every visit ends with a smile

How much do porcelain veneers cost? The answer depends on many factors including cosmetic dentistry fees; the artistic and technical skills of the ceramist and dentist; the number of teeth that require veneers; and the materials used to make them.

Porcelain veneers generally cost between $500 and $2,000 per tooth. They are more expensive than resin veneers, but they last a lot longer -- up to 15 years with proper care. The price varies by region, from large metropolitan cities to small towns and rural communities.

Insurance also affects the cost of porcelain veneers. Most dental plans do not cover cosmetic treatments, but some dentists offer installment plans and other payment options. Some patients qualify for third-party financing for porcelain veneers in Glendale, Montrose and other areas.

A preliminary consultation can determine if someone is a good candidate for porcelain veneers. During a consultation, a dentist evaluates a patient’s oral health and discusses all treatment options. Since tooth preparation for veneer placement is irreversible, the consultation should include a discussion of alternative treatments.

If porcelain veneers are the best treatment option, the dentist will provide a thorough review of the procedure. The patient is an active participant in the “smile design.” By sharing his or her preferences for color, size and shape of the veneers, the patient can help the dentist find the best look and fit.

Getting a porcelain veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist -- one for consultation, and two for preparation and placement. More than one tooth can undergo the veneering process simultaneously. The first step involves treatment planning and may include X-rays and impressions.

The next step involves preparation. To prepare a tooth for a porcelain veneer, the dentist removes a layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface. The amount of enamel is roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer. Before trimming the enamel, the dentist may numb the area with a local anesthetic.

He or she then makes a model or impression of the tooth. The ceramist uses the model to construct the veneer in a dental lab. Since it can take a week or so to fill an order, the dentist may place a temporary veneer on an unsightly tooth.

Bonding is the final step in a porcelain veneer treatment. Before the veneer is permanently cemented to the tooth, the dentist fixes a temporary placement to examine color and fit. Once the veneer is adjusted, the tooth is cleaned and etched. Etching roughens the tooth for a stronger bond.

With the veneer in proper position, the dentist applies a light beam to activate the cement chemicals. This causes the bond to cure or harden quickly. After removing the excess cement, the dentist checks the patient’s bite and makes the final adjustments.

Porcelain veneers are durable and made to last for many years. Regular visits for dental examinations and teeth cleanings can help maintain the longevity of veneers. Unfortunately, porcelain veneers can chip or crack. Dentists who place dental veneers Montrose and Glendale make sure their patients understand the consequences of poor dental care.

Damaged veneers cannot be repaired. To reduce the risk of damage, patients should not bite or chew on hard foods, nor should they use their teeth to open packages. Although veneers can be polished, brushing is important to reduce foods and beverage stains.