Q:
Can Veneers be repaired?
A:
It basically depends upon the material used for making veneers. Resin veneers can easily be repaired by sending them back to the laboratory, or even at the chairside in case of minor damage. However, the case is a bit difficult in case of porcelain veneers. If there is a minor chip in the porcelain veneers, your dentist may be able to repair the defect by using a resin of similar shade. In case of a superficial crack, the dental ceramist can buff the surface of the veneer to restore the esthetics. Finally, in case of complete breakage, veneers cannot be repaired and they need to be replaced.
Q:
Is there a warranty for Veneers?
A:
In case of damage or fracture, your dentist will replace the veneers at a reduced cost within the stipulated time frame if proper homecare is used.
Q:
What is a Master Ceramist?
A:
A master ceramist is a dental professional who owns a dental laboratory, and who is trained in creating high quality dental porcelain prostheses like crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers. Unlike the larger laboratories which are providing services to hundreds of dentists in their area, and create similar looking crowns and bridges for each patient, master ceramists are skilled in Hollywood smiles, which are exactly customized according to your dental needs. Since a master ceramist will give you a customized smile, they tend to charge higher for their services.
Q:
What is the cost of dental veneers?
A:
The cost of dental veneers varies according to material used for their fabrication. Generally, resins veneers can cost between $250—1500 per tooth. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are generally costly, and they cost between 500—2500 per tooth. The higher cost of porcelain veneers is due to the time cost of materials and their superior esthetics, strength and durability.
Q:
Can Veneers be made in a single day?
A:
The short answer is, yes. Thanks to modern dental technology, it is now possible to prepare veneers or lumineers in a single day by using the CAD CAM technology. Instead of using the conventional laboratory technology, digital impressions of your prepared teeth will be fed into a special software, and a digital design of your veneers or lumineers will be prepared. Finally, a milling machine will be used to fabricate the prosthesis.
Q:
How thin are lumineers?
A:
One of the best things about lumineers is their reduced thickness in comparison to the veneers. On average, lumineers are about 0.2mm in thickness, which is equal to the thickness of contact lenses. In contrast, porcelain veneers typically have thicknesses of about 1mm. As a result, attachment of lumineers requires sacrifice of very little natural tooth structure. However, at the same time, the strength of lumineers is comparable to conventional veneers.
Q:
Can decay get under a veneer?
A:
Yes, this can happen due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, if proper home care is not followed , cement which attaches the veneers to the tooth forms micro cracks due to the patient grinding there are chances of development of cavities under the veneers. Similarly, if a veneer gets damaged or chipped, the underlying tooth surface is exposed, thereby making it vulnerable to decay and secondary caries. Again, cavities under veneers increase manifold if regular oral hygiene maintenance is ignored. The good news is the dentist can usually remove caries from behind the veneer without removing it !
Q:
How much do veneers cost on the average?
A:
The cost of porcelain veneers and range on average from $900 -2500.
Q:
Will I have good looking temporary teeth?
A:
The aesthetics of temporary veneers is very acceptable in some cases matching the color and shape of the permanent veneers. This is accomplished by using the wax-up template before teeth preparation.
Q:
How much tooth is removed for veneers?
A:
With Lumineers , Vivaneers and occasionally regular veneers non-prepped ( no tooth structure removal) can be used. This depends on the teeth size and alignment with adjacent and opposing teeth. This is why a consultation with the dentist who will cover all the options is very important before any treatment is started.
Q:
Is it best to bleach teeth first?
A:
Yes! The dentist will match the shade of existing teeth or new lightened teeth to the new veneers. The shade of the veneers will never change.
Q:
No prep veneers are know as lumineers or viveneers.
A:
Yes! Both are non-prepped . No tooth structure is removed is select cases.
Q:
Is a Felpspathic veneer as good as a Pressable veneer?
A:
The thickness of a non-prepped veneer( Lumineers / Vivaneers ) is between 0.3-0.5 mm . That of a prepped veneer ( E-Max) is 0.5- 1 mm of ceramic porcelain.
If anterior teeth have old discolored composite fillings they can be replaced with acceptable natural life-like looking permanent colored porcelain veneers.
The strength of porcelain veneers depends on the type of porcelain used: Feldspatic porcelain ( 65-75 mpa) , Leucite reinforced porcelain ( 160 - 180 mpa ) , Lithium disilicate reinforced porcelain ( E-max 350 - 450 mpa). The choice makes a difference.
Q:
If a patient is a Bruxer ( grinds teeth) will they be able to have veneers if desired ?
A:
Yes! If they wear a night guard.