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 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 we permanently bond 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 tooth-colored, biocompatible materials we apply directly to the tooth and sculpt into form. This type of dental veneer requires little to no preparation, and we complete them in a single visit.
Are Dental Veneers Right For You?
The ideal candidate to receive teeth veneers is one with 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. Dental insurance doesn’t cover most porcelain veneer procedures; Dr. Hess offers a range of payment options, including financing for qualified patients.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers 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?
Unlike a porcelain veneer, a dental crown covers the entire tooth, unlike a cap, which covers only the tooth’s front and sides. Both types of treatment are used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. However, a dental crown can save severely damaged and decayed teeth. We typically use porcelain veneers more for cosmetic purposes.
Can I get cavities with porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers themselves aren’t susceptible to tooth decay. They aren’t living tooth structures, so bacteria cannot 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, it compromises the veneers. They become loose and can fall off.
Can I whiten my porcelain veneers?
No, porcelain veneers don’t respond to traditional whitening methods. Professional whitening opens up pores on your teeth for the solution to enter, but veneers don’t have these pores. Though they’re very stain-resistant, 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 smiles. You must be in good oral health for veneers, so you need to treat tooth decay and gum disease before getting them. You must also commit to a smile makeover. Veneers are a permanent restoration. Once your teeth are prepared for veneers, they must always have a restoration.
Schedule a Consultation
If you want porcelain veneers in the Charlotte, NC, and Monroe, NC, area, request a consultation with Dr. Hess. He will discuss your cosmetic goals and budget concerns to determine if porcelain veneers suit you.