Porcelain veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin strips of porcelain that are bonded over the teeth to correct conditions such as breakages, chipping or minor misalignments. Porcelain veneers are a popular option because they are very effective in concealing chipped, broken or misaligned teeth.

Porcelain is the material of choice for making veneers because its optical properties are very similar to that of the enamel of the teeth. For this reason, porcelain veneers are very effective in restoring the normal appearance of the teeth. They cannot be distinguished by observing superficially.

How are porcelain veneers implanted?

Porcelain veneers are implanted by means of a surgical procedure. First and foremost, the dentist will assess the condition of the teeth and determine if dental veneers are a feasible option. Then he’ll proceed with the implantation procedure. First, the teeth are prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel. This is done to make the veneers fit properly. If the layer is not removed, the veneers will also appear bigger than the surrounding teeth.

Temporary veneers are bonded over the prepared teeth. In the meantime, the dentist will order permanent veneers from a dental laboratory. Once they become ready, the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent veneers are bonded in place.

How much do porcelain veneers cost?

Porcelain veneers are comparatively costly. They can cost anywhere from $750 to $1500 per tooth. Other costs such as the fee charged by the dentist, screening and diagnostic costs can also add up to the overall amount.

Cheaper dental veneers are manufactured from a block of porcelain by using a machine. The main disadvantage with cheaper veneers is that they appear slightly different from the surrounding teeth. On the other hand, costly veneers are handmade by taking into account the shape, size and color of surrounding teeth. If you can afford them, it is better to opt for costly dental veneers because they have better looks.

What are the alternatives to porcelain veneers?

There are several alternatives to porcelain veneers. One type of veneers is manufactured using composite materials. However, these have certain drawbacks. The best alternative to porcelain veneers is Lumineers. Lumineers are a special type of veneers that are manufactured from a kind of porcelain called Cerinate. Lumineers are not only cheaper but also more advantageous as the installation procedure is comparatively simple.