Types

There are two main types of veneer: porcelain and composite.

Composite Veneers

The visual appearance of composites can be less satisfying, but they are significantly cheaper than porcelain. They also have a shorter life span, and after a while, they start to become unsightly and stain or chip away. When a patient wants to fix a tooth that is too small or too short, composites are the ideal solution because the treatment is reversible. You can fit the composite without removing any of the enamel from the tooth.

Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers

On the other hand, veneers that are made from porcelain or ceramic material are far more durable and have a longer life stan. Because the material is translucent, they have a very close resemblance to natural teeth and porcelain is also stain resistant. The biggest downside for porcelain is that it costs at least double the price of composite. Also, with veneers, you are committing to a lifetime of teeth covering due to the fact that once the enamel is removed your teeth can’t be uncovered again.

Benefits

Dental veneers solve the following problems:

• Wear and tear. Our teeth begin to wear down naturally as we age, and they are more likely to have an uneven appearance, chips and cracks. Veneers can make your teeth get their natural appearance back.
• Genetics. Some people genetically have spaces between their teeth that get wider as they age.
• Worn enamel. As a result of drinking coffee, tea, soft drinks, smoking or taking certain types of medications your tooth enamel can become worn and veneers are a perfect way to correct that.
• Discoloration. Sometimes teeth whitening cannot fully correct stubborn tooth discoloration, and in these cases, veneers are a simple solution.

If you’re having problems with discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth, veneers provide a very natural finish. The color of the veneers can be selected to make your teeth appear whiter or to match their existing color. The veneers finish imitates the qualities of natural teeth, which will help you achieve a natural-looking and bright smile.

At Modern Day Smiles, both of our locations are equipped with the latest dental equipment which is a guarantee that the procedures you’ll receive will be the best ones you had. Thanks to years of education and experience, our dentists Dr. Spinuso and Dr. Patel offer a wide range of dental services which include emergency dentistry, root canals, dental implants, sedation-based procedures, dental veneers and much more. To make an appointment, call (813) 890 0044 for our dental office in Tampa or (727) 322 0505 for our dental office in St Petersburg and we’ll make sure you have a superb experience.

Dental Veneers Process

After the dentist creates your mold it usually takes about one to two weeks for him to get your veneers back from the lab. You can schedule an appointment to have them placed once they are delivered. To make sure they are the perfect fit, your dentist will evaluate the coloration, shape and fit of the veneers.

Next, your dentist will clean your teeth in order to keep bacteria from getting trapped under the veneers. He will create a rough texture on each tooth where a veneer should be placed by using a grinding tool. To bind the veneer to the tooth he will then use dental cement.

Lastly, to harden the cement quickly, he will use ultraviolet light and after that, you are good to go. If a local anesthetic isn’t used (which adds an extra thirty minutes), this appointment usually lasts for about two hours.

FAQs

Q: How much do veneers cost?

A: Depending on how many teeth you are doing and where are you having them done, the cost of dental veneers will vary. Composite or direct veneers which last from five to seven years cost around $250 per tooth, while porcelain veneers cost at least $1,000 per tooth but they last up to 15 years.

Q: Will my insurance cover veneers?

A: Although some companies cover up to 50% of a fee, it all depends on the type of dental insurance you have. You shouldn’t expect payment without having a discussion about the procedure with your insurance provider and prosthodontist first.

Q: Can I see how my veneers will look before they go in?

A: A digital smile will help the patient decide if veneers are right for them and will give them a good idea of the outcome. This can be done by taking a patient’s picture and then digitally editing the teeth.