Dental veneers are thin shells that are individually designed for the needs of each patient. They are a type of cosmetic dentistry that enhances the appearance of your teeth after placement on the front part of the teeth. Dental veneers can conceal common problems like stains, chips, and teeth that are uneven. The cost of dental veneers depends on many factors.
Some problems addressed by dental veneers include:
- Discoloration and stains
- Chipped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Decay
- Gaps in your smile
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental solution designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. They may benefit you if you would like to find a long-term solution to aesthetic concerns, especially those unresponsive to other types of dental treatments, such as braces, teeth whitening, or retainers.
Types of Dental Veneers
The cost of veneers depends on which type of veneer you choose. Veneers come in two basic types: resin-based composite and porcelain.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are a thin shell attached to the teeth to correct minor cosmetic issues. When attaching porcelain veneers, your dentist will be removing some tooth enamel before placement.
Porcelain is a material that is durable and extremely stain resistant. It also closely matches the color of natural teeth, making it an extremely popular choice for anyone dealing with stains, chips, or other aesthetic concerns.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
Before fitting your porcelain dental veneers, your dentist will begin by removing some tooth enamel and forming an impression of your tooth to create a mold. This mold is then sent to a dental laboratory that actually creates your tailor-made porcelain veneer. You may be provided with one or more temporary veneers while you’re waiting for the lab to make your permanent ones.
Your dentist will determine if your veneers are a good fit and the proper color at your subsequent appointment. Any needed adjustments will be made at this time. Finally, your veneers will be bonded to your teeth.
Procedure for Resin-Based Composite Veneers
For the fitting of resin-based composite veneers, preparatory work will include cleaning and recontouring your teeth. Once your teeth are prepared, your dentist will bond and sculpt the veneer material and adjust the color so that your veneers closely match the color of the surrounding teeth.
Finally, a special light will be used to harden the composite veneer materials. After they have hardened, your dentist will begin smoothing and polishing them to have the appearance and feel of real teeth.
Resin-Based Composite Dental Veneers
This type of dental veneer functions similarly to the porcelain form but tends to be more inexpensive and require less tooth enamel removal before placement. In some cases, no tooth enamel needs to be removed before the placement of a composite dental veneer.
Best Type of Dental Veneers
Although both porcelain and resin-based composite veneers are similar in appearance, there are some significant differences. These differences also impact the cost of veneers.
Porcelain:
- More expensive
- Requires more enamel removal
- Multiple appointments necessary
- Lasts about 20 years
- Stain-resistant
- More durable
- More difficult to repair
Resin-Based Composite:
- Not as expensive
- No enamel removal required in many cases
- Normally placed in one appointment
- Lasts about five years
- May eventually stain
- Chips or breaks more easily
- Easier to repair
Cost of Dental Veneers
The cost of dental veneers depends on how many teeth need covering and the dentist’s expertise who will be placing the veneers. According to the American Dental Association, the range of price is typically between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. Some factors that go into the cost of veneers include:
- Dental veneer type
- How much preparatory work is needed before the procedure
- The patient’s geographic location
Because insurance companies usually consider dental veneers a cosmetic dental procedure, they do not typically cover the costs.
Get Your Dental Veneers from the Experts at Lovett Dental Pasadena
Dental veneers are a highly effective cosmetic dentistry solution for enhancing teeth’ appearance affected by problems like chips, gaps, and stains. The cost of veneers depends on many factors. Porcelain is more expensive and stain-resistant, although resin-based composite makes a good choice for many patients. Contact us by either completing our secure online form or calling Lovett Dental Pasadena at 281-998-8800 to schedule an appointment today.