Dental Veneers in Costa Mesa, CA

Contents: What are Porcelain Veneers? | Procedure | When To Use? | Advantages & Limitations | Aftercare | How much cost? | Appointment | FAQ

What is a porcelain veneer?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells or laminates commonly used to make porcelain or resin composites to cover imperfections of the teeth. The correct dental term for veneers is dental laminates, ceramic sheathes, or porcelain sheaths. The veneers are less than half a millimeter thick, so it’s not visible. They are applied by removing an equal thickness of the enamel, so it is flushed to the teeth. The porcelain material gives the teeth a translucent appearance of the dental enamel; thus, reflecting the natural smile. However, porcelain is a brittle material and heavily relies on the enamel to give it the strength and durability it requires.

Even though the process of removing the enamel can be painful, the application is generally safe and painless. The patient may feel a bit of tooth sensitivity after a few weeks, which is common and is caused by trimming the enamel layer.

The Cosmetic dentistry treatment is often used to improve the look of the teeth; that is why it is done only at the front of the teeth. Veneers won’t be useful at the back molars since it is not directly visible, and it does not work to replace a missing tooth as implants are the best solution for it.

How Are They Applied?

If you compare this to dental bonding, the application is more complicated than that. The procedure involves three steps: (1) Consultation, (2) Preparation (3) Application. The entire process usually takes two to three visits, and this also depends on whether a separate consultation is needed.

• Consultation and planning. This occurs during the first meeting between the dentist and the patient. During the meeting, the patient can explain any oral health issues or aesthetic desires to examine oral health and determine if the patient would be a great candidate for the treatment. In addition to the treatment, the patient will be given a step-by-step explanation of the various cosmetic/restorative options available and any expenses that may occur.

• Mouth preparation and creation. The next visit will focus on the two important steps of this procedure:

• • Preparation of the patient’s mouth. This process involves getting rid of a tiny layer of the enamel to match the veneers’ proposed thickness. Composite veneers will need more enamel removed compared to porcelain. The gums can get bruised during the enamel removal process, and this may cause slight discomfort for the first few days until the area has fully recovered. You shouldn’t be concerned since the gums will start healing almost immediately, and you’ll begin to feel normal in a few days. Lastly, if the patient’s teeth are partially broken, it should be restored before proceeding to the veneer application.

• • Creating impressions. After the preparation of the patient’s mouth, we’ll start making impressions. These impressions will be sent to the manufacturing lab. The lab will prepare the veneers based on the material and color preference and the dentist’s instructions. The entire process can take more than ten days, which often overlaps with the healing of the gums, making it easier to fit into the patient’s teeth.

• Application – the last step occurs after the impressions have been complete. This usually takes up to 10 days to finish. The patient’s teeth will be polished, clean, and chemically etched to roughen the surface, helping with the bonding process of the veneers to the teeth. Afterward, a transparent bonding material is used to attach to the veneers. If a porcelain material is applied to discolored teeth, an opaque cement will be used instead. The opaque cement is made to match the color of the adjacent teeth so it would look natural. When the application is successful, the patient will be asked to close the mouth and check if it matches the upper teeth correctly and comfortably with the bottom teeth. Learn about gapped teeth.

When to use veneers?

Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. There are several situations wherein your dentist will advise it.

Below are some of those:

• Tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration is common among men and women. There are various ways a tooth can discolor, and one of the main contributors to stain are alcohol, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. Too much fluoride can also cause discoloration to the teeth. Additionally, conditions such as gastric reflux, root canal treatment, resin fillings, and drug usage may contribute to the stain.

• Worn out tooth – Our teeth will eventually wear out just like any part of our body. Sometimes, it is worn out at a faster than normal rate, and one of the reasons that occur is a lack of good oral hygiene. However, other reasons can occur, such as fluoride deficiency, genetics, and diabetes.

• Chipped or cracked tooth – dental veneers can hide the chipped or cracked tooth.

