Dental Veneers in VA Beach

What are veneers?

Dental veneers, which can be porcelain or composite, are thin shells of tooth-colored material, custom made to fit over teeth and improve their color, shape and overall appearance.

Veneers are a less intrusive option than crowns or braces.

Patients choose veneers as a cosmetic solution to enhance the brightness of their teeth and to straighten their smile, correcting issues like discoloration, fractures, or chips.

Placement of dental veneers is sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can be used to cover a variety of dental problems involving teeth in the “smile zone” including:

• Spaces between the teeth.
• Poorly shaped or crooked teeth.
• Broken or chipped teeth.
• Permanently externally stained and/or internally stained teeth.
• Unsightly or stained fillings.

Dental veneers can improve the appearance of the teeth, but they cannot realign the jaw or correct overbites and under bites. Orthodontics is required to correct these more complicated problems.

What are the Types of Veneers?

Porcelain veneers

This type of veneer is a lab made restora_on and the process involves two appointments.

On the first appointment, the dentist will numb the tooth /teeth to be worked on.

Once numb, then a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed from the front, sides, and edge of the tooth. This creates room for the lab made veneer to fit over the tooth.

An impression is taken of the tooth/teeth to be restored so that the lab has the information it needs to fabricate the veneer.

You and the Dr. will together pick a shade for the restoration that matches or blends with any surrounding natural teeth or achieves any changes in color (whitening for example) that you may desire.

On the day of the first appointment you will leave the office in a set of temporary veneers.

The second appointment will be the delivery of the final lab made restoration. Typically it is not necessary for a patient to be numbed for this visit, although a patient may choose to be in cases of extreme sensitivity.

The temporary veneers will be removed and any residual debris will be gently cleaned from the tooth/teeth.

The permanent veneers will then be tried in and the fit and appearance will be checked clinically and radiographically by the Dr. The patient will have the option to view the veneers before cementation and approve the appearance as well.

If any changes need to be made, the restoration will need to be sent back to the lab for the correction to be made.

Once the fit and appearance have been approved by both the Dr. and patient, the veneers will be permanently cemented in place.

Composite Veneers

This type of veneer is done completely in-office during one visit. Tooth colored resin material is applied over the tooth to change its appearance.

Composite veneers may or may not require that any tooth structure be removed prior to placing the resin. Therefore, it may not even be necessary for a patient to be numb for the procedure.

The composite resin is placed on the tooth and shaped to achieve the desired effect. It is cured in place, permanently bonding it to the tooth.

Lastly, it is polished to achieve a glossy, more natural appearance.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers?

Porcelain veneers have several advantages compared to composite resin including:

• Porcelain veneers are very durable. Although porcelain veneers are very thin, usually between 0.5 – 0.7 millimeters and inherently brittle, once bonded to healthy tooth structure it becomes very strong.

Porcelain veneers can last for many years, usually 10-15 years, if you take good care of them using good oral hygiene and avoiding using them to crack or chew hard objects like ice.

• Porcelain veneers create a very life-like and natural tooth appearance. The translucent properties of the porcelain allows the veneers to mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel giving it a sense of depth which is not possible with other cosmetic bonding materials such as composite resin.
• Porcelain veneers resist staining. Unlike other cosmetic dental bonding materials, porcelain is a smooth, impervious ceramic and therefore will not pick up permanent stain from cigarette smoking or from dark or richly colored liquids or spices.
• Porcelain veneers are conservative. Only a small amount of tooth structure is removed, if any during the procedure.

The major disadvantages of porcelain veneers over composite resin include the following: 

• Porcelain veneers are not made at chairside. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits. Composite resin veneers are accomplished in one visit
• Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. The placement of veneers requires more time, expertise and resources in order to fabricate and bond and therefore cost more.
• Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break porcelain veneers must be replaced. If a composite veneer chips it can be repaired in the dentist’s office.

How Do You Care for Veneers?

It is recommend that veneers, no matter the type, be cared for by brushing and flossing just as if they were natural teeth.

Keep in mind that veneers will need to be replaced at some point; no matter how well you take care of them. But proper oral hygiene will help them last as long as possible.

Dental veneers can chip or come off if not cared for properly. To improve their durability and longevity you need to maintain consistent good oral hygiene and have regular dental examinations and cleanings at least twice each year.

In addition, you must avoid using them to bite or crack hard objects like nuts and ice.

Does Insurance Cover Veneers?

Veneers are considered a cosmetic restoration and are not covered by insurance. We may be able to offer you an in house payment plan that works for your budget. We also participate with Care Credit

If you’re deciding on veneers, call our office to set up a consult where we can determine which type of veneer is best for you, and to be sure you understand every part of the process and cost.

A beautiful smile feels great and can increase both your confidence and well-being!