Porcelain Veneers in West Hartford

What Do Porcelain Veneers in West Hartford Help to Fix?

Veneers porcelain are customized shells that are applied to the surface of teeth. They’re made from tooth-colored materials, so they look just like natural teeth. Veneers can correct many dental issues, such as misaligned or unevenly spaced teeth, discolored teeth, or chipped teeth. Your dentist will be able to tell you if veneers are the right choice for you at your consultation.

What Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Factors affecting your porcelain veneers cost include how many teeth are receiving veneers and the overall complexity of your dental restoration. Because veneers made from porcelain are considered a cosmetic treatment, the procedure isn’t usually covered by dental insurance. Our office may have options available to help you manage the cost of treatment. Give us a call to learn more about financing options and payment options.

What Are the Most Noticeable Differences Between Veneers and Crowns?

Although both veneers and crowns are made from the same materials, work by covering an existing tooth, and can improve the appearance of your smile by changing the color and shape, there are some significant differences between them. The two important differences between these two forms of dental restoration involve the thickness of the materials and the removal of the natural tooth structure.

Crowns are much thicker and durable and surround the entire tooth. For this reason, crowns are also called “caps.” Veneers are very thin and cover the front surface of teeth. When compared to porcelain crowns, veneers are a more conservative option because the dentist is able to preserve most of your tooth’s natural structure. Up to two millimeters of tooth enamel is trimmed away before a crown can be placed on a tooth.

Crowns are the best option for patients who have weakened or damaged teeth caused by advanced decay, trauma, or tooth grinding. They serve as a protective covering for teeth, protecting them from additional damage. Veneers are recommended for patients who only want to improve the beauty of their smile but have otherwise healthy teeth. Get in touch with us to learn more about the benefits of porcelain veneers in West Hartford.

How Are My Teeth Prepared for Veneers?

The porcelain veneers procedure typically involves two or three visits to the dentist. Here are the steps involved in placing veneers.

During your first appointment, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory that will manufacture custom-made veneers. Your dentist may also remove a small portion of tooth enamel, typically less than one millimeter. This creates enough space for the placement of veneers and ensures a natural appearance. Veneers are available in a variety of shades, so your dentist will select the veneer shade that’s perfect for your smile.

It can take anywhere between one to two weeks for the dental laboratory to manufacture your veneers, but your dentist will place temporary veneers over your teeth to keep them protected during this waiting period. After your custom-made veneers have been designed, you’ll return for another appointment. During this time, the temporary veneers will be removed, and the permanent veneers will be bonded to the surface of your teeth. A special adhesive is applied to securely hold the veneer in place, and an ultraviolet light may be used to help the adhesive harden quickly.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

One of the main benefits of porcelain teeth is their strength and durability. With proper care and good oral hygiene habits, it’s possible for veneers made from porcelain to last 15-20 years. You care for them just like your real teeth, which includes daily brushing and flossing and seeing your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and exams. Although veneers are strong, they are susceptible to damage. For this reason, you should be mindful not to bite into hard foods or objects and avoid opening packages or bottles with your teeth. You’ll also want to wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports, and ask your dentist about a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.