Dental Veneers
Dental veneers provide an excellent solution if you are looking to enhance your smile. They are a popular cosmetic treatment because of their overall effectiveness and ease of use.
Veneers
Dental veneers are great if you’re experiencing crowding problems, chipped teeth, worn down teeth or have areas of stained teeth. Veneers are thin shells that are placed on the front surface of the teeth to enhance their appearance—they will hide any noticeable flaws and help the teeth appear straight and even.
The shade of veneers can be adjusted to your tooth color and they are applied with minimal discomfort. Dental veneers are strong and durable and will last for many years before they require replacement or repairs.
Every set of dental veneers is custom-designed based on your needs—so you get the results you want. This means we will make two appointments with you, the first to take impressions of your teeth and the second to apply and adjust the veneers to your teeth.
![illustration of dental veneers application to the bottom row of teeth](http://www.leominsterfamilydentists.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/02/dental-veneers-dental-service-1024x768.jpg)
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How do dental veneers work?
Dental veneers start with digital x-rays to create the perfect blueprint that includes color, shape, and other factors.
At your first visit, the teeth are gently prepared to allow space for the ultra-thin porcelain to be crafted over by a master lab technician. Your dentist then provides all the information to a specialized lab that’s needed to create a masterpiece.
Your dentist also produces acrylic temporary restorations that mimic the veneers, worn for about three weeks. These temporaries provide a preview of the general appearance of your new smile and allow further input regarding the appearance of your upcoming smile.
After hours of custom craftwork in the lab, you’ll return for a second appointment. Your dentist will try in each veneer and evaluate the appearance and fit, giving you an opportunity to preview the new look. He or she will then go through several precise steps to bond the thin veneers to the outer surface of your teeth, creating an incredibly strong bond between tooth and porcelain. Minor adjustments to your bite and a final polish will leave you with a smile that you will love.
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What is the difference between porcelain veneers and composite veneers?
The two main types of dental veneers are: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Both are good options to help you improve your smile.
Composite veneers are manufactured in-office, using tooth-colored resin, and applied directly to the teeth. They are typically less expensive and quicker to apply than porcelain veneers, and they work well to cover up many aesthetic problems.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, out of porcelain, to fit your teeth. These are typically made in a laboratory and sent to our office. We will apply them and ensure they fit your teeth as they should. Porcelain veneers generally last longer because of the stronger material, provide a more natural look, and can fix larger cosmetic issues such as very dark stained teeth or teeth positioned incorrectly.
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What do dental veneers cost?
Veneers typically are not covered by insurance since they are considered a cosmetic procedure. However, costs can range depending on your dentist. As an average, traditional dental veneers range from $925 to $2,500 per tooth and no-prep dental veneers cost around $800 to $2000 per tooth.
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Veneers vs. crowns—what’s the difference?
Dental veneers and dental crowns are both used for cosmetic purposes—to resolve chips, stains, discoloration, or crooked teeth. The main difference between the two is that dental crowns cover the entire tooth surface where veneers only cover the front portion of the tooth. Crowns (2 mm) are much thicker than veneers (1 mm) and the price for each is similar. Crowns provide additional support to damaged teeth where veneers do not. However, veneers are a much less invasive procedure and require less removal of the original tooth structure.
Veneers and crowns are both a great solution for patients looking to get a white, straight smile that looks and feels natural. If you’re interested, but unsure which option is right for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
More About Dental Crowns
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At Leominster Family Dentists, we believe in providing the best dental care at the most affordable prices. Make your next appointment using our easy online scheduling tool, contact our office if you have any questions, or explore all of the dental services we provide.