Porcelain veneers are a great way to conceal minor chips, cracks, stains and gaps in your smile. Custom-made to match your existing teeth, porcelain veneers blend seamlessly into your smile. If you have been considering beautifying your smile with porcelain veneers, you likely have many questions. In this blog post, Greenville cosmetic dentist Dr. Matthew Warner of Willoughby Dental answers frequently asked questions about porcelain veneers.
What are porcelain veneers made of?
As the name suggests, veneers are made of high-quality porcelain, which mimics the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that when slipped over teeth, are virtually indistinguishable from surrounding teeth.
How are porcelain veneers created?
Porcelain veneers are created in a dental laboratory using impressions of your teeth. This ensures a proper fit and natural appearance.
How many dental appointments will I need for my porcelain veneers?
Placing porcelain veneers typically requires two appointments. In the first, Dr. Warner will examine and clean the teeth that need veneers. He may also remove a small amount of tooth enamel so the veneers can fit properly. Dr. Warner will then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a laboratory where your veneers will be fabricated. It takes approximately two weeks to create the veneers. In the meantime, he may place temporary veneers to protect your teeth. Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will return to our office for placement.
Is the veneers placement process painful?
Thanks to the use of a topical anesthetic, patients feel very little discomfort during treatment. Tooth sensitivity after the first appointment is normal due to the removal of a thin layer of enamel. This discomfort should dissipate within a few days.
Can my dental insurance pay for porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are considered to be solely a cosmetic procedure and therefore are not covered by dental insurance. However, Dr. Warner offers several affordable financing options, including CareCredit to help patients pay for their dream smile.
To learn more about porcelain veneers or the other cosmetic dental procedures Dr. Warner offers, please contact Willoughby Dental by calling (864) 546-4242 today.
