Porcelain Veneers in Philadelphia

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

These veneers are made of a thin layer of dental porcelain that look and feels like your natural enamel. Veneers are custom-made for each of your teeth, and they’re adhered directly to the outer surface of your teeth. They correct a wide variety of aesthetic imperfections such as:

• Shape: If you have a chipped tooth, you may feel uncomfortable especially when speaking or smiling in public. With a veneer covering your chipped tooth, you don’t have to worry about your smile any longer. Veneers are also helpful in reshaping the look of your tooth, helping to round a too-square tooth or squaring up a too-round tooth. When it comes to veneers, porcelain offers a comfortable fit that looks like your natural teeth.
• Size: Veneers are often the Goldilocks solution for teeth that are too big, too small or too short, because they create the appearance of teeth that are just right for your smile. Because veneers are custom-made for your teeth, you can adjust each tooth so that all of your teeth look uniform and pulled together.
• Tooth color: Our teeth often become discolored over time, whether it’s from using tobacco products, drinking coffee or tea or simply from aging. Even some medicines can cause our teeth to take on a yellow or gray tinge. While teeth whitening products and treatments may work for lightening some of these stains, sometimes the most effective option is to turn to veneers. These thin layers of porcelain can restore your teeth’s original brightness, or you can choose a shade that makes your smile even brighter.

Alignment and spacing: While some people treasure the small gaps in their teeth, others find those gaps to be a nuisance, trapping food and creating an uneven smile. If you want to minimize the gaps in your teeth, veneers are an ideal solution. While they can’t completely close a large gap, they can correct small gaps. Veneers can also make teeth that are slightly crooked look as if they are in the correct position.

Before settling on veneers to enhance your smile, your dentist will evaluate your needs and discuss your options in veneers and other cosmetic procedures.

What Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Your porcelain veneers cost will depend on your specific dental issues, the number of teeth that need restoration, and the type of veneer you choose. Although most insurance companies don’t cover cosmetic veneers, we may have some programs available to make the procedure more affordable. Please come and talk to us about costs and possible financing.

Are Veneers Better Than Crowns?

Your dentist can answer this question based on your individual needs, but there are benefits and disadvantages to each type of restoration. Overall, both veneers and crowns are permanent restorations to your tooth. They both can be made of porcelain and adhere to your tooth’s underlying structure. Both also change the color and shape of the tooth.

In spite of these similarities, there are some notable differences between the two. While porcelain dental veneers simply adhere to the front of the tooth, crowns fit over the entire tooth. Porcelain crowns require more of your natural tooth to be removed. At least 2 mm of your tooth’s enamel must be removed for a porcelain dental crown to fit properly. With a veneer, less than 1 mm is removed.

Crowns offer some structural advantages that veneers do not. They’re especially beneficial for restorations of teeth that have lost a fair amount of structure due to decay, trauma, bruxism or age because they provide structural support to the tooth. Crowns are often recommended for back teeth that need cosmetic or structural help since they can provide the strength the molar needs to withstand the jaw’s bite force.

How Are Teeth Prepared for Veneers?

The porcelain veneers procedure is painless and quick. Your dentist will first take a mold of your teeth so that the veneers can be custom fitted to your mouth. Once your veneers are ready for application, your dentist will most likely remove a very thin layer of your tooth’s natural enamel. Usually, less than 1 mm is taken from the surface of your tooth. An adhesive and bonding process securely cements the veneer in place so you can eat, drink and speak naturally. One of the benefits of making the veneer out of porcelain is that it resists stains well and provides a natural, comfortable fit.

What’s the Lifespan of Veneers?

Getting porcelain veneers in Philadelphia is considered a permanent solution, generally lasting 10 to 15 years before they need to be replaced. Keep in mind that you’ll need to care for your investment. That means brushing and flossing daily, and avoiding using your porcelain teeth for opening bottles or bags or chewing on pens and pencils.

What Are Lumineers^® Veneers?

Lumineers are a well-known veneers brand with a reputation for being extremely thin and durable. Because they’re so thin, you won’t need much or any reduction to the tooth’s surface for application of Lumineers. The translucency of this brand of veneers also makes them desirable for their natural feel and appearance.