Porcelain Veneers

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Porcelain veneers can be a great smile enhancement option for women and men seeking to correct a variety of perceived tooth imperfections. Composed of a thin ceramic material, this cosmetic dentistry solution is bonded to the outside of the affected tooth or teeth, effectively hiding stains, minor misalignments, chips, gaps, and various other issues you may have with the appearance of your smile. At Scottsdale Smile Center, our skilled cosmetic dentists can custom-design porcelain veneers to match the exact color and shape of your surrounding teeth, ultimately helping you achieve a beautiful smile with natural-appearing, long-lasting results.

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Due to their versatility and high rate of patient satisfaction, porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures performed here at Scottsdale Smile Center. Dental veneers can be used to conceal many common tooth imperfections, such as:

  • Cracks or chips
  • Stains and discoloration
  • Uneven or worn teeth
  • Broken and/or damaged teeth
  • Gaps between teeth

Depending upon your unique circumstance, porcelain veneers can even be used to address mild tooth misalignment. Many of our patients who choose porcelain veneers experience a boost in self-esteem and feel very proud of their new smile.

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Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are treatments that both serve similar purposes in some respects; however, there are significant differences between these two options that make one more ideal than the other in certain cases. A porcelain veneer is a very thin restoration that is designed to cover only the front and sides of the tooth. While, to some extent, a custom veneer can improve the function of a tooth that has been chipped or damaged, it’s primary goal is to enhance dental aesthetics. To be sure, a dental crown also significantly improves the appearance of the tooth; however, this option is typically recommended when a tooth is so badly damaged that it needs to be more comprehensively protected and strengthened. A custom dental crown covers the entire tooth, ultimately serving as a solution to prevent more structural compromisation and decay. A crown is designed to look, feel, and function like the natural tooth, so it essentially restores the appearance and function of the tooth while providing a barrier to further damage.

During your appointment, our dentist will examine the condition of your teeth and determine whether a porcelain veneer or a full dental crown is the best treatment option for your needs.

What Does the Porcelain Veneers Procedure Involve?

The porcelain veneers procedure can typically be completed in two office visits. During your first visit, the teeth are prepped by removing a small portion of enamel to allow for the thickness of the veneers and to ensure a strong seal. An impression is then taken and prepared to send to the lab where the custom-designed dental veneers will be created from a durable porcelain material.

Your completed veneers are typically returned to our office within one to two weeks. During your second appointment, our dentist will bond your new veneers into place, and as a final step, he will polish them for a natural, vibrant look.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

With regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental care visits, your veneer(s) can provide beautiful results for decades to come. The advanced materials used to craft the veneers combined with the precise techniques our dentists employ to securely place them on the teeth can ensure they last for many years. As long as proper care is taken to maintain good oral health and to protect the veneers from harm, you should be able to enjoy the results of your porcelain veneers long into the future.

Are There Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers?

Depending on individual needs and goals, there are alternatives to porcelain veneers for patients who would like to explore other ways to rejuvenate the appearance of their smile. A procedure such as cosmetic dental bonding can address many of the same conditions that a porcelain veneer can correct, including chips, gaps, and discoloration. While dental bonding typically does not yield results that last as long as porcelain veneers, this treatment has been utilized as an effective cosmetic dentistry option for many years and is remarkably versatile in its application. For patients who have excessive structural damage present in the tooth, a dental crown may be a more suitable alternative to a porcelain veneer. In cases of teeth misalignment, Invisalign® might offer a better solution. Invisalign® can provide more comprehensive orthodontic treatment and address several areas of concern without requiring individual dental restorations to give the teeth a straighter appearance.

A variety of treatments are available that can effectively restore smile aesthetics. We will be happy to help you determine whether porcelain veneers or another option is more ideal for your needs.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The fee for porcelain veneers typically ranges from $1,700 to $3,000 per tooth. The fees vary due to the customized nature of this treatment. Factors affecting cost include the number of veneers being placed, the materials and methods utilized to fabricate the restorations, the extent and complexity of the treatment, and whether other procedures are part of the overall treatment plan. We welcome patients to visit our practice for a one-on-one consultation, at which time our team can develop a customized plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Investing in yourself is never a losing bet, as personal appearance can impact not only self-esteem, but even job opportunities or success in the dating field. For the right candidate, porcelain veneers can be an excellent investment, providing stunning results that can last decades.

Additional Porcelain Veneers Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers require no special maintenance. The easiest way to care for your porcelain veneers is to simply brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once per day. Additionally, be sure to attend a minimum of two dental check-ups for professional cleanings each year. 

Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are generally not covered by insurance companies because they are primarily considered to be a cosmetic treatment. 

How strong are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are crafted from an exceptionally strong material and are designed to last many years. With proper care, these durable restorations can continue enhancing the appearance of your smile for decades. 

Do porcelain veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are designed to be stain-resistant. It is not possible for porcelain veneers to develop stains, even from foods and beverages that contain many staining agents, and they will not be susceptible to yellowing or discoloration over time. 

Can porcelain veneers be whitened?

Since porcelain veneers are stain-resistant they cannot be whitened through traditional teeth whitening methods, including those that use the strongest possible bleaching agents. For many individuals, we often recommend a teeth whitening procedure before the porcelain veneers are placed. This enables our dentist to color-match the veneer with surrounding teeth that look whiter and brighter, ultimately leading to healthier and more refreshed-looking teeth after placement of the porcelain veneers. If you already have porcelain veneers and they are currently not blending well with whiter teeth that surround them, our doctor can replace them with a new set of veneers that provide a better color match.  

Contact Scottsdale Smile Center

If you would like more information about porcelain veneers, or to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists, please contact Scottsdale Smile Center online or by phone today.