• Gaps – for patients with gaps in the teeth, veneers can help a lot regardless of how small or big the gap is.

• Irregularly-shaped or misaligned teeth – Most of us are born with teeth imperfections, and dental veneers can be used to cover those imperfections in our smile. Dental veneers can treat teeth with unequal height, width, and where the surfaces have bulges or depressions in the front.

Are there any Advantages and Limitations?

Advantages:

• It can restore the natural appearance of the teeth.

• Porcelain veneers are easily compatible with gum tissues. This type of veneer is also resistant to stains.

• Porcelain veneers are available in various colors. Even the darkest colored teeth can be made whiter again.

• Unlike dental crowns, it requires less shaping, thus, providing a better cosmetic solution.

• The procedure does not require any level of bone loss.

• It doesn’t use any type of metal.

Limitations:

Veneers are the most popular cosmetic option available, and just like any procedures, it comes with limitations:

• To apply the veneers, a thin layer of the enamel needs to be removed from the patient’s teeth, and once the enamel is gone, it cannot be restored.

• Veneers are more expensive than any type of cosmetic procedure.

• Because a small layer of tooth enamel is taken off, patients often experience slight sensitivity of the teeth, which may be felt for the first few weeks.

• The color of the veneers cannot change; therefore, tooth-whitening procedures have to be done first before veneers are installed.

• On rare occasions, veneers can dislodge or fall off the teeth. Dentists advise avoiding eating hard food immediately after the procedure.

• When there’s tooth decay, veneers need to be replaced with a crown.

When Are They Not Suitable?

Veneers are not recommended for patients that have their teeth weakened due to decay, fracture, gum infections, large fillings, or when there is not enough tooth enamel. Also, people who typically grind or clench their teeth are susceptible to damaging the veneers. You must go over the dental issues you think you have that could interfere with the treatment.

Dental veneers Aftercare

The application of dental veneers is pain-free, but local anesthesia is still provided during the initial preparation. If the patient is experiencing pain after the procedure, the dentist will prescribe with over-the-counter pain medications. Commonly, your teeth will be sensitive after the treatment, and it will remain that way for a couple of weeks as the teeth are getting used to the veneers. Eating hot or cold foods at this time can cause excruciating pain.

Once the veneers are fully applied to the teeth, it doesn’t need any type of special aftercare procedures. It will still require you to maintain your daily oral hygiene, such as flossing or brushing your teeth. Also, we recommend using a mouth wash to keep your oral health in the best shape.

Dental Veneers Cost

The Cost of dental veneers is higher compared to other cosmetic dentistry options, but it is less expensive than braces. The total price of your treatment will depend on your case, how many teeth need veneers, and what part of your teeth needs the treatment. Within Costa Mesa and nearby cities, some dentists will charge higher or lower, which depends on their skills and reputation.

How much do Porcelain veneers cost?

Cost for dental veneers is estimated to range from $250 to $2,500 per tooth; depending on the type of material you select. Porcelain veneers typically cost between $925 – $2,500 for a tooth. Composite/Resin veneers cost vary between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.

Dental insurance typically does not help pay for Veneers as they are considered a Cosmetic procedure. Porcelain veneers last 10-15 years and Composite veneers last 5-7 years according to Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Learn about abnormal eruption. More on Underbites and Overbite.

Costa Mesa, Porcelain veneer

If you have questions about Dental Veneers California or any treatment, insurance concerns, or any other queries you may have, feel free to Schedule an Appointment today. We are near you in Costa Mesa, California. We look forward to helping you achieve a confidence-boosting smile.

 

Before and After Pics of Veneer | Dentistry At Its Finest in Costa Mesa

Veneers FAQ

Affordable Dental Veneer Near Me

Picking a dentist convenient to where you live or work or go to school is essential when you are trying to save time and money. There may be a few treatment or follow up appointments in addition to routine visits later. Having your dental office nearby will make things easier. Look for a specialist with excellent reviews for dental veneer and one you feel comfortable with.