If there is a natural space between the teeth, or if they are small, the amount of filing done beforehand can be minimal. On average, a tooth will be filed down 1 millimeter, at the end, on the right and on the left”. During the filing procedure, the pain is non-existent thanks to the local anesthetic.
For traditional composite and porcelain veneers, your dentist will shave down your enamel. They usually remove about 0.5mm for porcelain veneers and slightly less for composite veneers. Getting your teeth filed down for veneers is a permanent procedure because you can't replace enamel.
Typically, it's just 0.5 mm—just enough to give your veneers room to line up flush with the rest of your smile.
Traditional veneers require a teeth preparation process that involves shaving or drilling some of the outer tooth enamel of the teeth to enable the veneers to bond seamlessly and permanently. However, there is certainly no need to file your teeth down to pegs!
The 4-8-10 rule is a general guideline that suggests placing veneers on four, eight, or ten teeth, depending on the patient's needs and desired outcome. Four Veneers: This option is typically recommended for patients with minor cosmetic concerns, such as slight discoloration or a small chip on one or two front teeth.
You'll need 4+ teeth to support the Pop On Veneers.
Your real teeth stay the same under veneers. A thin layer of enamel is removed for the veneer. But, your tooth structure remains intact. This way, you keep your natural teeth while improving your smile.
Once veneers are placed, removing them and returning them to the original teeth with some intervention is generally only possible. As previously stated, before veneers are attached to the teeth, a tiny portion of enamel is usually removed. Enamel is not a regenerative tissue, meaning it cannot regrow independently.
As a result, dental insurance providers may view veneers as cosmetic procedures and exclude coverage for them. However, it's not uncommon for insurance plans to provide partial coverage if veneers are deemed necessary due to specific functional reasons.
The tooth reshaping process is completely painless. Only the surface of the tooth is being filed with paper disks, which means you will not feel anything during the treatment. It's a little bit like filing your nails. It won't hurt a bit and they'll look great afterwards.
In California, the cost of porcelain veneers ranges from $20,000 to $70,000. This price may be influenced by the high demand for cosmetic dentistry and the overall cost of living. In other US states like Colorado, Connecticut, and Delaware, the average cost is between $12,000 and $20,000.
Patients with Insufficient Tooth Enamel
For veneers to adhere properly, there must be an adequate amount of enamel present on the tooth surface. Patients can experience enamel loss or erosion due to conditions like tooth erosion or grinding (bruxism).
There are generally eight dental veneers in a full set. These restorations are designed as a cosmetic—and not a structural—solution, and so they're reserved for the eight teeth that are most prominently visible on the upper jaw: the central and lateral incisors, canines, and first premolars.
Your Teeth Must Be Free of Tooth Decay
A porcelain veneer needs a healthy tooth structure on which to bond in order to remain secure. If you have unfilled cavities or diminished tooth enamel, our dentists will treat those conditions before offering dental veneers.
Dental Bonding
Are you wondering, “Is there a cheaper alternative to veneers?” Yes, there is: dental bonding. Dental bonding is a quick, easy procedure to fix broken, chipped, or misshapen front teeth. It's cheaper than getting veneers, and the bonding process usually only takes 30-60 minutes.
A Cosmetic Dentistry Grant (CDG) is available for those looking to receive a dental veneer procedure. The CDG will cover the partial cost of your dental veneers for qualified applicants. Learn more about the CDG and if you're eligible to get CDG funding for veneers.
The cost of veneers varies depending on the dental office's location, the type, and the number of veneers applied. Veneers are usually not included in your insurance coverage, yet other payment options, such as HSA and FSA, are available to help you finance your treatment. Veneers do not require costly maintenance.
The answer is, Porcelain veneers are not painful but the first 10-14 days may cause discomfort due to the habituation and adaptation of the teeth. During treatment, the sensitivity of the teeth increases temporarily. There may be slight tooth pain after veneers to hot or cold food.
If you're on a tighter budget or prefer less invasive treatments, composite veneers may be the answer with an average price of $1,043³. With a lower cost and the potential for same-day results, composite veneers are the budget-friendly solution that still give you a smile you can be proud to show off.
Before undergoing the treatment, many of our clients ask us a similar question: will the veneers damage my natural teeth in any way? The good news is that when fitted properly, your natural teeth will stay as strong and healthy as ever underneath the veneers.
How long is the veneer healing process? Most people feel like they're completely comfortable with their new veneers within about two weeks. By this, we mean any sensitivity and discomfort have subsided, and speech and bite have returned to normal.
While there is no set limit to how many times you can have veneers replaced, taking proper care is essential to maximizing their lifespan and minimizing the need for replacements. By practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding habits that can damage your veneers, you can enjoy a radiant smile for years.
Your porcelain veneers can make your teeth look thick and bulky if you have average-sized or large teeth and your dentist doesn't prepare them first. Even ultrathin veneers—as thin as 0.3 mm—add thickness to your teeth and slightly extend their length.
Veneers aren't a magical solution for the teeth and gums. A veneer itself cannot get tooth decay, but it's possible to get a cavity in a tooth that is covered by this veneer. This makes having regular dental examinations important as Dr. Allred can determine problems before they advance into something more serious.