Dental Veneers are very thin custom made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are bonded to the front of the teeth and provide the ability to alter their color, shape, size and or length. Veneers are incredibly strong and perfectly match the color of natural enamel and correct a number of imperfections including but not limited to: 

-Severely stained teeth that do not respond to traditional whitening systems.
-Misshapen teeth
-Teeth of uneven length
-Gaps between the teeth
-Chipped or broken teeth

While there are many different types of veneers, at Guilliot Family Dentistry, we focus on Porcelain Veneers as they are the most popular and so closely match the natural tooth color. Although porcelain veneers, as with most dental restorations, are extremely durable and will last many years but are not permanent solutions and will likely need replacement in the future. 

Are Porcelain Veneers Affordable?

It is a common misconception that porcelain veneers are extremely expensive and only for celebrities and the rich. While porcelain veneers are more expensive than some of the other veneer options due to the time, expertise/skill, and resources needed to place them they last significantly longer than other options. If you were to break down the cost of replacements and repairs on other veneer options the cost would be roughly the same. The cost of porcelain veneers start around $900 per tooth but typically average around $1500/tooth. 

Insurance companies typically do not cover cosmetic procedures but they do cover restorative procedures. If your veneers will be covered by insurance is dependent upon the purpose for them. If your veneers are medically necessary due to tooth decay or disease, accident or injury, or used for purposes other than aesthetics like replacing missing teeth then chances are they will be covered. A procedure is considered cosmetic and will not be covered solely for enhancing aesthetics.

Veneer process & procedures. What to expect. 

Placing veneers will require a minimum or two visits to your local dentist office. The first visit involves preparation of the tooth enamel which will allow the veneer to rest naturally along the gumline. Your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth which will serve as models. Your dentist will assist you in selecting a color/shade and send your impressions off to the lab. Porcelain veneers are then handcrafted in a skilled lab with technicians using the impressions taken by your dentist. Once they are ready, our local dentist will ensure your veneers fit perfectly and make any necessary and will then bond them permanently into place. Because it is a minimally invasive procedure, there should not be any pain or discomfort throughout the process.

Summary

In summary, if you have chipped teeth, gaps, misshapen teeth, or severely stained teeth, porcelain veneers could be the perfect solution for you. A visit with your local dentist will let you know if you are a good candidate for porcelain work. If you do not have a local dentist, Guilliot Family Dentistry would love the opportunity to discuss your oral health needs.