether or not you are a good candidate. If they find that you could benefit from veneers, you and the dentist will discuss your teeth’s appearance goals as well as the procedure process. On the day of the procedure, the dentist will shave down some of the enamel from each tooth to make room for the veneer. A putty mold will be made of your teeth once the enamel is removed, creating a veneer impression. While the dentist works on perfecting your permanent veneers in the lab, temporary veneers are made and

applied. When your permanent veneers are ready, you will have another appointment where the dentist will use a special bonding agent or cement to adhere the veneers to the surfaces of your teeth.. A special light will quickly dry the cement and set the veneers in place in a matter of minutes.

Veneers are Long Lasting

Upon the day of your first veneer application appointment, the dentist will shave down your enamel. (Enamel is the thin covering of a tooth that lays on the crown and protects the outside of your teeth.) Most dentists remove about 0.5 - 1.0 mm of enamel to apply porcelain veneers. Because enamel is something you are born with, it cannot be replaced. This means that veneers are considered a permanent cosmetic procedure that is done to enhance the appearance of your smile for years to come. Similar to braces, individuals with veneers should avoid biting their fingernails and chewing on hard objects like ice to prolong the life of their veneers. With proper care, veneers will last approximately 15-20 years or longer.

3. Veneers are an Investment

As with any cosmetic procedure, achieving a perfect smile can be costly. Some veneers made of laminate (resin or composite) can cost upwards of $3,500 for a set of six front teeth. Porcelain veneers, however, can run over $1,700 per tooth because they are one of the most durable veneer materials. A custom color set of veneers is often made in a lab, which can raise the price of veneers to $2,000 per tooth. While porcelain veneers can be costly, it is more cost effective to invest in a high quality veneer set that resists wear and tear and will last for years to come.

If you haven’t heard, MINT dentistry’s porcelain veneers are what put the company on the map. MINT dentistry was one of the first dental practices to provide E-max all-ceramic veneers to their patients, customizing every pair to look natural and SEXY. Due to the stunning results our team of dentists produce, MINT professionals are often invited to lecture for the International Academy of Elite Cosmetic Dentistry on their experience and cutting-edge veneer technique.

Because veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, they are not often covered by dental insurance. MINT dentistry also offers medical financing to help make your veneers more affordable. Contact our team today to find out if MINT veneers are right for you!