Similar to an acrylic nail, dental veneers are tooth-colored thin shells that attach to the front of the front eight teeth to improve appearance. Often made from either resin-composite or porcelain materials, veneers are bonded to the teeth using either a resin to mold the tooth’s shape, or a putty-substance to obtain an impression of the tooth, and then will be shaped and hardened with UV light. Depending on the type of veneer chosen, veneers can cost about $800 to $2500 per tooth and will last for five to seven years.
What are the Benefits of Veneers?
Veneers aim to improve the appearance of your teeth and are considered a cosmetic procedure, which isn’t covered by insurance. However, dental veneers come with benefits that help treat multiple conditions, including:
- Broken/Chipped Teeth
- Discolored Teeth Stains
- Gaps in Teeth
- Smaller than Average Teeth
- Unusually Shaped Teeth
What’s the Difference Between Traditional and No-Prep?
Traditional Veneers – Most commonly used and the least expensive, traditional veneers typically require the removal of the enamel and local anesthesia to be installed and to ensure that the veneers won’t be removed by actions such as talking, chewing, and drinking. Traditional veneers will typically be made with porcelain, and any dentist performing the procedure will usually only remove small parts of the enamel to ensure it’s stable.
No-Prep Veneers – No-prep veneers bond to the surface of the tooth without the removal of enamel. By covering the front of the tooth without the use of local anesthesia, no-prep veneers don’t require the commitment made with traditional veneers. Only at specific points during the process, depending on the condition and health of your teeth, may your dentist have to remove a minimal amount of the enamel to fit them properly. The veneers, however, will be bonded to the tooth just as any veneer would, but give the patient a lot more freedom in terms of reversibility to have veneers for a short time.
Which Veneers Are Right For Me?
Both offer aesthetically pleasing smiles, but only your dentist will be able to determine which veneers are right for you. However, both will be able to give a smile that’s attractive, translucent white, and consistent. Depending on what you desire, if you wish to have a permanent solution to your teeth that can quickly be filled and adjusted, then traditional veneers will work for you. On the other, no-prep veneers won’t require the commitments made that traditional veneers do, and will allow you to have them removed at any point.
For whatever smile you envision having, Dr. Reynaldo Barbon at Superb Dental Care can help. Dr. Barbon and his team of highly-professional dentists have experience in cosmetic surgery and dental care to properly install veneers, as well as other procedures such as implants, crowns, and bridges. If you’re searching for dentistry within the Pasadena, CA area that will give you a smile you deserve, then contact Dr. Barbon today to schedule an appointment.
