Porcelain Veneers

Quick Facts About Porcelain Veneers

Key Benefits: Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their color, shape, size, and overall appearance.
Potential Candidates: Good candidates typically have healthy teeth and gums but want to address cosmetic concerns including chips, gaps, discoloration, or minor misalignment.
Treatment Details: The process involves minor enamel removal, precise oral impressions, and custom fabrication before the veneers are securely bonded in place.
Cost: While the average cost of a single veneer is $2,200, the overall pricing can be influenced by the number of veneers needed and the location of the affected teeth.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain dental veneers can successfully correct many common dental problems such as chips, gaps, stains, and even misalignments. These long-lasting treatments are designed to cover aesthetic imperfections with results that look incredibly natural. In many cases, porcelain dental veneers can even improve function of the affected tooth, and they are custom-made to provide you with the most accurate fit possible.

Our experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robert Rioseco, can help you renew the appearance of your smile with beautiful results. To learn more about porcelain veneers we encourage you to explore the informative sections provided below:

What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain dental veneers have proven time and time again to be an extraordinarily effective way of enhancing both form and function of the teeth. With porcelain veneers, you can improve a number of common dental issues, including:

Gaps and spaces between the teeth
Chips
Teeth misalignment
Stains and discolorations
Wear and tear among the teeth

During your initial consultation with Dr. Rioseco, he will explain all of the benefits these advanced treatments provide and help you decide if porcelain dental veneers are the right options for your needs.

Who Are Candidates for Porcelain Veneers?

Most patients with relatively healthy teeth affected by one or more of the aesthetic concerns listed above are considered candidates for porcelain veneers. These individuals may desire to enhance the appearance and function of one tooth, several teeth, or their full visible smile for a complete smile makeover. In the event extensive decay or weakened tooth structure is problematic, however, Dr. Rioseco might instead suggest the placement of a porcelain crown. If you are considering veneers and are curious to find out if this treatment would be the best choice for improving your smile, contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rioseco.

What Is Digital Smile Design?

Digital Smile Design software by Sirona^{^®} allows you to virtually “try on” different versions of your new smile during the consultation to decide which option you prefer most. This approach makes the design process a uniquely personal and collaborative effort between you and Dr. Rioseco. Smile Design software translates the appearance of your face and smile into a 3-dimensional image, which Dr. Rioseco can digitally manipulate to show you accurate examples of various veneer outcomes on a screen. You can provide Dr. Rioseco with feedback about the different looks, suggest adjustments/preferences, and thoroughly evaluate the final appearance of your enhanced smile before veneer fabrication. Smile Design software by Sirona^{^®} works in conjunction with CEREC^{^®} technology, which means that once your final design has been approved, Dr. Rioseco can transfer the design data to his onsite CEREC^{^®} machine to fabricate the veneers you developed together. If you prefer to have your porcelain veneers crafted in a dental laboratory instead, Dr. Rioseco can send the digital design over to his preferred ceramists for fabrication of the final veneers.

Watch the video below to see Dr. Rioseco and a patient using the Smile Design software to determine the final outcome of her veneers procedure.

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What Are Minimal and No Prep Veneers?

Minimal and no-prep veneers are thinner alternatives to traditional porcelain veneers that require little to no removal of tooth enamel before placement. They usually involve the use of ultra-thin porcelain that can often be bonded directly onto teeth with minimal preparation, making the process faster and less invasive. These options tend to work best for patients with minor cosmetic dentistry concerns, such as slight discoloration or small gaps, rather than significant misalignment or damage. Since less enamel is removed, minimal and no-prep veneers are generally more reversible, though results and durability can vary depending on the case and material used.

What Is the Porcelain Dental Veneers Process Like?

The porcelain dental veneers procedure begins with the removal of a very small portion of the tooth that is being treated. An oral impression will then be made to make sure the veneer fits as precisely as possible. The veneer, a thin sheath of strong porcelain, will then be custom-designed and placed on the visible part of the affected tooth with a durable cement. As a final touch, the veneer will be color-tinted to match your surrounding teeth for the most natural-looking results.

Tooth is Treated
Oral Impressions
Veneer Placed
Color Tinted

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain dental veneers often last for many years, even decades. Although there is no guaranteed lifespan for porcelain veneers, there are many factors that can influence the durability of these restorations, including:

The technology used to design your custom veneers
The materials used to create your veneers
The quality of the dental lab used by your cosmetic dentist
The method of bonding the veneer to the tooth
The cosmetic dentist’s level of training and experience

Dr. Rioseco recommends that patients who are prone to clenching or grinding their teeth wear a nightguard to protect against unnecessary wear. Maintaining good oral hygiene combined with routine oral exams with your dentist can also and prolong the lifespan of the restorations. Porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of your smile for a long time to come.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

Every porcelain veneer procedure is customized to meet the needs and expectations of the individual patient. Although there is no fixed cost for porcelain veneers, the average cost of a single-tooth veneer is $2200. At the end of your preliminary consultation, Dr. Rioseco will quote you a price for your custom-tailored porcelain veneer treatment plan. Factors that may influence the total cost of porcelain veneers include the location of the affected teeth, the number of veneers needed to rejuvenate your smile, and the overall complexity of the procedure. Many patients choose to take advantage of dental financing options to benefit from a low interest loan or flexible monthly payment plan.

