If you’ve been considering ways to improve your smile, you’ve probably heard about porcelain veneers.
These thin, custom-made shells can transform your smile in no time, and they’ve become a popular cosmetic dental solution for people looking to fix issues like discoloration, chips, or uneven teeth.
Chances are, you already know someone with porcelain veneers. The global market for dental veneers has skyrocketed and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.3% by 2030. Patients are realizing that they can achieve beautiful cosmetic dental solutions with minimal (or no!) pain.
If you’re in the Hickory area and wondering if dental veneers are right for you, keep reading! Our cosmetic dentist team has put together a simple guide to help you decide if porcelain veneers are a good fit for your smile.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Simply put, these are thin shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Veneers cover the front of each tooth, creating a more even and polished appearance.
Porcelain is a great material because it looks natural, resists stains, and is strong enough to last for years. Compared to composite materials, porcelain veneers tend to last longer, resist staining better, and offer a more natural-looking finish.
Dental veneers can address a variety of cosmetic issues, including:
- Stubborn stains or discoloration: If your teeth are resistant to whitening treatments, veneers can give you a brighter, more even color.
- Chips or cracks: Veneers can cover up any little imperfections, like a chipped tooth, cracks, or small gaps in your smile.
- Uneven or crooked teeth: They can help smooth out teeth that are uneven or misaligned.
The Process of Getting Porcelain Veneers
For most of our patients, getting porcelain veneers is a simple, straightforward process. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Consultation & Evaluation
The first step is to meet with us here at Hickory Dental. We’ll take a look at your teeth, talk about your goals for your smile, and determine if dental veneers are a good choice. We’ll also make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for this kind of cosmetic procedure.
Trust us: we’ll only recommend porcelain veneers if we truly believe they’re the right fit for your health, natural tooth structure, and aesthetic goals.
2. Tooth Preparation
In most cases, we’ll remove a tiny bit of your natural tooth enamel to make room for the dental veneers. Don’t worry—this process is minimal and won’t damage your teeth. It’s just enough to make sure your porcelain dental veneers fit perfectly.
3. Impression & Customization
Next, we’ll take impressions of your teeth, which are sent off to a dental laboratory that preps veneers.
Your veneers will be custom-made to match your smile, making sure they look natural and blend well with your other teeth. Before your final veneers are placed, temporary veneers are usually worn to protect your teeth and give you a preview of your new smile.
4. Bonding & Final Placement
Once your dental veneers are ready, we’ll bond them to your teeth. Afterward, we’ll check the fit, shape, and color to make sure they look just right.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
You might be wondering, “What’s in it for me?” Here’s why so many people love dental veneers (specifically porcelain ones):
- They look natural! Porcelain veneers are designed to blend seamlessly with your teeth, so no one will even know you have them unless you tell them.
- With the proper care, your dental veneers can last 10-15 years or more.
- Unlike natural teeth, porcelain is resistant to staining, so your smile stays bright longer.
- Porcelain veneers are easy to take care of. Just brush well and floss like you normally would.
- Experience an instant confidence boost: You’ll notice a difference the moment you see your new smile.
Are You a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a great solution for many people, but they might not be right for everyone.
Here’s who they work best for:
- People with healthy gums and teeth who want to fix minor cosmetic issues.
- People who don’t grind their teeth (or are willing to wear a night guard).
- If you’re bothered by things like stains, chips, or gaps, dental veneers can be a great option.
However, porcelain veneers may not be ideal for you if:
- You have major tooth decay or gum disease.
- You grind your teeth heavily (unless you’re willing to wear a night guard).
- You have unrealistic expectations about what dental veneers can do.
Talk with us about your specific needs. We’ll help you figure out if veneers are the right choice and make other recommendations if they aren’t.
Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers
If you’re not sure if porcelain veneers are right for you, here are some alternatives:
- Composite resin veneers: These are made from a resin material and are a more affordable option. However, most composite veneers don’t last as long as porcelain.
- Teeth whitening: If your main concern is discoloration, professional whitening treatments might be enough to give you the bright smile you want.
- Braces or Invisalign: If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, orthodontics could be a better fit.
- Dental bonding: For smaller issues like chips or gaps, bonding can fix things quickly and cost-effectively.
Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s worth chatting with a cosmetic dentist like Dr. Spencer or Dr. Probst to see which treatment best fits your needs. If composite veneers are a better option for you, our team will give you an honest recommendation.
Porcelain Veneer Cost Considerations
The cost of traditional porcelain veneers can vary depending on how many teeth you want to treat and the complexity of the procedure.
On average, getting a single veneer can cost roughly $1,765, although the cost does range depending on the provider and service area (CareCredit). Your total price will depend on your needs, as well as your particular cosmetic dentist.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?
Unfortunately, most insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic treatments like dental veneers, but Hickory Dental offers financing options to make the procedure more affordable. We’re here to help you find a solution that fits your budget, whether that’s porcelain or composite veneers.
FAQs About Porcelain Veneers
Q. Are porcelain veneers permanent?
While porcelain lasts a long time, there are no permanent veneers. With good care, they can last 10-15 years or more before needing replacement. A 2018 comparative study even reported that up to 93.5% of porcelain veneers last at least 10 years (Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences).
Composite resin veneers generally don’t last as long (typically around 5 to 7 years) and may stain more easily.
Q. Do veneers damage your natural teeth?
No. Only a tiny bit of tooth enamel is removed, which means your natural teeth are still protected. We’ll consider your entire tooth structure and make sure the veneers are implemented safely and effectively.
Q. Can porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant. Unlike natural teeth, porcelain doesn’t absorb stains from food or drinks like coffee or wine.
However, it’s still a good idea to practice regular oral hygiene to keep your veneers looking their best.
Q. Can you whiten porcelain dental veneers?
No, porcelain doesn’t respond to teeth whitening products. If you want to whiten your teeth first, that’s a good idea before getting dental veneers!
Q. How long does it take to get veneers?
Typically, getting veneers takes two cosmetic dentistry visits: one for prep and impressions, and another for bonding and final adjustments after the dental lab sends the veneers.
Why Choose Hickory Dental for Veneers?
At Hickory Dental, we’re all about making sure you feel comfortable and cared for. We take the time to understand what you want from your smile and work with you to make that a reality.
Our cosmetic dentistry team is experienced, and we use the latest technology to make sure your veneers fit perfectly and look great. We’re here to help you love your smile and enhance the natural tooth structure you already have.
Explore Both Modern & Traditional Veneers at Hickory Dental
Porcelain veneers could be the key to achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re dealing with discoloration, chips, or broken teeth, veneers are a great way to improve your appearance and boost your confidence.
If you’re ready to learn more about cosmetic dental solutions, give us a call or schedule a consultation at Hickory Dental. We’re here to help you decide if traditional porcelain veneers are the right choice for your smile!