World Class Dentistry

in Your Neighborhood!

header lines
General dentist in Bakersfield header lines

3 Things to Consider Before Paying for Porcelain Veneers | Bakersfield CA

dental crowns

Porcelain veneers are a permanent, cosmetic tooth repair option that can be recommended to correct a number of issues affecting your smile. Veneers refer to thin shells that are permanently bonded to the front and sides of the damaged or stained teeth to cover up the blemishes while protecting the tooth from further damage. 

Since they are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance policies. Your dental plan can, however, pay for professional teeth cleaning, which is necessary before veneer placement. 

Before you proceed with getting your porcelain veneers, you should consider the following:

1. Different Types of Materials 

Porcelain is a popular material for dental veneers, though it’s more expensive than composite resin, which can be placed on the same day without fabrication in a dental lab. If you want same-day veneers, you can also opt for Lumineers, though they are even more expensive than the porcelain.

2. The Price Can Range Depending on Various Factors

The cost of standard veneers ranges per tooth. If you’re looking to get multiple teeth treated, you will have to pay a lot more. Veneers should only be used to improve the appearance of teeth with visible damage, rather than all visible teeth to reduce the cost of treatment. You should pay less per tooth if you’re getting two or more teeth repaired using veneers. You’re likely to get bigger discounts for more teeth, so make sure to shop around and choose the most cost-effective option for you. 

3. Get an Experienced Dentist 

Make sure that your dentist gives you a few photos of previous clients who have repaired their teeth using the materials of your choice. An experienced dentist may ask for more money, but this is preferable to choosing an inexperienced dentist who places the veneer poorly, resulting in multiple trips for repairs that will cost you more time and money in the long run, even if the repairs are free. 

Final Note 

Dental veneers can be used to cover stains, chips, gaps, and crooked teeth to make them look better. But before choosing this mode of treatment, you need to consider whether it’s the right treatment for your specific case and whether your budget allows it by consulting with your cosmetic dentist in Bakersfield, CA.

Which is the Best Material for Dental Veneers? | Bakersfield CA

dental veneers

Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure, which means that they are mostly used to improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter smile. Veneers are usually applied to the top front six to eight teeth for aesthetics purposes. 

Types of Dental Veneers

Typically, the application of dental veneers requires intensive tooth preparation by removing some of the tooth enamel to create room to attach the veneer. But the amount of material removed depends on the type of veneers used as follows: 

  • Porcelain veneers measure about 0.5 mm in thickness. Porcelain veneers require the tooth to be prepared before placement. This involves grinding down the tooth structure to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel, after which impressions are taken for the fabrication of your custom veneers in a dental lab. Temporary veneers are fitted until the permanent ones are ready. 
  • Lumineers and Vivaneers don’t require any tooth preparation. They measure about 0.3 mm in thickness. As non-prep veneers, they’re directly bonded to the front surface of the concerned teeth.
  • Composite resin veneers are also thinner at 0.3 mm in thickness. They also don’t require any tooth preparation before placement and are referred to as no-prep veneers. 

No-prep veneers are easier to place. They are less invasive to apply and less time consuming, which makes them a popular choice for correcting minor aesthetic defects. However, adding multiple layers increases the risk of creating a thicker tooth that may create hard to clean spots along the gumline. Traditional veneers are easier to smooth for a better fit and optimal oral hygiene. 

Lumineers may be appropriate if you have thin tooth enamel, though the choice of material will also depend on your budget since Lumineers are more expensive than porcelain and composite veneers. Your dentist in Bakersfield will examine your teeth and thickness of tooth enamel in order to help you decide the best material for your veneers. 

All You Need to Know About Veneers in Bakersfield CA

dental implants restoration

Veneers in Bakersfield, CA are a common cosmetic treatment for discolored, chipped, worn down, or fractured teeth. They are color-matched to the current shade of your other teeth to create a uniform look. But unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers cannot be stained, discolored, or bleached to change their color. So over time, your natural teeth will discolor, making the white veneers more dominant. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend whitening before the veneer process so your porcelain veneers are matched to your whitened teeth. Afterward, you will need a regular whitening schedule to maintain a uniform smile. 

Here are a few other things you may not know about dental veneers:

  • Veneers are non-living, but the tooth underneath and the surrounding gum tissues are living, and prone to change over time. For instance, shrinkage of the gum line may expose the root surfaces, affecting the position of the veneer relative to the rest of the tooth. Porcelain veneers are very tough and durable, and cannot be repaired. However, they can be replaced if they crack, break, or sustain any other kind of damage or require some kind of change. 
  • Composite veneers in Bakersfield, CA, which are installed in one appointment, have a shorter life span compared to porcelain veneers. They tend to chip and stain if not looked after. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are stain-free and tend to last longer. Although durability depends on how well you care for your veneers, both types should last 10 to 20 years. 

Veneers may not be right for you…

There are several instances when your cosmetic dentist may determine that veneers in Bakersfield, CA are not the best treatment for you, including:

  • If you have untreated tooth decay. It is not advisable to simply cover up the infection with veneers, as the situation will keep getting worse, increasing the risk of tooth loss. 
  • If you have been diagnosed with bruxism. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaws at night, then you might damage your veneers reducing their durability. If you proceed with the treatment, your dentist may offer custom night guards to reduce the stress on your teeth and veneers. 
  • If you have a case of malocclusion or a bad bite. Poorly aligned teeth may cause uneven stress on your teeth, such as those fitted with veneers, ruining the restoration. 

Make sure to discuss your options with your dentist in Bakersfield, CA, as well as what to expect after treatment to ensure that the final result is what you’re looking for.

Porcelain vs. Composite Dental Veneers: What to Expect | Bakersfield CA

dental veneers

The two types of dental veneers are custom-made into thin layers that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their form and appearance. That said, the placement of composite veneers is different from that of porcelain veneers, which makes them ideal for different kinds of people and situations, where one option may not necessarily be ideal. 

During your consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth to determine whether you’re a good candidate for veneers. Ideally, your teeth should have enough tooth enamel to prevent sensitivity during preparation. Porcelain veneers are the most common option because they are stain-resistant, hard, and durable, but require more tooth preparation than composite veneers. 

Composite Veneers 

Composite veneers are usually placed in a single appointment. They don’t require any kind of tooth preparation, but in some cases, a minimal amount of enamel can be shaved off from the front and side surfaces. 

The dentist gradually adds the tooth-colored adhesive materials in thin layers, while shaping it and hardening it at each stage using a special light, to determine whether the defect has been adequately concealed. When the result is satisfactory, the material is polished to give it a smooth appearance. 

This option is particularly ideal for people with small teeth because the bonded composite veneers won’t make them appear bulky. 

Porcelain veneers 

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are fabricated in a dental laboratory. They are translucent and stain-resistant. They can also be made to closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. Once they’re ready, they are placed in two appointments as follows:

  • In the first appointment, the teeth being treated are prepared under local anesthetic. 
  • The second appointment is scheduled for about two weeks later. The dentist isolated the prepared teeth from any moisture so the porcelain veneers can be fitted. 

A few days after your dental veneer treatment, you should schedule a follow-up visit for the dentist in Bakersfield, CA  to ensure that all is well after you’ve had time to adjust to them in your normal routine.