Frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers

Q: ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO PORCELAIN VENEERS?

If you are not a good candidate for treatment with all porcelain veneers—due to some badly damaged, severely misshapen, decayed, or otherwise problematic teeth—Dr. Mangine may recommend custom porcelain crowns to improve the health, strength, and appearance of each affected tooth. Instead of covering just the visible front surface of the tooth, like a thin veneer, a dental crown fits over the vulnerable body of the treated tooth like a cap to restore proper form and function while creating a more ideal appearance that blends with the surrounding teeth.

For individuals who do not want veneers but are interested in making minor, purely cosmetic improvements, cosmetic bonding may provide a suitable solution. Tooth-colored composite resin is incredibly versatile; however, this method does not yield results that are as long-lasting or shade-stable as porcelain veneers.

Ultimately, the ideal treatment option for you will depend on a variety of factors that you and Dr. Mangine can discuss during your consultation. She will take the time to understand your dental needs and explain all of the options she offers that can achieve your goals.

Q: DO PORCELAIN VENEERS LOOK LIKE NATURAL TEETH?

Absolutely! One key hallmark of porcelain veneers made by our talented team at b.dental studios is that it looks incredibly natural. Each porcelain veneer is custom-designed and handcrafted to create the appearance of a beautifully enhanced tooth. The shape, size, color, and luster of every veneer is meticulously planned to blend in with the surrounding teeth and deliver a star-quality smile. Additionally, our cosmetic dentist and master ceramist ensures that every veneer fits and bonds to the prepared teeth precisely so that the borders of the restoration are imperceptible.

Q: CAN I GET JUST ONE VENEER OR WILL I NEED A WHOLE SET OF VENEERS?

Patients may opt to receive one veneer, a series of several veneers, or an entire smile makeover based on their unique needs, goals, and budget. During a consultation, Dr. Mangine can evaluate your smile to develop a personalized plan for your veneers treatment. Patients who choose to have one veneer placed are typically those who desire to conceal a single tooth that is deeply discolored, misshapen, or damaged (chipped, cracked, etc.). In these instances, Dr. Mangine is able to color-match the new veneer to the surrounding teeth for natural-looking results. For some patients, the best possible outcome may require that the surrounding teeth also receive veneers to make the most consistent and visually appealing results. Just as every patient is unique, each veneers treatment is unique—to learn about the best approach for enhancing your smile, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at b.dentalstudios.

Q: ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS PERMANENT OR REVERSIBLE?

The longevity of your porcelain veneers procedure will depend upon the type of veneers that are used to enhance your smile. When extremely thin, minimal-prep or no-prep veneers are placed on the teeth, very little, if any, tooth enamel is removed to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Because of the preparation that is done for these veneers, the procedure is often considered “reversible”—meaning that the porcelain veneers could potentially be removed later if desired. With traditional types of veneers, more of the healthy tooth material must be removed to complete the procedure. If a patient wants to remove their veneers in the future, this degree of preparation requires that they must be replaced by new veneers or another type of restoration to maintain adequate tooth protection, strength, and structure. The permanence or reversibility of your personalized veneers procedure is definitely an important topic to discuss with at b. dental studios typically we encourage patients to consider porcelain veneers to be a long-term commitment that yields long-term results.

Q: ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Porcelain veneers are not typically covered by insurance because they are considered to be a purely cosmetic procedure. In some cases, when veneers are placed for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, insurance may offer some coverage. To find out if your insurance plan benefits apply to your veneers treatment plan, our experienced office team can check your coverage. If your plan offers any financial assistance, our team will be able to provide you with an estimate for your out-of-pocket costs.

Q: WILL PORCELAIN VENEERS CHANGE THE WAY I TALK?

Porcelain veneers that are properly placed generally do not affect the way someone speaks. It may take a couple of weeks to adjust to new veneers, but it should not change any speech patterns. After two to three weeks, most patients find that the veneers feel completely natural in the mouth and don’t even notice them while talking or eating.

Q: DO PORCELAIN VENEERS STAIN?

Porcelain veneers are designed to be stain-resistant. Unlike natural teeth, veneers are made up of non-porous porcelain material that is not as susceptible to discoloration or staining. For this reason, most patients are able to enjoy their whiter smile for many years as long as they take excellent care of their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. It may also be beneficial to avoid using tobacco products and consuming staining agents, such as coffee and red wine, that are known to cause tooth discoloration.

Q: ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO BRACES?

