Curious about dental veneers in Mesa? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about cosmetic veneer treatment.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are cosmetic restorations that we bond to the front of healthy teeth in your “smile zone.” Instead of repairing damaged teeth, they simply mask aesthetic concerns to enhance the overall appearance of your smile. Veneers can be crafted from porcelain or composite resin, with porcelain providing the best cosmetic results. You can specify the size, shape, and color to fit your individual preferences.
How many dental veneers will I need?
We typically only put dental veneers across the upper front teeth, instead of both the upper and lower ones. Depending on the width of your smile and how many teeth are usually visible, the average patient needs about 6-8 dental veneers in total. If you’re someone with a particularly wide smile (think Julia Roberts) you will need additional veneers so that the shape and color of your teeth are consistent from one side to the other.
Does it hurt to get cosmetic veneers?
Your dental veneer treatment is relatively minimally invasive. However, we will still use local anesthetic (numbing medication) to numb the teeth during your preparation appointment, since a thin layer of enamel is buffed away. The goal is to prevent any type of sensitivity, even though the risk is low.
What do dental veneers do?
When you place several veneers side-by-side across the front of your smile, you can instantly address the size, shape, color, and alignment of those teeth. Since the veneers are bonded to the front of your natural teeth and shaped to blend in with their neighbors, your entire smile can look straighter and more youthful in just a couple of appointments.
How much do veneers cost?
The price of dental veneers can vary significantly from one person to the next. Why? Because the type of veneers they choose (porcelain vs. composite) and how many they need in total can greatly impact the total smile makeover cost. That’s why at Eastport Dental we provide all prospective veneers patients with a detailed care plan outlining each of the fees involved (financing plans are also available!)
How do I clean my veneers?
Caring for your dental veneers isn’t much different than how you would your natural teeth. Plan to brush and floss them daily, avoid abrasive toothpaste or baking soda, and schedule regular six-month checkups. If you’re prone to clenching your teeth during your sleep, it’s extremely important to sleep in a night guard to avoid unwanted chipping in the porcelain.
Is veneer treatment reversible?
Unless you’re getting what’s called “no-prep veneers” (such as Lumineers) the dental veneer process isn’t reversible. If one were to break off or chip for whatever reason, you would need to have it replaced in order to cover the exposed tooth.
Will dental insurance cover veneer treatment?
Since dental veneers are considered an elective cosmetic treatment, they’re not typically covered by dental insurance. If the tooth is significantly fractured and requires some type of protective restoration but a full crown is too excessive, we may be able to work with your carrier to arrange for an exception to be made. Most of our patients typically make a down payment on their smile makeover and then small monthly installments on a 0% interest financing plan.
How long do veneers last?
The better you care for your veneers and the teeth underneath them, the longer they’ll last. It’s not uncommon for a typical porcelain veneer to last about 10 years or so. Bonded composite veneers tend to only last a few years, since the material isn’t as durable. However, they’re still an option for people who may only need to address one or two teeth instead of several at a time.
Do I qualify for veneers?
The ideal dental veneers candidate will have healthy teeth and gums, and stable bone support. If there are small gaps or chips, that’s usually fine. Our Mesa dentist will need to examine your teeth first to determine if they can support veneers and that there is no existing decay or gum disease; otherwise, those areas of infection would need to be addressed first.
Veneer Treatment in Mesa
Eastport Dental offers quality cosmetic dentistry services like dental veneers, whitening, bonding, and more. If you’re curious to learn more about what veneers can do for your smile, we encourage you to reserve a zero-pressure consultation with Dr. Huynh. Contact us today to reserve your appointment.
