Porcelain Veneers in Springfield

Porcelain Veneers: What Are They?

Hand-crafted specifically to fit your teeth, these veneers are made of a very thin layer of dental porcelain. Porcelain’s texture and light-reflecting abilities mimic the look and feel of natural tooth enamel, so when the veneers are cemented to the surface of your tooth, they look like your real teeth. These veneers are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to correct a few imperfections in their healthy teeth, such as:

• Shape and size: Aside from tooth color, the size and shape of teeth are some of our patients’ biggest frustrations. This is especially true for patients who have worn their teeth down by grinding them together at night and patients who have chipped a front tooth. With veneers, the shape and size of each individual tooth can be completely transformed.
• Alignment and spacing: Veneers can correct small gaps in your teeth instantly, providing you with an excellent alternative to braces. In fact, veneers are an effective way to create the appearance of straighter, more evenly spaced teeth without resorting to months of braces. They also can make slightly misaligned teeth appear straighter.
• Tooth color: Most Americans want whiter, brighter teeth, but sometimes regular whitening treatments just can’t deliver the results you want. If your teeth are discolored or dingy from aging, tea, coffee, tobacco products or medication, veneers can provide you with a brighter smile. Since veneers are available in numerous shades, you can choose the brightness that best suits your smile.

If you’re interested in the many benefits of porcelain veneers in Springfield, make an appointment with our skilled dentists. One of our dentists will examine your teeth and gums, asses your specific needs and discuss your options with you.

Will My Porcelain Veneers Cost a Lot?

We do everything we can to make your porcelain veneers cost affordable, but we understand that they are an important investment for you. Some of the issues that determine your total cost will include the number of teeth to be treated and whether we need to provide treatment to prepare your teeth for veneers. Many dental insurance providers do not cover cosmetic procedures like veneers, so feel free to ask us about the availability of flexible financing.

What Are the Benefits of Veneers vs Crowns?

Veneers and crowns both provide a permanent solution for teeth that need improvement in color, shape and appearance. Both adhere to the tooth’s underlying structure, and they both can be made of either dental porcelain or composite resin.

Veneers are a good choice if you just need a cosmetic enhancement for your tooth and if you want to save as much of your tooth as possible. The veneers porcelain covers only the front of your tooth, so you only lose less than 1 mm of your tooth during their application. Porcelain crowns are adhered to the entire tooth and cover all four side of the tooth as well as its top. With a crown, you’ll lose at least 2 mm of your tooth’s surface during application.

Crowns actually make teeth stronger, in spite of the loss of 2 mm of tooth that it requires. So, crowns are an ideal choice for a tooth that has been damaged by disease, trauma or decay. If you have a back tooth that needs cosmetic enhancement, your dentist may recommend a crown. The crown’s strength and support help the tooth withstand the biting force delivered by the back of the jaw.

How Are Your Teeth Prepared for Veneers?

When you choose veneers, our dentist makes an impression of your teeth. This mold works as a guide to ensure that your veneer fits your tooth like a glove. To prepare your tooth for the veneer, the dentist may have to remove a minuscule portion of your tooth’s enamel during the porcelain veneers procedure. The amount of enamel removed is less than 1 mm, although the exact amount depends on the brand and thickness of your actual veneer. Your veneer is then securely bonded to the front of your tooth, and your dentist will then polish the margins of the tooth so it blends seamlessly with your gums and adjacent teeth. The whole procedure is usually painless, and it provides an instantly brighter, more appealing smile.

Once your porcelain teeth are set, they’ll feel just like your own teeth. You should be able to eat, drink and speak as you normally do.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers are as permanent as crowns and other long-lasting tooth restorations. If cared for well, veneers should keep your smile shining brightly for many years to come. That care should include daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to our dental practice.