Porcelain Veneers Sacramento – What Are They and How Long Do They Last?
Porcelain veneers are a popular way to improve your aesthetic and your confidence. But your dental veneers must be done right to achieve the look and feel you desire.
If you’re considering dental veneers, there are a few things you first need to know. Keep reading to learn the answer to these questions:
- What are porcelain veneers?
- How much are porcelain veneers?
- How long do porcelain veneers last?
You’ll also learn where to get porcelain dental veneers in Sacramento to boost that smile.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin tooth-colored shells placed on the front surface of your teeth. These thin pieces are custom-made to fit the shape and color of your teeth. Porcelain dental veneers are simply aesthetic, meaning people get veneers mainly to improve the look of their teeth.
Veneers are often used to correct cosmetic concerns such as:
- Chipped teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Uneven sizes in teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
Depending on your needs, you can get veneers on only one or two of your teeth or an entire row. It’s more common to get a row done than just a couple of teeth to create a uniform look.
Veneers are usually made from porcelain, a material that best resembles the look and feel of natural tooth enamel. After all, there’s a reason that teeth are called “pearly whites!”
That said, veneers can be made from other materials.
Porcelain Veneers vs Composite
While porcelain is the most common material for veneers, you can also opt for composite veneers.
Composite veneers are engineered resin affixed to the outer surface. They are a common alternative to porcelain veneers as they are initially less expensive.
However, it’s important to note that composite veneers may not last as long as porcelain veneers and may need to be replaced sooner.
Lumineers vs. Porcelain Veneers
Lumineers are actually a brand of veneers that take less preparation and dental work than traditional veneers.
Lumineers, in particular, have become increasingly popular in and around Sacramento over the past few years due to their simplicity, appearance, and smile-transforming versatility. They are faster to apply and less expensive than traditional porcelain veneers, making them a convenient choice.
Now that we’ve gotten the simple question of “what are porcelain veneers” out of the way, let’s get into the process of getting veneers.
The Process
Installing porcelain veneers is typically a lengthy process. Since the porcelain material is permanently bonded to your teeth, there are specific steps and precautions that your dentist has to take.
Getting veneers requires grinding your tooth structure down, often removing part of the underlying tooth to allow room for proper placement of the ultra thin covering. Once this part is complete, your dentist will take a mold of your mouth to send to a lab to make your veneers custom to your mouth. This is also the time to discuss the shape and color of your porcelain veneers, as you want to choose the ones that blend in the most with your tooth color.
A second appointment is then set to place the porcelain veneer. The veneers are placed on the surface of your reshaped teeth with a bonding agent and a light beam to harden them. Your dentist may have other bonding methods as well.
And that’s it! You’re ready to take your new dream smile out to the world!
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
With proper care, veneers can last up to, or even over a decade. However, many factors influence the longevity of your veneers.
The first factor determining how long your veneers last is how well you care for your oral health. Your natural tooth is beneath each porcelain veneer, so you can still get cavities and tooth decay. Getting a cavity with veneers is a lot worse than without!
To avoid this, good oral hygiene is still a must. Keep brushing and flossing as you would with your regular teeth, and don’t skip dental visits.
Moreover, porcelain veneers are sensitive and prone to chipping through injury. This also shortens the life of your veneers and may require you to replace them sooner. Avoid biting hard foods or using your teeth to open things to further prevent chipping.
How Much Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers in Sacramento can cost anywhere from $900 to $2500 per tooth. This means a full row of veneers could cost you $20,000.
Lumineers are a slightly less expensive option, as they cost $800 to $2000 per tooth. However, this is still expensive if you get a whole row of veneers.
Something to keep in mind is that not many dental insurance plans will cover veneer treatment because they’re considered cosmetic dentistry. You may have to cover the entire cost of your porcelain or composite resin dental veneers yourself.
However, considering how long veneers can last, you can consider them an investment in your confidence and happiness and a way to get your dream smile.
Who Can Get Veneers?
Veneers may be the solution for the confidence boost you’ve been needing. However, it’s essential to consider all the facts before deciding whether porcelain veneers are for you.
Porcelain veneers are the optimal choice for you if you want to improve your smile by hiding crooked teeth, discolored teeth, or irregularly shaped teeth. That said, to get veneers, the underlying tooth must be healthy.
If you have dental problems such as decay or a cavity, you may need to resolve these issues before you can consider veneers.
If you have more substantial dental problems, you may not be able to get veneers at all, such as in the case where you need an extraction. Dental implants may be a better choice in these circumstances.
Looking to learn if you can get porcelain veneers in Sacramento? Schedule a consultation to discuss getting veneers or Lumineers.
