Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. Having teeth that are stained or crooked is very noticeable when a person smiles. This can cause a person to be self-conscience and avoid smiling. Dr. Leonard Hess offers a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can easily improve a patient’s smile and self-confidence. Porcelain veneers are popular restorations that are able to give you a smile makeover.
Dental veneers are used by Dr. Hess in his Charlotte, NC dentist office to correct many issues. He uses them to address:
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- The appearance of misaligned or crooked teeth
- The shape or length of teeth
- Stained, discolored, or yellow teeth
- Aging teeth that have worn down
What are porcelain veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a very thin shell that covers the front and sides of a tooth. This shell is permanently bonded into place and will cover up any cosmetic blemish. Porcelain is very similar in appearance to a real tooth so the veneers will look natural. If shaped and installed correctly, they should feel completely natural in your mouth. You won’t even notice them when you are talking or eating. A dental veneer is a permanent, irreversible dental restoration that is highly stain resistant. They eliminate the worry of your teeth turning yellow over time. Porcelain veneers are very durable and strong but, just like your strongest natural tooth, can be broken or cracked with the right amount of force. This happening is not very common.
Porcelain Veneers Cost
Most dental insurance plans will not cover the cost of porcelain veneers since they are considered cosmetic dentistry treatments. You should check with your plan to see if your insurer will cover a portion of your dental veneers. This type of dental restoration is not cheap. According to a 2013 study conducted by The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost of a veneer per tooth was $1,313. This price can vary depending on the number and size of the veneers required. If whiter teeth are what you desire, teeth whitening may be a less expensive option. If your teeth do not respond to that, then teeth veneers may be your only option for having a brighter, whiter smile.
What to Expect
Dr. Hess will first perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth, mouth, and facial features in his Charlotte, NC cosmetic dentist office. After considering your wants, he will create a personalized treatment plan to give you the smile you desire. Using dental imaging, he will be able to show you your new smile before getting started.
To make room for the veneer, Dr. Hess will remove a layer of enamel from the tooth surface. Then he will permanently bond the thin shells to each tooth using a color-matched resin. Lastly, he will polish and adjust them for a natural-looking result. People with sensitive teeth may experience some discomfort during the procedure. Typically, no serious amount of pain is involved. Most people report feeling no pain at all during the veneer procedure.
How to Care for Porcelain Veneers
Caring for your new teeth veneers is simple; just follow a typical oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss your teeth every day and visit your Charlotte, NC dentist twice a year. The best part about dental veneers is they are not susceptible to decay so there is no threat of getting a cavity. Porcelain veneers are designed to last for many years and with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in getting porcelain veneers in the Charlotte, NC, and Monroe, NC area, request a consultation online with Dr. Hess. He will discuss your cosmetic goals and budget concerns to determine if they are right for you.