For patients who desire a straighter smile, porcelain veneers can be an ideal solution for masking the appearance of mild to moderate misalignment, gaps, and overcrowding. Unlike braces, the veneers process does not require lengthy orthodontic treatment. That said, patients who have more severe teeth misalignment or bite problems may be better candidates for orthodontic solutions – such as Invisalign®.

Q: HOW STRONG ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS?

Porcelain veneers made at b.dentalstudios  are crafted from state-of-the-art ceramic materials are considered to be extremely durable and long-lasting. When porcelain veneers are properly cared for, protected from excessive bite forces (through the use of a nightguard), and placed on strong healthy teeth, they can remain undamaged and firmly bonded for decades. While there may be some variation in veneer strength based on the specific material and fabrication techniques used to create the veneer—as well as the veneer thickness and position of the treated tooth in the mouth—You can be confident that all teh porcelain veneers designed a made by our talented team at b.dental studios maximize the beauty, durability, and longevity of yournew smile.

Q: HOW LONG DO PORCELAIN VENEERS TAKE TO GET?

The porcelain veneers process at b.dental studios typically takes place over three visits. During the first visit, the smile is evaluated for health and aesthetics, candidacy for veneers is determined, and a customized smile design and treatment plan is created. Next, patients return to the office for the preparation of their teeth and the placement of temporary veneers (which remain in place until the permanent veneers are crafted by our master ceramist). Finally, when the permanent veneers are made, the patient returns to the office to have the temporaries removed and the porcelain veneers bonded in place to complete the smile. Variations of this plan may be recommended for patients who require additional treatments prior to veneer placement to improve oral health.

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON REASON TO HAVE PORCELAIN VENEERS REPLACED?

There are many reasons that patients come to b. Dentalstudios to replace their veneers. Most often, individuals seek our team’s unique clinical expertise and individual artistry in upgrading their old veneers from another dentist. Various factors can contribute to a patient’s desire to replace veneers; some of these include:

• Chipped, cracked, damaged, discolored, or detached veneers.

• Aging, low-quality veneers that no longer provide optimal aesthetics.

• Interest in exploring a new smile design using the most advanced planning techniques and high-quality veneers.

• Unsatisfying veneer work performed by a less experienced dentist.

• Upgrading from a single veneer or a small number of veneers to a full smile makeover.

• Developing new dental problems or cosmetic issues, which present the opportunity to redo the entire smile with new veneers.

• Having the financial stability to finally invest in the smile of one’s dreams.

If you are considering replacing your current veneers with new veneers, b. Dental studios is the ideal choice for ensuring a beautiful, satisfying smile.

Q: CAN I PREVIEW MY SMILE BEFORE MY PORCELAIN VENEERS ARE PLACED?

At b. dental studio our master ceramist will reimagine your new smile by creating a very detail to scale wax sculpture of your future veneers. This allows our tram to hear your goals, priorities, and input about your new smile. We will not start your treatment till you approve the wax sculpture of your new reimagined smile.

When your custom temporaries veneers are placed, this will be your opportunity to “try out” your new smile—if there is anything you want to change about the way your smile looks, we can make adjustments to the design of your permanent veneers before they are crafted.

Q: WILL I NEED GUM CONTOURING BEFORE GETTING PORCELAIN VENEERS?

While patients do not need to undergo gum contouring (also known as a “gum lift) in order to have veneers, the procedure often provides extra aesthetic enhancement. When performed by in house oral surgeon at b. Dental studios, a gum lift can reduce excess gum tissue and create a more harmonious balance between the gums and exposed teeth. If you are interested in incorporating gum contouring into your treatment plan, feel free to discuss this with our in-house oral surgeon, Dr. Saltman during your consultation.

Q: WILL VENEERS INCREASE THE RISK OF CAVITIES OR OTHER ISSUES?

Veneers should not have any bearing on the development of cavities or decay. In fact, as practicing good oral hygiene is the most important part of maintaining your veneers, taking care of your veneers can actually help prevent cavities. For this reason and many others, it is imperative that you brush, floss, and attend exams and cleanings regularly.

Q: WILL I NEED TO CHANGE MY DIET WITH PORCELAIN VENEERS?

Although there is no specialized diet for porcelain veneers, we advise you to be wary of certain foods and drinks that may stain or damage your veneers. These include nuts, ice cubes, red wine, coffee, and berries. If you do choose to consume anything that is advised against, we urge you to do so in moderation and to avoid biting down too strongly on any hard, dense foods.

For more information regarding porcelain veneers, please contact our practice to schedule a consultation.