Veneers

Porcelain veneer treatment at your Summerlin dentist, Willow Springs Dental, dramatically transforms smiles by addressing the problem of unsightly teeth. These ultra-thin shells are attached to the front of teeth and custom made to match surrounding teeth. They look and feel natural, and enhance appearance of tooth shape, size, color and alignment.

This makes porcelain veneers one of the most popular cosmetic procedures at our Las Vegas dental office. And your Summerlin dentist can use veneers to provide an aesthetic solution for a wide range of dental imperfections.

What Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

Porcelain dental veneers can resolve a wide range of aesthetic issues caused by problems such as:

  • Worn-down teeth.
  • Stained or yellow teeth.
  • Chipped teeth.
  • Small gaps between teeth.
  • Irregularly shaped teeth.
  • Minor teeth misalignment.
  • Uneven gum line.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Originally designed for movie stars, porcelain dental veneers have long been widely available to give ordinary folk a sparkling Hollywood smile.

Veneers provided by your Summerlin dentist significantly enhance smiles, with benefits including:

  • Natural appearance.
  • Stain resistance.
  • Comfortable, non-invasive procedure.
  • Customized, perfect fit.
  • Extra protection for underlying teeth.
  • Fast, affordable treatment.

Porcelain veneers look natural because they reflect light in a similar way to tooth enamel. Advances in veneer technology have made porcelain veneers even thinner, which minimizes the trimming of tooth structure necessary to facilitate veneer placement. Porcelain veneers also give you a long-lasting smile. Because they’re made with dental-grade ceramic, they’re stronger than composite veneers and last 15 to 20 years, compared with the three- to five-year lifespan of composite veneers.

The Dental Veneer Process

Designing, making and fitting porcelain dental veneers combines science with artistry – specialized clinical skills in conjunction with an eye for visual appeal.

The process entails:

  • Discussing your aesthetic goals with your Summerlin dentist.
  • Having an impression of your teeth taken.
  • Removal of a small amount of dental enamel.
  • Attaching temporary veneers to protect the teeth.
  • Fabrication of permanent veneers in a dental lab.
  • Placing of the permanent veneers.
  • Modifications if necessary to ensure a precise fit.

Does It Hurt to Get Porcelain Veneers?

Getting veneers involves little if any discomfort. Only a fraction of a millimeter of dental enamel needs to be removed, which doesn’t impact tooth nerves. So only minimal local anesthesia is usually needed. Your teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks a few days after getting veneers. Afterward, your teeth may be less sensitive than before the procedure – your veneers will provide an extra layer of protection. If you’ve had multiple veneers, your gums may be slightly tender for a while. Any discomfort after getting veneers can be relieved with over-the-counter medication.

Looking After Your Veneers

Looking after your veneers requires no special routine of oral hygiene, although it’s important to continue brushing and flossing your teeth properly and regularly. Veneers only cover the front of a tooth. The rest of the tooth still needs to be kept clean to avoid plaque build-up. You should also visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings with a veneer-friendly polish.

Veneers for Crooked Teeth

If your teeth are slightly or moderately crooked, veneers can straighten your smile much faster than orthodontic treatment with braces or plastic aligners. Veneers won’t correct the underlying problem, though. Veneers make crooked teeth look straighter by improving the appearance of tooth shape and size.

Veneers may be a good option in less severe cases of:

  • A single tooth out of alignment.
  • Slightly gapped teeth.
  • Protruding teeth.
  • One or more teeth set back from the others.

If crooked teeth are affecting oral health and function, it’s advisable to get orthodontic treatment before veneers – standard braces or the faster alternative of clear plastic aligners like Invisalign.

Can Veneers Become Stained?

The plastics of composite veneers may become prone to absorbing stains from certain foods and drinks or if you smoke. Porcelain veneers are unlikely to develop stains. Nonetheless, it’s a good idea to take it easy on drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine. These can stain surrounding natural teeth, causing a color discrepancy with your veneers. Keep in mind, too, that veneers can occasionally become discolored if the underlying tooth becomes stained.

Porcelain Veneer Cost

Porcelain veneers are priced higher than composite veneers because the process is more involved, but they’re a cost-effective, long-term investment in your appearance and your self-esteem. Porcelain veneers cost in the region of $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Unless you have a wide smile, you may need only six veneers for the most visible upper teeth.

The cost of porcelain veneer treatment depends on factors like:

  • The number of teeth being treated.
  • How natural you want your veneers to look.
  • The skill and experience of your dentist and the ceramist who makes the veneers.

Dental insurance doesn’t usually cover cosmetic procedures like veneers. Although porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers, many of our Willow Springs Dental patients are willing to pay the extra for the advantages of porcelain veneers, which look more natural, last longer, and resist stains and chipping better. Your Summerlin dentist also offers payment plans to make porcelain veneers more affordable.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

If your teeth are basically healthy but showing signs of wear and tear, porcelain veneers could be a good way to get the smile you’ve always dreamt of. Veneers are ideal for individuals who want a long-lasting cosmetic dental solution that transforms their smile. They can also be a good option alongside other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as professional teeth whitening.

Veneers aren’t ideal for everyone – if you have a tooth with a substantial filling, for example. Or you clench or grind your teeth. And any issues with tooth decay or gum disease will need to be dealt with first.

Our Summerlin cosmetic dentistry experts can help you decide whether porcelain veneers are right for you. If so, we can give you a dazzling smile in as little as two weeks. Call us at (702) 867-2745 or contact us online now.