Veneers: A Permanent Way To Whiten Teeth - Monroe Family Dentistry (2024)

Tired of using teeth whitening strips, or going to the dentist for whitening treatments? Then dental veneers are an option that you should consider. Dental veneers are a great way to permanently whiten your teeth, so no more white strips and no need for whitening treatments.

A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain material that is placed on top of natural teeth. They are bonded to the tooth with a cement-like material to ensure a stronghold. This type of dental cement adhesive allows dental veneers to be a permanent way to address a variety of aesthetic teeth problems.

During the procedure, your dentist will remove some of the outer layers of the tooth’s enamel, which will make this treatment irreversible.The veneer is created to custom fit your healthy teeth shape, size, and color. They are the best low maintenance and stain resistant way to permanently whiten teeth.

Veneers help to eliminate acid erosion and further deterioration of existing teeth. Even though your natural tooth enamel is very strong it’s no match for tooth decay caused by acid and excessive bacteria buildup. Your veneers will function as a wafer-thin barrier between acid, bacteria and the enamel.

Veneers can also be used to hide minor misalignment. However, if teeth are crooked to the point where braces are required you will need to receive treatment from an orthodontist before veneers can be applied.

The Procedure

Dental veneers, dental laminates, or porcelain veneers, no matter what name your dentist uses its all the same procedure. This outpatient treatment can be done in one day but may require a series of 2 to 3 appointments. These second and/or third appointments are follow up appointments that your practitioner may require to ensure that all is well.If veneers are made at an off-site dental lab then its likely that you’ll need more than one appointment.

The dentist will use a tool to shave down your natural tooth where the veneer will be applied. Shaving or trimming down is done so that the veneer will fit perfectly in line with the other teeth. It helps with providing a natural non-bulky appearance. Only a small amount of the tooth is shaved, however, more shaving may be necessary if excessive decay exists.

Impressions or mold of your teeth will be taken and delivered to a dental technician who will create the veneer. Once they are created veneers can then be placed over teeth, including those with an existing filling. Though, placing veneers over teeth that have an existing filling is not common since fillings may affect the ability for the bonding material to adhere to the tooth.

To match the tooth perfectly to the color of existing teeth, your dentist will use a shade guide. Shade guides allow Dr. Mjahed to choose the shade that matches your teeth perfectly. If a perfect match isn’t readily available the color of the veneer will be altered in the lab.

You may feel sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for the first few days after your procedure, but it usually goes away.

No Anesthesia Necessary

If you are wondering why we have not mentioned anesthesia before this point, it’s because this is not a procedure that causes pain. There may be some slight discomfort, however, you should not be experiencing the type of pain that calls for anesthesia.

The Cost For Dental Veneers

Cost varies based on region, according to American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost is $1253 per tooth.

Since this is a cosmetic procedure most dental insurance will not cover the cost. We have found that those insurance companies that will pay for the procedure usually only pay 30 to 50%.

Insurance companies that will pay for this procedure are few and far between. They also require a statement that demonstrates the necessity for the procedure to protect your dental health. One option that has worked for some patients is when your dentist can prove that veneers will be used for the purpose of preventing further tooth decay and that no other option is available.

Pediatric Dentist in Monroe NC

These are just some of the services we provide. To learn more about our Pediatric dentist in Monroe NC and the services we provide, call us or submit an appointment request.

Sources:
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: https://www.aacd.com/
Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons-0515
Animated Teeth: https://www.animated-teeth.com/porcelain_veneers/t3_porcelain_veneers_how.htm