If you’d like to change the shape, size, and color of your smile, dental veneers are a convenient, affordable, and less invasive cosmetic procedure than crowns or dental implants. Here at DICE Dental in Springfield, we have dozens of patients curious about veneers, the process, and the benefits they offer. Here’s what you should know.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers, sometimes called 3/4 crowns, help change the appearance of your smile. A thin cover, made using porcelain or resin, is bonded to the surface of your teeth (thus the name 3/4 crown because they don’t cover the entirety of your tooth). They are very thin, so you’ll likely forget you even have them!

Because they don’t offer full coverage as a crown does, they’re not ideal solutions for patients with severe tooth damage or decay, people with weakened teeth, or people who have had a lot of root canals. However, veneers are perfect solutions for:

  • Stained or discolored teeth
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Teeth with gaps
  • Misshapen or crooked teeth

Porcelain vs. Resin

The most common types of dental veneers are porcelain and composite (resin). While both are natural-looking, there are a few differences between them.

  • Placement: Porcelain is custom-made to fit the surface of the teeth, while composites use a tooth-colored resin.
  • Strength: Porcelain is typically stronger and longer lasting. However, resin can be repaired more easily.
  • Tooth Enamel: A little more tooth enamel must be removed for a porcelain veneer than a composite one. However, neither require as much enamel removal as a crown would.
  • Price: Composite veneers cost slightly less than porcelain. However, you never have to worry about price here at DICE! Veneers start at only $1000, whether you have insurance or not.

Getting Veneers: The Process

You’re actively involved in the whole process of your dental veneers, from start to finish. During a consultation, we’ll take 3D x-rays and digital impressions so we can create a solution that blends seamlessly in with your smile.

After the veneers are made (which we can sometimes do in-house!), we’ll check their fit and color. Sometimes they need to be trimmed, while we can color-match them to whatever shade you’d like.

Finally, they are bonded to your teeth. To make sure they are bonded properly, we’ll clean, polish, and etch your teeth. With a special UV light, the bond will harden quickly. You could have a new smile in as little as two visits!

Remember to care for your veneers like you would your natural teeth. Brush them regularly, avoid foods that may stain their surface, and remember that they can chip or break if you bite into hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. Even with proper care, they typically need to be replaced every 15 years.

Are Veneers Right for You?

The only way to know whether dental veneers are right for you is to schedule a free consultation with our team! We’ll examine your smile, take a look at your oral health, and walk you through the process.

If you’d like to learn more about veneers and see how they can transform your smile, contact us today! Our office in Springfield, PA, is welcoming new patients. We’re also excited to announce two locations opening in January 2022: Southampton, PA, and Bethlehem Township, PA!