Things to Know Before Getting Porcelain Dental Veneers

Porcelain dental veneers are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain that fit over the front and edge of the teeth to restore teeth which are stained, are chipped, have gaps or are misaligned.

The benefit of porcelain dental veneers is that very little of the tooth’s surface needs to be shaved during treatment which preserves most of the tooth structure. Veneers can significantly improve the appearance of teeth. The colour of veneers can be selected to match other teeth and this type of tooth restoration is extremely stain resistant.

If you’re considering treatment, there are some important things to know before getting porcelain dental veneers:

Who is suitable for getting porcelain dental veneers?

To get porcelain dental veneers, you need healthy gums and teeth. If you have tooth decay, oral infections or gum disease you need to discuss the condition with your dentist. Once the condition has been successfully treated, you can proceed to get veneers.

People who have a habit of clenching or grinding teeth need to be aware that these habits create an added strain on the veneers which can cause them to break. You will need to stop these behaviors if you intend to get porcelain dental veneers or fit a dental splint in the jaw to prevent.

How long does it take to get porcelain veneers and what is the procedure?

The procedure for getting porcelain dental veneers usually requires 4 visits to the dentist. The first consultation is to carry out a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan. Pre-operative photographs and the shade of teeth may be taken to initiate the smile design process.

At FY Smile, we implement the Digital Smile Design (DSD) process which involves sketching virtual two-dimensional improvements to your smile based on the photographs and videos we take.

A trial is then conducted during the 2nd appointment to make sure different lengths of teeth and shapes because it allows changes to be made quickly.

Since the photos integrate the overall face, it is easier to identify what changes need to be made to harmonize your smile with your face.

At your third appointment, the teeth to be veneered will be prepared. Normally your dentist will remove about 1/2mm of enamel from the tooth surface. An impression of the tooth or teeth will be taken along with your smile design and sent to the ceramist.

Temporary veneers are fabricated to provide you with an aesthetic provisional restoration. At the final appointment the temporary veneers are carefully removed, and your custom-made veneers fitted in.

Additional appointments may be required to perfect the shape, colour, contours, characteristics, marginal fit and bit of veneers. This is important to ensure that the final result is the best possible that can be achieved. Only once you confirm that you are pleased with the appearance and fit, will your dentist bond the veneers to your teeth.

Is it painful to get porcelain dental veneers?

It is generally not painful to get porcelain dental veneers.

Some people experience a little tooth sensitivity or soreness around the gum. However, everything should be normal within a couple of days.

In the unlikely event, severe pain is experienced, an appointment to see your dentist should be made straight away.

How long do porcelain dental veneers last?

With proper brushing and flossing every day and by keeping up with dental appointments twice a year, your porcelain veneers can last for several decades. Although very thin, porcelain veneers are strong and chip-resistant.

The long-lasting quality of porcelain veneers is what has made it an incredibly popular solution for people whose natural teeth have weakened due to age or broken fillings.

How easy is it to adjust to porcelain veneers?

Most people are able to adjust to their new veneers straightaway. You will be able to speak and eat, just the way you did before treatment.

The immediate improvement in your appearance will boost your confidence and soon you will forget that you had teeth that look different from what your veneers have given you.

Veneers can help you take years off of your appearance. Some welcome side-effects of porcelain dental veneers are that they will slightly plump out your lips and smoothen fine lines around the mouth.

Do porcelain veneers fade or stain over time?

Unlike conventional filling materials that are used in bonding, porcelain veneers are baked in an oven at a very high temperature, and will not stain or fade. It’s important to have regular dental visits to keep the underlying tooth structure healthy and free from disease to maintain that healthy smile.

Advantages and Limitations of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Advantages

• Gum tissues are tolerant to porcelain
• Veneers offer the best resemblance to natural teeth
• Veneers usually don’t require extensive shaping as in the case of crowns
• They are stain resistant
• You can choose a color that is closest to your other teeth

Limitations

• Cost more than composite resin bonding
• Are fixed and cannot be removed
• Removal of enamel can cause sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• Veneers that chip or crack cannot be repaired and need to be replaced
• If teeth decay, veneers may need to be replaced by crowns

Cost considerations for getting porcelain dental veneers

Veneers are considered to be an affordable option for achieving a beautiful smile. The cost of veneers depends on the following:

• How many teeth will be treated/li>
• Cost of initial consultation to assess the condition of teeth
• Gum Health
• Alignment of teeth
• Bone & Gum Levels

At FY Smile, we offer a convenient payment plan which makes your treatment affordable, so you can enjoy a beautiful smile without making a huge upfront payment.

Is the cost of veneers covered by Medicare or Insurance?

Medicare does not cover the cost of dental services the way it does with other health services. It does not cover cosmetic or orthodontic procedures such as the cost of veneers.

While the standalone dental cover is not provided by most healthcare providers, dental treatments are offered through an extras cover at an additional premium. Veneers are generally considered under the Major Dental category, requiring higher coverage levels. Your insurance provider can help you find out about the dental procedures which your policy covers.

You will need to incur some out-of-pocket expenses. There may also be a waiting period before you will be able to make a claim.

Getting the best results from porcelain dental veneers

While dental veneers are a fast, easy and safe way to get a beautiful smile, choosing a reputed cosmetic dentist will ensure you get the result that you desire Dentists at FY Smile have many years of knowledge and experience with porcelain dental veneers. If you have questions or need advice on getting porcelain dental veneers, click here to book a virtual consultation.