What Are Dental Veneers?
Simply put, tooth veneers are esthetic coverings of the portions of the teeth that are visible when a person smiles. Not only can veneers make a smile more esthetically pleasing, but they can also mask discoloration, minor crowding, excess spacing, and misshapen teeth. Many materials options are available for veneers however the most popular choices are porcelain and ceramics.
Are Dental Veneers Safe?
Not only are veneers safe and well tolerated by the oral tissues, but they are also a very conservative dental treatment option. Tooth structure is minimally prepared to allow for a veneer to bond to the surface. Because the preparation is minimal in majority of cases the tooth and associated nerve are not subject to excessive drilling which leads to fewer post treatment complications as compared to other, more extensive dental procedures.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
Probably the most common question that we get asked and yet one of the hardest to answer. Every dentist and dental office is different as to what their pricing for dental services are. This is due to the fact that there are differences in cost associated with what types of materials are used, which lab is used, and how much experience the dentist has.
What Is The Difference In A Dental Veneer And A Crown?
Oftentimes patients do tend to get confused about the difference between a dental veneer and a dental crown. The best way to explain this is that a crown is a much more extensive procedure in regards to how much tooth structure needs be removed to prepare the tooth for a crown. Typically, crowns are preferred over veneers when there are other factors to consider such as dental decay or attrition/erosion of the teeth. Dental crowns cover the tooth completely all around, while the dental veneer mainly just covers the front facing portion of the tooth.
Will Normal Bonding Be The Same As A Dental Veneer?
Dental bonding is more or less a “filling” with a resin type material as opposed to the porcelain or ceramic used in veneers. Because this material is more porous than the material used in veneers, it can stain much easier and is prone to discoloration over time. The material is also not as strong so it is more likely to chip than veneers are, if subjected to force. Bonding also typically does not cover the whole front surface of the tooth and rather just indicated portions. Due to the fact that the materials required are different and there is no lab cost associated with dental bonding, this type of treatment is much less costly than the typical dental veneer.
Dental veneers are a great options to restore and reshape the look of teeth in many instances. Be sure to talk with your dentist to see if dental veneers are right for your particular needs!