Veneers in Our Carrollton Office
Concealing the Flaws for a More Confident Smile
We have likely all met people who work hard to conceal their smiles when they speak or laugh in public. Patients are willing to go to a lot of trouble to avoid revealing a less-than-flawless smile, including looking down, turning their heads, covering their mouths, and mastering the art of keeping their lips over their teeth. We’ve seen it all before. If you’ve been concealing a smile you’re unhappy with, let the DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton team help you. Our skilled cosmetic dentist and friendly dental team offer a wide range of cosmetic services that will make the most flawed teeth into fabulous smiles. Veneers in our office are simple solutions that are effective for many patients. Keep reading or call us to learn more about this natural-looking, smile-transforming cosmetic dentistry treatment.
Why Choose DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton for Veneers?
- Flexible Financing Options Available
- Natural-Looking Veneers That Last
- Comfortable Approach to Veneer Placement
The Veneers Process
Veneers are sheaths of durable, tooth-colored material placed over the front-facing surfaces of teeth. We can use veneers to reshape teeth, close gaps between teeth, or conceal cosmetic flaws. The top, bottom, or both rows of teeth visible within the smile line can be included in a porcelain veneer treatment plan.
The process is completed over the course of two appointments. During the initial office visit, we need to remove a small amount of tooth structure from the surface of the teeth. This allows the veneer to lay flat and doesn’t change the natural shape of the smile line. Next, bite impressions are captured. These impressions will be used to design and craft your custom cosmetic restoration. Finally, we place temporary veneers. This allows you to adjust to the look and feel of your transformed smile and protects the prepared teeth.
When we receive your custom veneers from our dental lab, you’ll return to the office for your second appointment. The dentist will remove your temporaries and exchange them for flawless, high-quality veneers. If you’re happy with the results, your treatment will be complete. If not, let the dentist know right away. We can make adjustments and help you achieve the desired result. Once in place, your custom veneers will last for years with proper care. Great news for those patients who enjoy wine, coffee, berries, and other staining foods and drinks, veneers may be ideal since they are stain-resistant!
The Purpose of Veneers
Veneers are an extremely versatile cosmetic dentistry service. We can use them to correct or conceal numerous smile irregularities and create a flawless, natural appearance. Some of the reasons patients seek porcelain veneer treatments include:
- Numerous chips, stains, or gaps
- Unevenly spaced or slightly crooked and overlapping teeth
- Deep-set stains that do not respond to teeth whitening
- An uneven smile line (teeth that are differing lengths)
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
Dr. Durga and our team will complete a full examination before establishing a cost estimate for your smile. It cannot be determined how much your veneers will cost until we have a chance to decide how many you will need and the state of your existing oral health. You can count on us, though, to go over your available payment options when it’s time to discuss the financial side of veneers.
Veneers FAQs
Am I a good candidate for veneers?
Before we can place veneers, Dr. Durga will have to thoroughly evaluate your teeth to determine your eligibility for veneers. If you have any underlying oral health problems, like cavities or gum disease, those issues will have to be addressed beforehand. If you suffer from bruxism (unconscious teeth grinding or clenching), we may prescribe a custom-made nightguard for you to wear to bed so that you don’t chip or crack your veneers.
Will my veneers look natural?
There’s a reason why veneers are usually made of dental porcelain. Not only is this material highly durable, but it can be custom-shaded to resemble the enamel of your surrounding natural teeth. Better yet, it even reflects light in the same manner as tooth enamel.
When designing your veneers, we take many aspects of your appearance into account, including your skin tone and facial shape. This ensures your veneers blend in perfectly with the rest of your smile.
How long do veneers last?
In many cases, veneers can last 10 to 15 years before they have to be replaced. However, you can extend their lifespan a few years beyond that by taking good care of your oral health. Brushing twice a day, flossing every evening, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can keep your smile clean and infection-free. Make sure to also attend a dental checkup and cleaning every six months to ensure your veneers are still in great condition.
Are veneers permanent?
Unfortunately, veneers aren’t considered permanent or reversible, but don’t let that discourage you from getting a picture-perfect smile. The process of applying a veneer to your tooth involves removing a small amount of enamel to ensure it fits like a glove. Although it doesn’t harm the health or integrity of your tooth, it will be vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. Since your enamel can’t regenerate, any teeth treated with veneers will always need the protection of restorations. Thankfully, you won’t need to fret about replacing your veneers often. While they are thinner than ever, porcelain is durable. It may not be permanent, but your veneers can thrive for a decade or longer with proper aftercare, like good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist.
How many veneers will I need?
Every smile is unique, just like fingerprints. There isn’t any way to determine the number of veneers you’ll need without first examining your smile. A veneer can be applied to a single tooth, such as to hide a chip or discoloration; however, the goal of the procedure is to improve the entire smile. It is often recommended veneers are bonded to the teeth most visible when smiling. Some patients may need 6 to 8 while others may require up to 12. Multiple veneers ensure a seamless transition from the restorations to your enamel while also delivering the most drastic improvement.
What happens to the tooth underneath the veneers?
Porcelain allows veneers to be ultrathin, so less enamel is removed during the bonding process. Not only does it make the procedure less invasive, but it also allows you to keep more of your teeth intact. It will stay strong and healthy with proper care. While your veneers aren’t vulnerable to tooth decay, your underlying teeth can still be harmed by bacteria. You can prevent your veneers from failing and keep your teeth healthy by committing to brushing and flossing at home. Don’t forget to schedule a cleaning and checkup with your dentist, Dr. Durga, at least twice a year to ensure your investment lasts.
Are veneers covered by dental insurance?
Veneers are considered an elective procedure, so it’s rare for dental insurance to cover their cost, but every situation differs. Although most policies don’t include veneers, there are exceptions, such as if the restorations are medically necessary. While it’s not common, sometimes dental insurance can be used to offset the expense of replacement veneers to protect the health of your teeth. If applicable, we will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to file the necessary claim forms to maximize your annual benefits. After reaching your yearly deductible, you can use your policy to lower the amount you’ll need to pay. If there’s any remaining balance, a member of our team will take the time to explain your payment options, like third-party financing. Your cosmetic dentist will help you keep your dream smile within your budget.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Cosmetic Dentist Today!
We offer a wide range of cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic services to deliver the flawless smile of your dreams. Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation to find out more about each of the treatments we provide. During your visit, we’ll examine your smile, answer any questions you may have, and walk you through potential treatment plans. In partnership with your dentist, you’ll create a smile makeover plan that is completely customized to fit your needs, budget, and schedule.