What are dental veneers?

It is a less invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that improves the smile appearance. They are a thin layer that is placed on the frontal side of your teeth (incisors and canines). They can modify: Color, shape, and size of the teeth. They cover: Chipped, gapped, crooked, stained, worn enamel or misshapen teeth.

A smile makeover includes 8 teeth (4 per arch).

What types of veneers exist?

Composite resin veneers

Made of an organic polymer resin known as bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate. They are custom made and can be easily repaired. The tooth is covered with a prefabricated mold, then a tooth-colored filling is added to take the shape.

Porcelain veneers

Made of glass ceramic (porcelain) material. They are a full layer, bonded, custom made, strong, natural-looking, don’t change color easily, and are very durable.

Zirconia veneers

Made of yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide. They are strong, and each tooth can be reduced from 0.8mm to 1.5mm.

E-max veneers

Made of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic. They are a thin full layer, and each tooth can be reduced from 0.3mm to 1.0mm. Highly aesthetic, translucent and bright.

Empress veneers

Made of homogeneous leucite-based ceramic. They are previously designed and offer 12 shades.

Lumineers

Made of a patented ceramic known as cerinate. They are digitally designed, extra thin (in comparison with porcelain veneers), and are a less invasive procedure.

Da Vinci Veneers

Made of a strong porcelain material. The shells are bonded to the teeth. You can choose the shape and shade.

How’s the procedure for veneers done?

The first step is a dental evaluation to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, the dentist will do some x-rays and impressions.

After this, a little bit of your enamel will be removed to make space in the tooth for your new veneers. A mold or impresion will be prepared to be sent to a lab for your veneer creation, here you will be able to choose color for your new teeth!

You will have temporary veneers while you wait for the lab to deliver the permanents.

The final step is to cement your new veneers! It’s a quick procedure and you will have a wondeful new smile in minutes!

What materials are used during a veneer procedure?

– Colorimeter. The most popular dental shades are: BL1, BL2, BL3, and BL4. But there are other natural-looking options like: A1, A2 or B1.
– Veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin.
– Glue is used to bond veneers.
– Local anesthetic is applied.

What are the proper care for my new veneers?

Remember to have a check ups 2 times a year.
It’s very important that you follow a daily hygiene routine: Toothpaste, floss and mouthwash.

How much does a full set of veneers cost?

General range cost: $400 to $2500 per tooth.
Composite veneers cost: $400 to $1500 per tooth.
Porcelain veneers cost: $925 USD to $2500 USD per tooth. The regular cost is usually $1500 USD per tooth.

Are veneers permanent?

Nothing is permanent, not even natural teeth. A renovation can be necessary. But depending on the proper care, dental veneers can last even for decades. Composite veneers last over 5 to 10 years, while porcelain veneers last Over 10 – 20 years.