Veneers – Wayne, PA
Achieve a Gorgeous New Smile
Veneers are a versatile way to address many cosmetic dental flaws with a single treatment, and they are the open secret behind the flawless grins of countless movie stars and media personalities. At Main Line Dental Group, we craft these customized appliances in-house and take every measure to ensure that our patients remain comfortable and achieve astounding results. Here’s a brief guide to how veneers work and how they are placed, but please contact our Wayne office if you have any questions.
Why Choose Main Line Dental Group for Veneers?
- Skilled and Compassionate Dental Team
- Completely Transform Your Smile
- Results Can Last for Fifteen Years or More
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells made from a ceramic material such as porcelain, and they can address even extensive cases of dental flaws such as cracks, chips, stains, gaps, and misshapenness. These devices are designed to be permanently cemented on teeth that have had a small amount of enamel removed to make room, and they can conceal a wide range of defects and transform a grin into a beautiful new state. With excellent care, veneers can last fifteen years or more before needing replacement, and teeth that have been prepared to receive them will need to wear them from then on for protection against injury and infection.
The Process of Getting Veneers
The process of getting veneers begins with a consultation at our Wayne office so one of our skilled dentists can discuss your goals for your smile, evaluate your oral health, and determine the best ways to address your dental flaws. If you aren’t ready for veneers yet, you may be able to become an excellent candidate later after undergoing restorative treatments like dental fillings and gum disease therapy. Once you are cleared for the treatment, you will be scheduled for an appointment to have your appliances placed.
The process of placing veneers begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to render the treatment painless. Once they are comfortable, our dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated. Then, these teeth will be measured so customized lifelike veneers can be crafted in our office. When the devices are ready, we’ll cement them in place to create a lovely new smile the patient will be proud to show off.
The Benefits of Veneers
Veneers are a versatile treatment that offers a number of astounding benefits. A few of these include:
- Addressing multiple dental defects with a single treatment in a brief timeframe.
- Lasting up to fifteen years or more before needing replacement if they receive excellent care.
- Lifelike appearance ensures that casual observers will be unable to distinguish veneers from natural enamel.
- Stain-resistant ceramic materials help ensure the devices stay beautiful for as long as possible.
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
Insurance doesn’t typically cover elective cosmetic procedures such as veneers, so you will probably have to pay for this treatment out of pocket. However, we’ll be happy to go over your insurance and payment options with you during your consultation so you can find the best way to fit veneers into your budget.
Veneers FAQs
Are Veneers Permanent?
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether these thin shells are intended to be removable or whether they remain on your teeth long-term. Technically, they’re not considered permanent because they might eventually wear down and need to be replaced.
However, our Main Line Dental Group team must thin your enamel slightly for veneers to fit correctly. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, making this an irreversible change that slightly alters the structure of your teeth. You’ll need to have these, or another restoration, in place to prevent damage and decay.
What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?
These porcelain shells are coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chips, cracks, and stains, so some patients wonder whether they also shield their natural teeth. While veneers do offer some protection, they only cover the front sides of your enamel, leaving the remaining surfaces exposed.
That means you must continue brushing and flossing twice daily to prevent common oral issues, like cavities or gum disease, that can impact the underlying teeth and cause your prosthetics to fail.
Do Veneers Cause a Lisp?
Veneers are usually made from durable porcelain and are only about 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm thick. Because they’re so thin, they don’t usually interfere with your ability to enunciate different words.
With that said, some patients do develop a temporary lisp when the covers are initially placed, because it can take their tongue some time to adjust to their dimensions. You might notice challenges forming “s”, “th” or “v” sounds, but this usually dissipates on its own after a week or so.
If you experience persistent changes to your speech patterns, please contact our office in Wayne to let us know. We might be able to thin your restoration slightly to reduce its impact.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers are a versatile solution that can address one or several imperfections in your smile, but it’s natural to want to know how long they usually last before deciding if they’re worth the investment of time and resources.
Thankfully, these shells are known for being incredibly resilient and can potentially last decades with the right care. For instance, one study performed in 2012 found that 95% of these restorations lasted 5 years, 94% lasted 10 years, and about 83% remained in place for 20 or more years.
Generally, you can extend their lifespan by maintaining a twice-daily dental hygiene routine and visiting our office every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.