Porcelain Veneers in Buffalo, NY
Amherst Dentist Providing Affordable Porcelain Veneers For Patients in Western New York
Porcelain veneers are a type of prosthesis that are placed over the surfaces of teeth to improve their integrity and appearance. They are alternatives to dental treatments to improve such conditions as discoloration and uneven teeth, filling in gaps and masking any stains all at once.
Veneers are designed to match the color and size of actual teeth so that they seamlessly fit in among patients’ smiles. Application is pain-free, and veneers can last for years without changing in color, weakening, or allowing plaque and bacteria to infiltrate the underlying teeth.
Symmetry is a key component of the quality of a smile, with crooked teeth, gaps, discoloration, and cracks threatening a smile’s cohesion and appeal. Malocclusion (an incorrect bite), uneven teeth, and similar issues can usually be fixed with braces, though this process frequently involves at least a year of regular orthodontic appointments and adjustments.
Whereas there is no true substitute for comprehensive orthodontic work, veneers can nevertheless have a positive effect on a patient’s bite and the alignment of the teeth. Treatments such as teeth whitening can help to mitigate discoloration on the surfaces of teeth, but veneers are an alternative that far more rapidly disguises any sort of stain. Teeth can sustain chips, cracks, or fractures from blunt trauma, and these fissures provide a means for bacteria to enter the soft inner tissue of a tooth.
Once these crevices are filled by dental work, a veneer can hide any remaining unevenness on the surface of teeth. Though orthodontic and dental treatments are still necessary for significant issues that can affect the well-being of teeth, veneers can make up for any lingering asymmetry after the teeth are rendered healthy.
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Veneers are usually constructed from dental composite (a synthetic resin similar to hardened plastic) or porcelain, and prior to being placed on over the surfaces of teeth, they resemble translucent shells. To prepare your teeth for receiving veneers, your dentist will apply an anesthetic and remove a small amount of enamel from the relevant teeth’s surfaces.
It may seem counterintuitive that a tooth must be slightly damaged in order to be perfected down the line, but the reality is that the exterior of a tooth is an inherently slippery surface. For a veneer to effectively adhere to a tooth, the exterior must be scored, just as an older roadway must be contoured before new asphalt can be poured on top. Temporary veneers may be available for use until the permanent veneers are designed and shipped.
Once we create an impression of your teeth, that impression is used to fashion a mold for a ceramicist to use in constructing a veneer that will snugly fit around the exterior of every tooth for which a veneer has been requested. As soon as the veneers have been customized for your mouth, which typically accomplished between two weeks and a month after the initial procedure, you may schedule an appointment with your dentist to receive the veneers.
Your dentist will adjust the veneer as needed in order to fit your tooth, spread a type of cement in the interior of the veneer, place the veneer around your tooth, and allow the cement to harden. The result is a polished and even smile, and it is your responsibility to maintain your veneers for their lifetime in your mouth.
Can I still get cavities even when I have porcelain veneers?
Yes, you can. With the veneers, you do have to keep them clean at all times, as it is possible to get a cavity in the space between the teeth and the veneers. Because the tooth under the veneer is still a regular tooth, you must maintain your veneers as if they were actual teeth.
How durable are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers can last for years. The veneers that our office typically utilizes in our work with patients do come with a warranty of approximately five years, but the veneers can last longer. Veneers are quite stain-resistant. After several years, they might begin to develop minor stains, but they generally maintain their structure and color for some time.
How well do veneers match the color of my teeth?
If you do not place veneers on every tooth, it can be a small challenge to match the color of the other teeth. What we have found is that we can often match veneers to our patients’ teeth on site. In less typical cases, we send the patient to our nearby lab, where the technicians can create a custom match.
How much do porcelain veneers cost?
The cost of veneers ranges among dentists. Our office charges around $950 a veneer. If our patient chooses Lumineers, a more cosmetic option, the charge is closer to $1,050 per veneer, but because this option is longer-lasting, the higher cost can justify the duration. Porcelain veneers are sometimes covered by insurance.
Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?
Veneers do not ruin your teeth. They are not made out of enamel like your natural teeth. They are also personally made to fit over your natural teeth which is known for enhancing their appearance. It is possible for veneers to do more than your natural teeth by resisting staining or damaging. When veneers are placed on your teeth a composite resin is used that hardens under a light. Once they are properly bonded, they are polished and shaped.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost with Insurance?
Veneers are not usually covered by insurance. The reason for this is they are looked at as a cosmetic treatment. Also, when veneers are being placed onto the teeth there are usually more than one that are involved meaning the cost of treatment would go over the maximum even if there were any coverage.
If you have questions about dental veneers, Lumineers, or would like to schedule a regular check-up, please contact our Buffalo dental office and schedule an appointment today.
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