Learn more about the cost of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns

Although both dental crowns and porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of the tooth, these two types of restorations are typically used to address different concerns. While porcelain veneers are ideal for enhancing the beauty of the smile and concealing a wide range of cosmetic imperfections, dental crowns are more often used to restore and strengthen a tooth that has been compromised by significant damage or decay. A dental crown prosthesis may also be used to complete a dental implant and replace a missing tooth. During the consultation process, Dr. Rioseco will perform an oral exam, discuss your cosmetic goals, and recommend which procedure is best suited for your unique needs.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers

Porcelain veneers and Lumineers^{^®} function very similarly and are designed cover cosmetic tooth imperfections. Lumineers^{^®} are a type of “no-prep” veneer, which means that little to no preparation of the tooth’s surface is needed before the veneer is bonded to the tooth. However, this technique can lead to results that may look more conspicuous or artificial. In addition, Lumineers^{^®} are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers and machine-made, which some dentists believe to deliver a less aesthetically pleasing outcome. In contrast, custom porcelain veneers are each hand-crafted at a dental laboratory using high-quality ceramic material to achieve a great fit and natural looking result. For the greatest degree of smile enhancement and durability, Dr. Rioseco typically recommends custom porcelain veneers to his patients.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Porcelain Veneers

How do I care for my porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers require the same dental hygiene as your natural teeth:

Twice daily brushing and flossing
Professional cleaning every six months
Dental examination every six months

Dr. Rioseco may recommend using non-abrasive toothpaste to safely clean your veneers. He also emphasizes the importance of regular flossing, as plaque buildup along the edge of the veneer can lead to decay. If you experience any problems with your veneers, we recommend contacting our practice to set up an appointment. Prompt dental attention and treatment can often prevent problems from becoming more costly to fix.

Are there any food or drinks I should avoid after getting veneers?

While porcelain veneers are known to be stain-resistant, it’s wise to limit dark beverages such as coffee, red wine, and tea, especially in the first 48 hours after bonding, as the cement can absorb stains before fully curing. Avoid biting into hard foods including ice, nuts, or hard candy, which can chip or crack veneers over time. Using a straw for dark drinks can also help minimize staining.

Can I get veneers if I have gum disease?

Active gum disease should be treated before getting veneers. Healthy gums are essential for a proper fit and long-term success, since inflamed or receding gums can affect how veneers look and function. Dr. Rioseco will typically evaluate gum health, address any issues through cleanings or periodontal treatment, and confirm your gums are stable before moving forward with veneer preparation and placement.

Does insurance cover porcelain veneers?

The majority of dental insurance plans consider porcelain veneers to be an elective procedure. Elective procedures are rarely covered by insurance; however, it is helpful to review your benefits just to be sure. Our knowledgeable office team can assist you with any insurance inquiries and explain the payment methods we accept. Although the pricing of quality porcelain veneers can be significant without the help of insurance, we can familiarize you with financing opportunities from CareCredit^{^®} and Lending Club Patient Solutions to help with costs. Qualified applicants may be eligible for a variety of loan types and payment plan structures that can make porcelain veneers affordable.

How strong are porcelain veneers?

Today’s high-quality ceramic materials are tougher and more durable than ever. While this does not mean porcelain veneers are indestructible, they are significantly stronger than tooth material and traditional ceramic. The strength of these ceramic materials also make it possible to use very thin veneers that require minimal (conservative) tooth preparation. Dr. Rioseco also takes extra precautions to prevent veneer damage, which include ensuring patients achieve a properly aligned bite and recommending protective mouthguards for patients who engage in contact sports and/or clench/grind the teeth during sleep.

Do porcelain veneers stain?

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, which allows them to remain color-stable long into the future. When natural teeth surrounding those with veneers stain or yellow with time, Dr. Rioseco can create a brighter, more evenly colored smile by whitening them to closely match the veneers.

Can porcelain veneers be whitened?

Because porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, you shouldn’t feel the need to whiten them to get back to their original shade. If your color preference changes and you decide you’d like whiter veneers than the ones you had placed, a new set of veneers will need to be fabricated.

Contact the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry

For more information on porcelain dental veneers, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rioseco, please contact The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.