Questions To Ask Before Getting Veneers

Frequently Asked Questions :  And Some Facts !

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: There are two types of warranties offered on dental veneers. One is the warranty offered by the dentist who is placing your veneers. In case of damage or fracture, your dentist will replace the veneers free of cost within the stipulated timeframe. The second type of warranty is given by the laboratory or the manufacturer. In case of breakage, the laboratory will not charge any repair or replacement fee. Therefore, it all depends upon which type of warranty is being offered to you. 

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 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 the cement which attaches the veneers to the tooth leaks, then 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. Chances of cavities under veneers increase manifold if regular oral hygiene maintenance is ignored.

• How much do veneers cost on the average?
• Will I have good looking temporary teeth?
• Is it best to bleach teeth first?
• Will I see a model of my teeth before we start?
• Who will make my veneers?
• How long will they last?
• If I have spaces between my teeth how big the veneers will they be?
• What is a veneer wax-up and why are they so important?
• Do I have to watch what I eat?
• How much tooth is removed for veneers?

• How white can you make the porcelain?
• Can Resins be used instead of porcelain?
• Are more expensive veneers better than cheaper ones?
• What happens if they break?
• Is there a warranty for veneers?
• What is a Master Ceramist ?
• Are Lumineers better them regular veneers? And how thin are they?
• Can they be made in one day?
• What is the cost of veneers with no dental insurance?
• The average cost of veneers in NYC is what?
• Is the Porcelain used  in veneers as strong as the tooth removed?
• Can decay get under a veneer if the cement seal leaks?
• Can a veneer be repaired or must it be replaced?
• Can porcelain veneers be made in one day?
• Are Minimal prepped Veneers as strong as regular ones.
• Can upper and lower veneers be made on the same day.
• How thick are porcelain veneers vs lumineers?
• Are veneers as strong as enamel?
• Can veneers be repaired if they fracture or must they be redone?
• What is a E-max porcelain veneer and are they strong?
• No prep veneers are over 20 years old and minimal tooth structure is removed if needed.
• No prep veneers are know as lumineers or viveneers. 
• Can veneers be made on top of old porcelain crown?
• What is the difference between a zirconium and a porcelain veneer?
• Porcelain veneers are much stronger and do not stain like veneers made of acrylic, resin/composite materials.
• Non-Tooth reduction porcelain veneers can be used to close spaces that still remain after clear brace treatment.
• Is a Felpspathic veneer as good as a Pressable veneer? 
• 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.
• If a patient is a Bruxer ( grinds teeth)  will they be able to have veneers if desired ?
• Does Bonding a veneer to a minimally prepped tooth with has more enamel stronger than on that is bonded to a tooth that has all the enamel removed and is in dentin? 

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