Charlotte area dentist Dr. Leonard Hess uses dental veneers to improve the beauty, health, and function of teeth. Depending on your needs and goals, Dr. Hess may use either porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers to cover the front teeth and give you a whole new smile.
Featured Case – Porcelain Veneers
Problem: Patient came in wanting a more youthful smile. Her teeth were stained and had an undesirable shape and appearance.
Treatment: Using porcelain veneers on the front four teeth, Dr. Hess was able to improve the color and shape of the teeth, for a younger, healthier-looking smile.
See more patient photos in our Smile Gallery
What are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer covers the front and sides of teeth to close gaps, correct imperfections, and improve the appearance of teeth. Dr. Hess offers several types of dental veneers:
Porcelain Veneers: are thin, translucent shells of ceramic that are permanently bonded to teeth. Porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant and have similar light-reflecting properties compared to natural teeth.
Lumineers: are a type of dental veneer. Though Dr. Hess does not offer the brand Lumineers, he is able to offer similar restorations, which like Lumineers require little or no tooth preparation.
Composite Resin Veneers: are made using a tooth-colored, biocompatible material that is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted into form. This type of dental veneer requires little to no preparation and can be completed in a single visit.
Are Dental Veneers Right For You?
The ideal candidate to receive veneers for the teeth has a healthy tooth and gum structure. Dental veneers are an ideal cosmetic dentistry treatment and restorative dentistry treatment to improve the appearance of:
- Gaps or spaces between the teeth
- Uneven or crooked teeth
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
About the Porcelain Veneer Procedure
To achieve a natural look, Dr. Hess conducts a comprehensive evaluation, taking into consideration your facial features, and prepares a personalized plan that addresses your needs and desires. Dr. Hess utilizes dental imaging, giving you the opportunity to “see” your smile before the procedure is performed.
Applying porcelain veneers requires the skill and precision of an expert cosmetic dentist. Porcelain veneers are permanent. Since the veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth, it is necessary to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel to create space in your mouth.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
How much does a porcelain veneer cost?
The cost of a porcelain veneer varies depending on the specific condition and goals, the materials selected and the number of veneers to be placed. Most porcelain veneer procedures are not covered by dental insurance; Dr. Hess offers a range of payment options including financing for qualified patients.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are designed to last for many years and with proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns?
A dental crown covers the entire tooth like a cap, compared to a porcelain veneer which covers only the front and sides of the tooth. Both types of treatment are used in cosmetic dentistry as well as restorative dentistry.
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.