Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers

What are porcelain veneers?

Veneers are thin, durable pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance.

What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers. Plastic filling material is bonded and shaped to a tooth to enhance the appearance. Composite veneers cover the entire face of a tooth.

Should I choose composite veneers or porcelain veneers?

Ask your doctor which option is best for you. Composite veneers can greatly enhance the look of a smile. They are roughly half the cost of porcelain veneers. They are less durable than porcelain veneers and can pick up stains within the first few years. Composite veneers are excellent for those wanting to enhance the look of their smile but are not ready for porcelain veneers. Many patients will switch to porcelain veneers 5-10 years later. If teeth are crooked, broken, very dark, or the patient clenches or grinds their teeth, more durable, porcelain veneers may be the best option.

How many veneers do I need?

A virtual consultation is needed to determine how many veneers are needed, or if veneers are the best option. It is best to have an even number of veneers. Four to twelve upper veneers — and as many as 20 to 24 total veneers for those who wish to enhance their lower teeth as well — will give the best results. It is rare for six veneers to be placed. They can shadow the back teeth and give an artificial appearance to the smile from the side.

How long does the veneers process take?

Once we decide on the look of the veneers at your first in-person appointment, it will take two additional appointments to complete the veneers. The first treatment appointment is to prepare the shape of the teeth, scan the teeth, and place temporary veneers. The temporary veneers are worn for 2-3 weeks. The second treatment appointment is to remove the temporary veneers and cement the final porcelain veneers. In total, the whole process takes 3-5 weeks.

What are temporary veneers?

Temporary veneers are plastic veneers that are worn between the veneer preparation appointment and the veneer cementation appointment. They are worn to protect the teeth that have been modified and to try out the new tooth design. They are made to look like the final veneers. Patients are contacted 48 hours after receiving their temporary veneers to discuss the design. It is an excellent way for patients to experience the new look and color of the teeth and provide feedback to help make design decisions for the final veneers.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last approximately 15-20 years. They will last the longest if they are well-taken care of. Brushing 2X each day for two minutes, flossing daily, and wearing a bite guard at night is a great way to protect the veneers. Using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare or Oral-B is preferred. Avoid eating very hard foods like almonds, or cracking shells with the front veneers. For those who don't floss and don't have their teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis, the veneers may have a shorter lifespan.

What is the most common reason to have veneers replaced?

The porcelain material that veneers are made of is very strong and should not break under normal circumstances. If gum recession occurs, the root of the tooth may become exposed and patients may want new veneers to cover the roots. The veneers do not completely cover the teeth. If a cavity forms on the tooth, it may be reparable with a filling, or it may require the veneer to be replaced. Accidents can happen that can chip a veneer the same way a natural tooth would chip. This may require a replacement veneer.

How long are the veneers guaranteed?

Dr. Soto will replace a broken veneer within two years of placement if the patient has been coming in for their regular recommended cleanings and exams, and they are taking reasonable care of their teeth.

How much do veneers cost?

There is a wide range of fees among veneer providers, from $1500 to over $3000 per veneer. In our office, the current fee for each porcelain veneer is $2250. Two veneers and "no-prep" veneers are $2400 per veneer. New patients should expect to pay for a full examination and x-rays unless they have a current set.

How can I pay for my veneers?

We accept cash, check, or wire transfer. All major credit cards are accepted with a 3.5% surcharge. Payments are expected to be completed by or before the veneer preparation appointment. Financing options include Alphaeon Credit www.goalphaeon.com and Care Credit www.carecredit.com with a 5% surcharge.

What are Lumineers?

Lumineers are a brand of porcelain veneers. The company advertises veneers that can be fitted to your existing teeth without the need to drill or grind them down. This is a brand of veneers from a specific lab that Dr. Soto does not work with.

Dr. Soto offers "No-Prep" and "Near No-Prep" veneers that create beautiful and natural-looking smile enhancements without shaving, or only slightly modifying teeth. Not all patients qualify for this type of veneer.

Why would a tooth need to be shaved to make the cosmetic outcome better?

If a thin veneer is placed on a tooth without removing any tooth structure first, it will appear larger. That is fine for those wanting larger teeth but for those with large teeth to begin with, it could make the teeth seem overly large. If a tooth is dark and needs to be lightened, the tooth structure may need to be removed so the darkness of the tooth doesn't show through the veneer. If some teeth slightly protrude, those teeth may need to be moved in with orthodontics or shaved into better alignment before veneers are placed.

What should I ask my doctor before getting veneers?

• Ask your doctor to show you other cases of veneers they have done, specifically cases that look like your situation.

• Ask how many patients they have treated with veneers.

• Ask if they use a dental lab that specializes in cosmetic dental veneers.

• Ask about longevity. How often do veneers fail that they have done?
  

Does the veneers process hurt?

Typically patients are numb for the veneering process. There should be no pain during the procedure once numbness takes effect. With smaller cases (two or four veneers), there will be very little or no discomfort after the numbness subsides. Patients should expect some soreness of the gums and possibly the jaw in cases that involve eight or more veneers. The soreness can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications. There may be more discomfort if replacing old veneers that are thick, and in cases with significant gum changes.

Will I need gum contouring and what does it cost?

In most veneer cases, contouring the gums will result in a better cosmetic outcome. It is done to create symmetry and to lengthen short teeth. Most gum contouring causes no additional discomfort during or after treatment. Dr. Soto does not charge any additional fee for gum contouring. On rare occasions, surgical contouring must be done if the teeth are very short. Patients are referred to a periodontist for this procedure. The periodontist will charge a separate fee for the procedure.

What happens once I receive my porcelain veneers?

Like any surgical cosmetic procedure, the final esthetic result takes time to fully form. The gums will slowly heal, color-correct, and fill between the teeth. The lips and face will settle and all minor swelling will subside. The bite will normalize. Patients are seen four to six weeks after the veneers are placed to make minor bite adjustments if needed, and to make any minor shape changes. It will take between one month to as many as six months for the veneers to feel and look completely natural.

What if I am unhappy with my veneer results?

We try extremely hard to please every patient. A team of ceramists and Dr. Soto put several hours into each smile to make the perfect set of veneers for an individual. A process is followed to help patients express the characteristics they like in smiles and what they are hoping to achieve with the new veneers. It is important that patients follow the process to achieve the best possible results. In rare cases, patients are not fully satisfied with their new smile and wish for a different look, style, color, etc. If new veneers need to be made again, the process starts over again. Veneers would need to be removed and replaced. There is always a fee to replace the veneers since the entire process is repeated. This may be a partial fee or a full fee depending on the situation.

It is not uncommon for patients to require complete healing before they start to appreciate and love their new smile. This may take several weeks or months. For the safety of the teeth and to allow for full healing, veneer replacement is done no sooner than nine months after the first set was placed.