Are you looking to improve the look of your teeth and comparing different cosmetic dentistry procedures?
You may have come across some amazing transformations and celebrity-worthy smiles courtesy of dental veneers.
But what are they, does insurance cover them, and how do they compare to other options?
You’re in the right place!
We offer porcelain veneers at Downtown Dentistry and will help answer some of your biggest questions.
Hopefully, at the end of this blog, you’ll have a better idea if dental veneers are right for you.
But before you even begin to answer that, let’s define what they are.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry performed to create a brighter, whiter, and straighter smile.
They’re the fastest and easiest way to drastically transform a smile, creating a beautiful appearance.
Veneers are made of composite or porcelain and available as composite veneers or porcelain veneers. The material is bonded to one tooth or multiple teeth to improve the facial aesthetic.
The superior option between the two is porcelain. It looks better, lasts longer, and is more durable.
Let us explain how porcelain veneers work:
- Initial consultation and smile design planning
- The teeth are prepped, and the veneers are made by a dental lab
- The thin, custom-crafted porcelain shells are adhered onto teeth
- Final touches are made for a natural look and feel
Just a few steps can fix one tooth, a few teeth, or completely transform your whole smile!
The best part?
They have the power to fix many dental imperfections at once.
Dental veneers correct:
- Misalignments
- Gaps in teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
Yes, you read that right. One procedure can fix multiple imperfections!
It’s important to note:
Porcelain veneers require some prep work. We safely remove a thin layer of enamel, so the procedure is irreversible.
Are veneers permanent? Are there removable dental veneers?
While the porcelain veneers procedure is irreversible, the veneers themselves are not permanent but can last for many years with proper care.
They can last for up to 10 years or more and can be replaced when needed.
Tips for making porcelain veneers last longer include:
- Maintaining excellent hygiene
- Regular dentist visits
- Avoiding smoking
- Wearing a night guard to prevent grinding
As for removable veneers, you should speak with your dentist before trying any snap-on teeth. These types of removable veneers may be ill-fitting and cause irritation or other damage to your mouth.
We know that cheap cosmetic dentistry may seem tempting, but in the end, it may not be worth it!
Are veneers covered by dental insurance?
This depends on your coverage, but dental insurance doesn’t typically cover the cost of veneers because it’s a cosmetic procedure vs. a restorative one.
Cosmetic dentistry fixes the appearance of teeth, while restorative dentistry fixes the function and support.
Dental veneers are an investment in your look and confidence. The positive transformation has a ripple effect, which is priceless!
When you’re more confident, you feel unstoppable.
And cosmetic dentistry can help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
Which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for you?
Let’s quickly review the other cosmetic dentistry procedures and compare them to veneers.
Dental bonding vs. veneers:
Dental bonding fixes the appearance of teeth with a composite resin applied and molded onto the tooth. It’s fast, less expensive, and less invasive than veneers but can’t fix as many imperfections as dental veneers and doesn’t last as long.
Bonding is used for very mild cracks or imperfections on the tooth.
Dental implants vs. veneers:
Veneers are for fixing existing teeth, while dental implants are for restoring missing teeth.
When a tooth is missing, your dentist may recommend a dental implant (AKA tooth replacement).
If a tooth is missing or can’t be saved, then a dental implant replaces it with a titanium post inserted in place of the tooth root with a custom-made dental crown attached to it.
In addition to dental bonding and dental implants, dentists also offer crowns, bridges, inlays, and onlays to improve the appearance of teeth plus restore their function.
One more thing…
For all of these dental procedures, you need to have a healthy mouth, including healthy teeth and gums.
We hope these dental veneers FAQs help you better understand veneers and the other popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Looking for dental veneers in Seattle, WA?
If for whatever reason, you’re looking to improve the appearance of your teeth or feel self-conscious about your smile, then Dr. Kathy Curtis at Downtown Dentistry invites you to schedule a consultation in Seattle.
We’re a judgment-free zone that combines genuine care with leading treatments to help you get your healthy and confident smile!
In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we offer restorative plus general dentistry.
Schedule a cosmetic consultation today:
- Contact us online to schedule your appointment
- Call us at (206) 624-9912
- Email us directly at appts@kathycurtisdds.com
Areas we serve include:
- Seattle, WA… opens in a new window to Google Maps…
- Bellevue, WA
- Redmond, WA
- Renton, WA
- Kent, WA
- Capitol Hill, WA
- Queen Anne, WA
- South Lake Union, WA