What are veneers?
Think of veneers as similar to how ladies get artificial fingernails. It's a way to make your teeth look different from where they are now. A lot of people aren't happy with the shape of their teeth or the color of their teeth, so we can redo the facing of the teeth and make them look straighter, whiter, a different shape, more beautiful, and give you the confident smile that you want. It's different for everybody, so it's very individual.
When would a dentist recommend using veneers?
A dentist would usually recommend using veneers when you have strong teeth that just aren't the right color or shape for what makes you happy. It's a really simple process, but ultimately, if cosmetic enhancement is what you're looking for, dental veneers could very well be the solution you need.
What is the difference between dental veneers and crowns?
The difference between dental veneers and crowns is that dental veneers are much more conservative. A crown wraps entirely around the tooth, all the way to the gum line of the front and back. We can control shape, color, size, and all that, but it's only when a person's tooth is so weak that we would want to use that option. If a person's got a really strong tooth, then we want the most conservative option available, and a lot of times that's the dental veneer.
What is the process for placing veneers?
The process for placing veneers involves really two steps. First is the preparation process. We want the final result to look like a natural tooth. We don't want anybody to know you had dental work. We just want them to compliment your smile. Because of that, we've got to reduce some tooth structure, so we'll prepare the teeth, shave down a little bit of the enamel to make space for the porcelain, and then when we add the porcelain back, we've got a normal shape tooth that doesn't look too big for your mouth or smile. Once we've prepared it, we have a mold that we use to actually send to the lab, and they create the new porcelain veneers on that mold. In the meantime, you have a temporary veneer in place that we've put some thought into in advance, and we try to let you try out your new smile, make sure you like the shape of those teeth before we go to final, and that's while the permanent veneers are being made at the lab. Once the lab sends your case back, we have you come back, we remove the temporary veneers, and we go through a bonding process where, just like at a nail salon, they have a process to bond the artificial fingernails to the natural fingernail. We have a process to bond the porcelain to the natural tooth structure. Very strong and lasts decades, as long as you take care of it like your teeth in general. So that's the process of a porcelain veneer.
Will veneers and bonding cement match my tooth color?
One of the really important questions I get is, will the bonding cement, veneer, all those things match my natural tooth color? And the answer is an emphatic yes. We go through a lot of effort to make sure that we understand the color of your teeth, and then we match that through a variety of methods to ensure we have a very predictable outcome, so that once the new porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, nobody knows the difference. They just know you have a beautiful smile.
What are the differences between porcelain and composite veneers?
There are really two types of veneers. One is made of porcelain, that's what most people hear about. The other is made of composite. Composite is the white filling material. At the end of the day, composite veneers are a very good way to make some very minor changes to the tooth with very minimal removal of tooth structure, but there are some limitations. It's not really strong. It's strong in small quantities, but if we're going the full tooth surface, I find that typically composite veneers are not strong enough, and I don't have enough control over the natural aesthetics of the tooth in most situations. If we're going to be replacing an entire smile and just revamping the whole smile, I prefer to go with porcelain because it's just much more predictable color options, the translucency that mimics natural tooth structure, and the strength of it is very similar to enamel. If I want something to last the longest, then usually on a smile makeover using dental veneers, I would choose porcelain. For younger people, as a side note, for younger people, we try to be as, and I'm talking under 18 years old, if they've got tooth discolorations or broken teeth or anything like that, they're going through orthodontic treatment, they're still growing, so for all those reasons, we would typically choose the most conservative and go with composite veneers in that situation.
What should I do to care for my dental veneers?
Caring for dental veneers is very simple. We have you do all the things that help you avoid cavities on your natural teeth, and that will protect your dental veneers. Brushing, flossing, and using a water pick is highly recommended on a regular basis. When you have sugary products and processed foods, anything that God didn't make, that forms a film on the tooth that is really acidic and can lead to decay. Naturally, if that can cause decay on enamel, it can also affect the bond of the veneer and cause a cavity under the veneer too. As long as you take care of your teeth in a way that protects all your teeth from decay, then your veneers can last decades.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers is highly variable. It really depends on how many you need versus how few will solve the problem we're trying to solve for the patient. In general, veneers are going to cost, in most offices, over $1,000 a tooth, under $2,000 a tooth, somewhere in that range, depending on the office, depending on the situation. It's a nice investment that can last decades. Much more valuable investment than a lot of people would think about when they make a car, or purchase a car. Changes your personality, changes your confidence, and just makes you really, really happy when you look in the mirror and smile. Much better investment than a lot of things we tend to spend money on every day.
