Charlotte area dentist Dr. Leonard Hess uses dental veneers to improve teeth’ beauty, health, and function. Depending on your needs and goals, Dr. Hess may use porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers to cover the front teeth and give you a new smile.
Featured Case – Porcelain Veneers
Problem: The 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 improved 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 to natural teeth.
Lumineers: are a type of dental veneer. Though Dr. Hess does not offer the brand Lumineers, he can 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, considering your facial features, and prepares a personalized plan that addresses your needs and desires. Dr. Hess utilizes dental imaging, allowing you to “see” your smile before the procedure.
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, removing a thin layer of tooth enamel is necessary to create space in your mouth.
Porcelain Veneers FAQs
Porcelain veneers are a versatile option for many cosmetic problems. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
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. Their average lifespan is 10-15 years or more.
What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns?
Compared to a porcelain veneer covering only the tooth’s front and sides, a dental crown covers the entire tooth like a cap. Both types of treatment are used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. However, a dental crown can save teeth that are severely damaged and decayed. Porcelain veneers are typically more for cosmetic use.
Can I get cavities with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers themselves aren’t susceptible to tooth decay. They aren’t living tooth structures, so there’s no way for bacteria to wear them down. However, remember that the teeth under your veneers are still at risk of developing tooth decay. It’s important to keep up with a diligent oral healthcare routine. If the teeth under the veneers are rotting, the veneers are compromised and can loosen or fall off.
Can I whiten my porcelain veneers?
No, porcelain veneers don’t respond to traditional whitening methods. Professional whitening works by opening up pores on your teeth for the solution to enter. Veneers don’t have these pores. Though they’re very stain-resistance, veneers can accumulate stains over time. If you have a discolored veneer, we’ll have to remove it and replace it with a new one with the right white shade.
Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ideal for many candidates looking to upgrade their smile. You must be in good oral health for veneers, so things like tooth decay and gum disease must be treated before getting them. It’s essential that you’re committed to a smile makeover, too. Veneers are a permanent restoration. Once your teeth are prepared for veneers, they’ll always have to have some sort of restoration on them.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want 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 suit you.