More Than Just the Veneer of Beauty by Corey Senn Porcelain veneers are a wonderful alternative to composite restorations  print article      send to a friend

While the author of this clever quip has been lost in the shuffle of time, its meaning still rings true. Your smile is important. Whether it's in the boardroom, at the grocery store, or out on the town, a great smile is usually the first thing others notice about you. If your smile isn't what it could be, relax -- there are plenty of cosmetic dentistry choices available. One of the best and brightest is porcelain veneers.

Veneers are thin shells of material that are laid onto your teeth and then bonded to their surface. For teeth that are chipped, worn, or discolored, veneers are a quick and painless way to revamp those pearly whites. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is an extremely popular choice. "So many celebrities now have porcelain veneers, it's no wonder the public has so much interest in it, "says Kristine Hodsdon, RDH, a consultant in the field of cosmetic dentistry who frequently writes and speaks on the subject.

Discussing Expectations

The process typically begins with an initial consultation. Patient and dentist discuss the general steps, timeline, and what to expect from the procedure. The dentist then selects the veneer shade that best matches the patient's existing teeth. It is important to voice any questions or concerns you may have during this consultation.  Many times, a mold of the patient's mouth is taken and sent to a dental lab where a wax model is created to mirror what the teeth will ultimately look like. Temporary veneers are then created from this model.

Once the patient returns to the dental office, the dentist prepares the teeth to be veneered by removing a small portion of the outer enamel. Although most patients do not experience discomfort, occasionally the teeth may be a bit sensitive to this process. A new mold is then taken and sent to the dental lab, where a dental technician creates customized porcelain veneers. Next, patients are fitted with temporary veneers, which are worn until the permanent veneers return from the lab (usually 7 to 10 days). Although patients often express anxiety about the appearance of teeth during this interim period, it is best thought of as a "dress rehearsal," says Dr. Behle. "Patients get a chance to wear and critique something that looks quite similar to what they're going to have.  What you have to remember is that this will be your smile for many years to come and you need to be happy with it." Once the permanent veneers are ready, the patient returns to the office, where the dentist cements them into place.

Porcelain veneers typically last many years. "If they are cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last upwards of 15 years," notes Hodsdon. Many times, the only reason they need to be replaced is due to the natural changes in a patient's mouth, such as gum recession or discoloration around the margins of the teeth. Of course, it is difficult to say how long an individual's veneers will last. Longevity depends on how well they are cared for, the types of food you eat, and whether you clench or grind your teeth during sleep.

Porcelain veneers can range in price from $750 to $2000 per veneer. While this may seem expensive at first glance, finding a less expensive dentist may mean sacrificing quality. As Dr. Behle explains, "Patients come to my practice very unhappy because of past veneer procedures that were not performed well. Finding an experienced cosmetic dentist is an important first step." The money a patient spends for veneers includes an initial consultation, a temporary and permanent set of veneers, the cost of the lab technician, and a follow up exam.  More importantly, you are getting a great looking set of teeth for many years to come.