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Dental

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin sheaths of dental grade porcelain. They are affixed to the front surfaces of teeth to completely reshape the appearance of the smile. Any number of chips, cracks, stains, and gaps can be corrected with this one effective cosmetic dentistry procedure. Using the highest quality materials, the La Plata Dental team can create your dream smile with porcelain veneers. If you’d like to find out more about the porcelain veneer process, contact our dedicated dentist and team to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation today. We’ll carefully examine your smile, and if we determine porcelain veneers are a good option for you, we can begin the smile design process.

The Porcelain Veneers Process

Closeup of teeth compared with color shading chart

The entire porcelain veneers process is completed in three appointments: planning and design, preparation, and placement. During the initial appointment, we’ll use diagnostic x-rays and images to design your custom veneer. We can use photos of your favorite celebrities as a guide point for what you look for in an ideal smile, so please don’t hesitate to bring these along. We’ll take the necessary time to answer questions and ensure we’re creating your desired smile. In many cases, we’re able to complete the design part of treatment on the same day as the cosmetic dentistry consultation.

During the second appointment, the treatment area is numbed using local anesthetic. Then, we prepare the teeth and capture impressions of the bite. All of this information will be provided to our trusted dental lab where your flawless, custom veneer will be crafted. Before you leave our office, we place a temporary veneer. This temporary protects your teeth and allows you to get used to the look and feel of veneers.

Once we receive the final porcelain veneer from the dental lab, you’ll come back in for the third and final stage of treatment. This last visit will likely be the shortest. We’ll remove the temporaries and exchange them for your quality, custom porcelain veneers.

Caring for Your Veneer

Closeup of beautiful smile

Once your porcelain veneers are in place, these durable cosmetic solutions will maintain their flawless appearance for years. Unlike natural tooth enamel and other restoration materials like composites, porcelain is naturally stain resistant, so you maintain your gorgeous results for years. You should continue daily brushing and flossing and visit our team twice a year as usual.

Understanding the Cost of Veneers

Woman smiling while talking to La Plata cosmetic dentist

After learning about the veneers process and the maintenance required, many patients are curious about another facet of this smile-enhancing treatment: the cost. If you’re interested in getting a price estimate, then we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our La Plata cosmetic dentists. If, on the other hand, you’d like to learn some general information about the cost (including how it compares to other treatments), read on!

Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: Which Treatment Is Right For Me?

Woman with brown hair smiling while relaxing in treatment chair

Whether you’re unhappy with your smile due to permanent staining, minor misalignment, or something in between, there is a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments available. Here are a handful of the most popular ones and what you need to keep in mind when comparing the cost to veneers:

  • Braces – Like veneers, braces can address mild cases of misalignment. However, veneers can also improve the shape, size, and shade of your teeth simultaneously. Plus, the entire treatment can be completed in three visits or less. Braces, on the other hand, often require 12+ months.
  • Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening can blast away stubborn stains and is ideal for mild to moderate cases of dental discoloration. If the stains are permanent or you’re interested in addressing multiple imperfections at once, then veneers may be the best option for your wallet.
  • Direct Bonding – Direct bonding is extremely lifelike, and the process is quick and painless. However, the results don’t last anywhere near as long as veneers, and this treatment is typically recommended for more minor flaws, like a small chip.
  • Veneers – As you can see, there are numerous benefits that come with veneers, making them well worth the cost. In addition to being personalized to each patient and capable of addressing several imperfections, the results are long-lasting, and the treatment is relatively quick!

How to Make Veneers Affordable

Couple sitting in dentist's office while discussing cost of veneers

Of course, a section on the cost of veneers would be incomplete without reviewing the available financial solutions. At La Plata Dental, we proudly welcome payment plans with CareCredit, which is a trusted third-party financier. In a few clicks, you can choose a payment plan that breaks up the cost of your treatment into manageable chunks. One of the best parts of this financial solution is that there are low-to-no interest options available for qualified patients as well! If you have any questions about this financial solution or the cost of veneers in general, please don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can help.

Veneer FAQs

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Want to learn more about veneers in La Plata? You’re in the right place! Our friendly team would be more than happy to answer any questions you have over the phone or at your consultation; however, we know that many of our patients like being as prepared as possible leading up to their appointment. That’s why we’ve dedicated this section to answering some FAQs about veneers.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

It’s no secret that veneers last significantly longer than other cosmetic dental treatments, like teeth whitening. But how long do they typically last? According to one study by Beier, 94% lasted more than a decade and more than 80% lasted two decades. One of the biggest factors that will impact the longevity of your veneers is how well you care for them and your oral health. Habits like brushing twice a day, getting a checkup and cleaning every six months, and not smoking can make a huge difference in how long they last.

Do Veneers Feel Like Real Teeth?

Good news: the answer is “yes!” Veneers are crafted from porcelain and other high-quality dental materials that are smooth, come in a range of lifelike shades, and reflect light like your natural enamel. Plus, the size and shape are custom-made to fit your unique smile, ensuring they won’t feel bulky or unnatural in any way either.

Will I Still Be Able to Drink Coffee with Veneers?

Yes, you will! Porcelain is one of the most popular materials used for veneers, and they are stain-resistant. So, you won’t have to worry about stubborn stains resurfacing anytime soon. Of course, we still recommend taking proactive measures to prevent discoloration on your other teeth, such as using a straw when indulging in a cup of coffee. Sipping on water simultaneously can also help rinse this beverage from your teeth, keeping them bright and beautiful in the short and long term.

Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?

Some patients hesitate to move forward with veneers because they’ve heard they will have a lisp. While it’s true that your tongue will need time to adjust to the presence of your veneers, it’s important to remember that the thin shells of porcelain are designed specifically not to be bulky or obtrusive in any way. So, any changes to your speech will be minor, temporary, and corrected with some simple practice.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

Not only are no two smiles the same, but patients rarely have the same exact aesthetic goals. While one patient may want to fix one stained tooth, the next may want to treat every tooth that shows when they smile. During your consultation, we will learn more about your dental needs and goals before recommending a number.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Although veneers can last for 20+ years with proper care, they are not permanent. Patients often assume they are because the alteration to your teeth to “prep” them is irreversible. In reality, what this means is that your teeth will need to be covered with veneers or dental crowns moving forward to keep them strong and beautiful.

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