Dental Veneers Questions

Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin ceramic shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to achieve a more uniform and attractive smile. They provide new front surfaces and can be shaped so as to cover small defects that have been marring your smile, such as gaps, uneven sizes, chips, cracks, and discoloration that is unaffected by teeth whitening.

Are there any disadvantages to porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are very durable and strong. The porcelain is stain-resistant, so your veneers will keep their pearly white color. They are strongly bonded to the teeth, becoming a part of the teeth, and the porcelain itself will never decay.

When porcelain veneers are done by a properly trained cosmetic dentist, and when you understand their purpose, they have no disadvantages. However, if you were to have them done by a dentist not trained in designing veneers or working with porcelain, you would likely have problems.

It is important to care for them properly by practicing good oral hygiene to prevent bacteria from spreading below the gumline or into the un-veneered rear and side surfaces of the teeth. It is also wise to avoid damaging habits like nail biting or using your teeth to remove bottle caps.

How long do dental veneers last?

When they are well-designed and properly bonded to the teeth, and when they get good daily dental hygiene and regular check-ups, your dental veneers will last at least ten years and perhaps a lifetime.

What would be the cost of porcelain veneers?

Your porcelain veneers cost would depend on how many veneers you have. You can discuss the cost with one of our team members and we will do everything we can to help fit them into your budget. Being a cosmetic dentistry procedure, veneers are not covered by insurance. We work with CareCredit© to help you obtain quick loans with favorable terms.

Am I a good candidate for dental veneers?

If you want a transformed smile, you are probably a good candidate unless you:

• Grind or clench your teeth
• Have gum disease
• Have untreated tooth decay
• Have teeth with insufficient tooth enamel
• Have extremely sensitive teeth
• Frequently chew on hard substances
• Do not practice good oral hygiene habits

If you plan to whiten your teeth, it is advisable to do so prior to getting porcelain veneers because the ceramic material will not be affected by the teeth whitening process. When you have your teeth to your desired shade of white, you can have dental veneers color-matched to blend with your new bright color.

Our cosmetic dentists at Baystate Dental encourage you to ask questions about all of our dental procedures. If you have additional questions about dental veneers, please contact one of our Massachusetts offices in Springfield, Longmeadow, or Wilbraham today to request an initial porcelain veneers consultation.