Madison Family Dental

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth – colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth and improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, and length. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. The procedure usually takes two to three visits. One visit for a consultation, the following visit for preparation of the teeth, and the final visit for cementation.

Dental Veneers FAQ

What are the advantages of dental veneers?

- They provide a natural tooth appearance.
- Gum tissue tolerates the porcelain well.
- Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
- The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected – dark teeth appear whiter.
- Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color and shape.

What are the disadvantages?

- The veneer’s color cannot be altered once in place. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so
before veneers.
- Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and fall off. To minimize the chance of this occurring, do not bite or
chew your nails, pencils, ice, or other hard objects.
- Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (e.g. those with decay or active
gum disease).
- Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can
cause the veneers to crack or chip.

How long do dental veneers last?

Veneers generally last between five and ten years. At that time, the veneers would need to be replaced.

Are there alternatives to dental veneers?

Yes, alternatives to veneers include bondings and crowns.

How much do veneers cost?

Generally, veneers range from $900 - $1200 per tooth. The cost of veneers is not generally covered by insurance, since it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure.