Is your smile lacking old sparkle due to cracks, discoloration, or misshapen teeth?
Absolute Smile offers top-quality dental veneers in Philadelphia. Dental veneers, particularly porcelain veneers, have gained popularity as the ideal solution to restore a beautiful smile. It’s a straightforward cosmetic treatment that can give your natural teeth a much-needed makeover, fixing gaps between teeth, deep stains, and more cosmetic issues.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry solution that involves attaching ultra-thin, custom-made shells to the front surface of your teeth. These shells, often made from porcelain, are designed to enhance the appearance of your natural teeth. They can effectively address various cosmetic issues, such as gaps between teeth, discolored teeth, and misshapen teeth.
Dental veneers are sometimes called porcelain veneers, as most patients opt for porcelain material due to its durability and natural-looking appearance. However, there are also composite veneers available that are made from a resin material.
Types of Dental Veneers
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, or dental porcelain laminates, are highly prized for their durability and aesthetic benefits. They mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. This provides a stunning and natural appearance, greatly enhancing the aesthetics of your smile.
Composite Veneers
This type of veneers is made from tooth-colored composite resin material. They provide an effective and cost-saving alternative to porcelain veneers. Although they may not last as long as porcelain variants, composite veneers can be easily repaired and typically require less tooth preparation.
Are Dental Veneers Right for You?
Dental veneers, including porcelain veneers, work to improve your smile. When they are used, they create a brand new, white smile. These veneers fit over the top of your existing teeth. They are available to many people including those who have missing, damaged, or stained teeth that want to see an improvement. This is a form of cosmetic dentistry , which means it is very important for you to have it done properly by a skilled technician with incredible experience.
Who Are Not Ideal Candidates for Dental Veneers?
Here are some factors that may make your dentist not recommend this cosmetic dentistry procedure:
- Individuals With Poor Oral Hygiene. If you struggle with maintaining a routine of brushing and flossing, veneers might not be ideal. Healthy teeth and gums are crucial for the successful application and longevity of this dental procedure.
- People With Severe Tooth Decay or Gum Disease. Dental veneers require a foundation of healthy teeth and gums. If you’re experiencing tooth decay or gum disease, these issues must be addressed before considering veneers.
- Those With Very Thin Enamel. Veneer application often requires removing a small layer of tooth enamel to ensure a proper fit. If your tooth enamel is already thin, this procedure might not be recommended as it could lead to further damage.
- Patients with Bruxism (Teeth Grinding). Regular teeth grinding can damage veneers, just as it can your natural teeth. If you’re dealing with bruxism, it’s essential to manage this condition before opting for veneers to ensure they last and remain intact.
- Individuals Seeking a Quick Fix for Oral Health Issues. It’s vital to understand that veneers are cosmetic enhancements, not cures for underlying oral health problems. Addressing and resolving any health concerns with your dentist should be your priority.
- Those With Severe Misaligned Teeth. Veneers can sometimes disguise minor misalignments, but they do not solve significant orthodontic issues. Severely misaligned teeth may need orthodontic treatment before considering cosmetic options.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
- Mimics Natural Tooth Appearance. Porcelain veneers are specifically designed to mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel. This means they blend seamlessly into your mouth, providing a natural and attractive look.
- Stain-Resistant. Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers are highly resistant to deep stains, making them an excellent choice for those who frequently consume coffee, tea, or wine. This resistance ensures their longevity, helping to maintain a vibrant, white smile for longer.
- Personalized for Each Individual. Philadelphia porcelain veneers are custom-crafted to suit each individual’s mouth. This means the shape, size, and color are precisely tailored to match your natural teeth, guaranteeing a perfect and personalized fit.
- Effectively Conceals Dental Issues. Dental veneers are versatile in concealing dental imperfections. They can effectively hide crooked teeth and spaces between teeth and improve the overall appearance of the tooth surface. This adaptability makes them ideal for achieving a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Improves Confidence and Self-Esteem. By transforming your smile, porcelain veneers can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem. Knowing that your teeth look great can make you feel more at ease in social situations, professional settings, or when having your picture taken.
Our Dental Veneers Procedure
Applying dental veneers is a multi-step procedure that requires professional care and attention. Knowing the steps involved can help you understand what to expect and contribute to a smooth procedure:
Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first step in the veneer procedure involves a detailed consultation. Our experienced cosmetic dentists will evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and map out a tailored treatment plan that meets these objectives.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation for Veneer Placement
To accommodate the placement of the veneers, a small amount of natural tooth enamel may be removed. This step is essential to ensure the veneers fit perfectly and provide a natural look. The amount of enamel removed is minimal, typically a fraction of a millimeter, which is comparable to the veneer’s thickness that will be added.
Step 3: Creating Accurate Impressions for Custom Veneers
After teeth preparation, impressions of your teeth will be taken. These will serve as a blueprint for creating custom veneers that perfectly fit your smile. Advanced digital imaging technology may also be utilized to capture detailed 3D images of your teeth to enhance the precision and fit of your custom veneers.
While waiting for your permanent veneers to be created, we may place temporary veneers to protect your teeth and maintain aesthetics.
Step 4: The Final Placement
The final step involves securely bonding the custom veneers or porcelain crowns to your teeth. Your transformation is complete after this. This process involves a special adhesive and a curing light to securely attach the veneer to the tooth surface to ensure durability and seamless integration with your natural teeth.
Does My Insurance Cover My Dental Veneer Treatment?
Insurance coverage for dental veneers varies depending on your specific plan and provider. In general, cosmetic procedures like veneers are not typically covered by insurance as they are considered elective treatments. However, some insurance companies may cover a portion of the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to severe damage or decay.
It’s always best to check with your insurance provider beforehand to determine your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may incur.
Ask your dentist about financing options to help reduce the upfront cost of porcelain veneers. They may offer payment plans or work with third-party financing companies to make the cost more manageable.
Additionally, you can consider a dental savings plan, which offers discounts on various dental treatments, including veneers. These plans typically have an annual membership fee and can help offset some of the costs associated with cosmetic procedures.
Why You Can Depend on Us
As a specialized veneers dentist, we can help you to have beautiful, like-new teeth in no time. Our team works with you to ensure your teeth are healthy first. Then, we talk to you about the various types of veneers available. The process involves several steps, all of which we will explain to you when you come in for an appointment.
If you are thinking about the benefit of adding porcelain veneers to your teeth, now is a good time to come in to see our team at Absolute Smile. You can depend on us for fast, reliable support any time you need it. If you’re interested in learning more about Porcelain Veneers, schedule an appointment with Absolute Smile today.
Visit one of our offices in Philadelphia or Southampton.