Porcelain Veneers
Quick Facts
An Esthetic Smile Makeover
- Procedure Details:
- Porcelain veneers can be customized to your smile, requiring minimal tooth preparation, impressions, temporary veneers, and final placement after a few weeks using advanced in-house lab technology.
- Result Longevity:
- With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer, maintaining their natural appearance and durability with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
- Cost:
- The cost of porcelain veneers can vary based on the number of teeth treated, case complexity, and any additional procedures, but many patients find the long-term aesthetic benefits well worth the investment.
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What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth and improve their appearance. They are typically made from high-quality dental porcelain that closely mimics the look and translucency of natural enamel. Veneers can address a variety of cosmetic concerns, including discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor misalignment. This process usually involves minimal tooth preparation, impressions, and precise placement for a natural-looking result. With proper care, porcelain veneers can provide a long-lasting, durable enhancement to your smile.
White Smiles Dentistry is proud to offer porcelain veneers and Lumineers® at our many Minnesota locations. Our dentists are expertly trained in both protocols, and will be happy to discuss the two options with you during your consultation. The decision between porcelain veneers and Lumineers® is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the condition of your teeth and the advice of our dentists, but you can be assured that you are choosing the best team in the area for your procedure!
Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers
While both treatment options offer a similar result, whether porcelain veneers or Lumineers are the best option for you depends on several factors. Based on your goals and dental health, our team can recommend the best option for your needs. Patients with severely damaged teeth (broken, badly positioned, extremely discolored, among other unsightly conditions) should also ask about options like dental crowns and dental implants. Our team is highly trained and experienced, so you can rest assured that no matter what your situation is, we’ll be able to find the right solution for you!
Porcelain Veneers
Ideal for teeth with discoloration, chips and hairline cracks, or showing signs of decay, porcelain veneers can easily cover up these imperfections. Their non-porous nature makes them resistant to future staining, which allows them to stay bright white over time. Veneers are applied through a series of steps and designed to mimic the look of natural teeth.
Lumineers®
Lumineers® are a brand of veneers made of a particularly thin laminate that requires less extensive preparation compared to traditional porcelain veneers. Lumineers® may be a preferred solution for patients with stained or misshapen teeth. Their thin nature allows our dentists to skip the step of grinding down teeth and move directly into creating your Lumineers®. Our team can take a mold of your teeth and send it to our lab. Customized Lumineers® often take two to four weeks to fabricate, and will then be bonded to your teeth during your next appointment. Their thinness results in a translucent finish, so Lumineers® may not be the best option for those with strongly discolored teeth.
In most cases, the investment for porcelain veneers is greater than Lumineers®, but it is very important to consider the condition of your natural teeth and your goals for this procedure.
What Does the Porcelain Veneers Process Involve?
During your consultation, our dentists will take factors such as skin tone, gum line, and face shape into consideration when customizing your veneers. Your teeth will be ground down to create a rough surface and make the teeth thinner in preparation for the veneers. A mold will then be taken of your prepared teeth and our in-house lab will create temporary acrylic veneers. Porcelain veneers typically require two to four weeks to create, and are then bonded to your teeth using a special bonding solution. The non-porous surface and depth of your porcelain veneers can provide you with the beautifully bright and uniform smile.
After your veneers are placed, it is common to experience sensitivity to hot and cold foods, as well as soreness in the gums. With proper care and maintenance, you can generally expect your veneers to last a decade or more. Brushing and flossing daily with particular attention to the gumline is advised. Avoiding foods and drinks prone to leaving stains on teeth (such as coffee, wine and berries, for example) is also advised.
With Lumineers®, patients often experience very mild to no pain after their treatment. Rather than experiencing pain or sensitivity, the most notable comment from patients who receive these cosmetic solutions is how easy their adjustments were to their new teeth. Lumineers® are also known to last for many years with proper care and maintenance, such as regular brushing and flossing, but they can be removed later with minimal damage to your natural teeth.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers are designed to be a long-lasting cosmetic dentistry solution, typically lasting 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. Their longevity often depends on factors such as oral hygiene habits, lifestyle choices, and regular dental visits. Avoiding habits like teeth grinding, nail biting, or chewing hard objects can help extend their lifespan. Maintaining good oral health and following our team’s recommendations can support their durability. Over time, veneers may need to be replaced due to normal wear, but they can provide many years of reliable, natural-looking results.
Real Patient Results
“Very good experience. Appointment right on time and no waiting for work to get done. Professional staff that was courteous, knowledgeable and made this a positive experience. Top notch treatment. Would recommend White Smiles Dentistry to anyone looking for a good dental clinic”
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers can vary depending on several factors, including the number of veneers needed, the complexity of your case, and a dentist’s experience. Additional treatments, such as teeth preparation or gum contouring, can also influence the overall cost. While veneers may require a higher initial investment, they generally offer long-lasting, natural-looking results that many patients find worthwhile. During your consultation, our team can provide a personalized estimate.
In most cases, veneer services are considered by insurance companies to be an elective cosmetic treatment. We offer financing services for qualified applicants through CareCredit®, Proceed Financing, and Cherry to help make porcelain veneer and Lumineers® more affordable for our patients. Our finance team would be happy to discuss financing options and walk you through the process of applying.
Confidence in our smile affects how we interact with the world around us, so if you’ve been struggling with how your teeth look, now is the time to find out more! No longer must you suffer from dental imperfections that cause you to hold back. Contact our practice today to learn more about enhancing your smile and scheduling a consultation.