Are there financing options for getting veneers?
Most of my patients, when they're considering veneers, choose and prefer a financing option. There's a lot of financing companies out there that allow us to offer dental care to our patients and fit it into a budget, particularly when it's a more sizable investment. A lot of the companies we use are very trustworthy companies, and they offer credit limits up to $35,000 for large cases. Typically, most of those offer zero interest financing for up to two years. Definitely talk to us about financing options. There's a lot out there that will help you choose the right option for you.
Does insurance cover the cost of veneers?
Typically, when it comes to insurance, insurance does not usually cover the cost of veneers. Veneers are considered elective cosmetic procedures, and insurance typically looks for any way to not cover whatever they can legitimize. So definitely, veneers would not be covered by insurance, typically.
How can I schedule a dental veneer appointment?
Scheduling a dental veneer appointment is really simple. The first step is planning. It's a consultation to see what your needs are, what desires, what is it about your smile that you're not happy with. From there, we take a 3D scan of your mouth, take a series of photos, and discuss some smile design options. A lot of people don't realize, but the patient can be very involved. In my practice, I like the patient to be very involved. We actually have a form that has about 16 different shapes of smiles, lengths of teeth, how pointy or flat do you want them. We go through all those things, send that to the lab, and then do a mock-up to where we actually get a 3D printed model of the changes, and then we transfer that to the smile when you're ready. It's really simple. It starts with a consultation.
If you feel like this is a fit for you, and you'd like to have more information or discuss the options for dental veneers, please give my office a call at (972) 992-5223.
Dental Veneers
Make Your Smile Your Best Feature
- Custom-made porcelain veneers will correct chips, stains, and deeply discolored teeth to give you the dazzling, bright smile you’ve been waiting for.
- Ask about our VIP Club. For a small monthly fee, the cost of preventive care is covered plus you’ll receive discounts
on other treatments like veneers. - We use models, photographs, and digital X-rays to create the perfect blueprint for your veneers, ensuring you get the best results and love your new look
Look Years Younger With Dental Veneers in Dallas
We enjoy seeing our patients fall in love with their new smiles, and it’s easy to do with dental veneers in Dallas. Custom-made porcelain veneers are a conservative aesthetic fix and one of our favorite ways to dramatically improve your smile.
Here are just a few ways our porcelain veneers can help you look your absolute best:
- Give crooked teeth the appearance of being straight
- Change yellowed teeth to dazzling white
- Repair unsightly chips and cracks in teeth
- Alter the length and size of your teeth
- Improve your smile in as few as two visits
- Last for many years with proper care
Get your teeth looking their best and call (972) 992-5223 today to schedule your appointment.
If you’re uninsured, ask about our VIP Club. This allows you to get preventive services by paying an affordable monthly membership fee, and it gives you discounts on cosmetic services as well.
Make a Great First Impression With Our Veneers Treatment
Teeth veneers help you look your best for years to come. This versatile cosmetic procedure combines some of the very best advancements in dental arts and science to give you a memorable smile. Whether you’re ready to look your best for a big event, or you chipped or broke teeth in a dental emergency and need to get your smile repaired, or you just want to look years younger, veneers may be perfect for you!
Here’s how Village Dental Care creates your custom-made dental veneers.
- We carefully plan your treatment using models, photographs, and digital X-rays. Dr. Hardcastle considers the details of your preferences, such as your desired color and shape for your veneers.
- Typically, the process of getting your new veneers takes two appointments. First, we’ll carefully remove a tiny bit of tooth enamel to make room for your veneers. Most patients find the process painless. However, we’ll numb your mouth and you can also receive dental sedation if you’d like.
- Then, Dr. Hardcastle will create temporary restorations that you’ll wear for around three weeks. This lets you know what your veneers will look and feel like and allows us to make any needed changes. During this time, your veneers are made by a skilled technician in a lab.
- Once your veneers are ready, you’ll return for your next appointment. Dr. Hardcastle evaluates each veneer to ensure it meets your specifications. Once assured of its correct appearance and fit, he will bond them to your natural teeth.
- Finally, Dr. Hardcastle may make minor adjustments to your bite. Then he’ll give your veneers a final polish so you leave Village Dental Care with a brilliant smile you’ll feel confident in showing off.
Don’t wait to look your very best! If you’re ready to gives your smile a new polished look, we’re ready to help! Call Village Dental Care at (972) 992-5223 today to schedule your appointment for dental veneers in Dallas.