Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Porcelain Dental Veneers
Do you have deeply stained teeth? Bothered by uneven gaps between your teeth? Do you have slight dental misalignment or chipped teeth? All these cosmetic flaws are treatable with porcelain dental veneers from Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio, Costa Mesa, California. Dental veneers can disguise your blemished teeth for an impeccable smile.
Want to know more about veneers before taking the plunge? Here are some frequently asked questions about veneers, along with expert answers from our leading dentist, Dr. Joyce Kahng.
Dental veneers are wafer-thin laminates of porcelain installed on the front-facing teeth to alter their appearance. Dental veneers are installed in your teeth to eliminate chips and unwanted gaps and correct crooked and oddly sized or pointy teeth.
Dental crowns are used to repair extensive tooth damage. A dental crown encapsulates the entire teeth to enhance its appearance and structure. Dental veneers only cover the front part of your teeth.
You need at least two dental appointments to transform your smile with porcelain veneers. After a consultation, we reshape your teeth and take your bite impressions to be used by our lab technician to craft your bespoke veneers. It takes two to three weeks for your veneers to be ready. As you wait for your permanent veneers, we’ll install provisional restorations to protect your smile. During your second appointment, we inspect the fit and appearance of your veneers before using dental cement to bond them to your teeth.
The cost of porcelain veneers can vary widely, from $1300 to $3200 per tooth. This depends on many factors such as the complexity of your case, the experience and skills of the dentist, and quality of the ceramics used. However, consult your dentist for the actual estimate.
Although porcelain veneers are super-thin, they are incredibly resilient. Dental veneers can last 10-15 years, although we have seen patients with veneers for up to 20 years. The lifespan of your veneers boils down to how well you care for them.
Caring for your dental veneers is no different from maintaining your natural teeth — brush and floss your teeth daily to keep harmful bacteria in check. Avoid biting off hard substances (candies, fingernails, and bottle tops) to avoid chipping or dislodging your veneers. Finally, don’t forget about bi-annual dental appointments, and wear a mouthguard if you grind teeth or participate in sports.
We can smooth out minor chips in your veneers to keep them looking brand new. However, broken or cracked veneers need replacement.
Potential dental veneer candidates should have healthy enamel and be free from cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.
To determine your veneer eligibility, schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Joyce Kahng, in Costa Mesa, CA, by calling (949) 867-4346.