Porcelain veneers can make a major difference in someone’s smile. Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry uses veneers to conceal flaws in your teeth and offer you a more beautiful smile. As cosmetic dentists, we help our patients craft their ideal smile.
Porcelain veneers are an advanced cosmetic treatment. A veneer is a small porcelain shell that conceals flaws, including:
- Cracks
- Tooth discoloration
- Gaps
- Chips
- Crooked teeth
- Damaged teeth
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Unusually shaped teeth
We secure the shells to the surface of a natural tooth to secure it. A porcelain veneer can transform your smile in a short amount of time. Veneers are customized to look natural and are stain-resistant.
With proper maintenance, a veneer placed by a skilled dentist can last for years and years.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that bond to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are made from tooth-colored materials, such as composite resin or porcelain. The design of the materials mimics the color of your natural teeth.
How Do Veneers Work?
To place a veneer, we first administer a local anesthetic. Once the numbing takes effect, we gently remove a layer of the enamel. This allows the veneer to fit over the tooth.
Next, our dentist makes a mold of your teeth to send to the dental lab. There, technicians use the mold to build custom veneers. Then, we place temporary veneers for you to wear until your porcelain veneers are ready.
Once they are ready, you have a second visit for us to remove the place the permanent veneers. We administer local anesthetic again and remove the temporary veneers. Finally, we bond the porcelain veneers to your teeth and buff them.
How Much Are Veneers?
The average price for veneers in Shreveport is $1,200 – $1,500 per individual tooth. However, there are many factors that determine the cost of veneers. The best way to know how much veneers cost is to consult a cosmetic dentist.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are a minimally invasive procedure that improves the appearance of teeth by adding thin layers of resin that cover the teeth. People may also refer to them as “resin veneers” because they are made using a combination of ceramic and acrylic resin. The material mimics the color of natural teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Dental veneers can last 10-12 years or longer with proper care. The lifespan of teeth veneers depends on 3 main factors:
- Type of veneer
- Quality of the veneer and work
- Maintenance
Are Veneers Permanent?
Most types of dental veneers are permanent, meaning the procedure is not reversible. Veneers that require no prep or minimal prep may be reversible. Consult your dentist to learn more about your options.
What’s the Difference of Veneers Vs Crowns?
A dental veneer is bonded to the front of your tooth while a crown covers the entire tooth.
Common Questions
Do Veneers Stain?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant. However, they are slightly transparent. If your natural teeth have a stain, it can cause discoloration to appear.
Additionally, veneers can stain without regular brushing.
Do Veneers Require Special Care?
Like natural teeth, it is essential to maintain your dental hygiene routine. Regular brushing and flossing will keep your porcelain veneers beautiful.
There are no specific care instructions for veneers. However, it is important to schedule routine dental exams and cleanings in addition to flossing, brushing, and a healthy diet.
Does Insurance Cover Veneers?
Dental veneers fall under cosmetic service, not preventative or restorative. So, many patients do not receive coverage from their dental insurance. However, we work with our patients to offer payment plans to help you finance your ideal smile.
Craft a Smile You Love
At Kerst & Caskey Family Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves a smile that they love. We offer our patients solutions to their dental woes with a variety of treatments. If you want to improve your smile, schedule a consultation with our dentists in Shreveport, LA.