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San Diego Dental Veneers - FAQs
Dental veneers have exploded in popularity over the last few years, in San Diego and elsewhere across the country. Once you’ve read this article, you’ll understand why they are so popular. Dental veneers can be an effective way to improve your teeth, your smile, and your overall appearance.
But how does the process work? Are there any risks associated with it? How much does it cost? We will answer these questions and more as we examine San Diego dental veneers in more detail.
What Are Dental Veneers Anyway?
Before we get specific about your San Diego cosmetic dentistry options, let’s talk about what these products are and how they work. The word “veneer” typically suggests a covering of some kind, and that is the case with dental veneers as well. Basically, they are tooth coverings or shells that are designed specifically for your teeth. They are very thin and made of a tooth-like material that looks and feels natural.
How and Why Are They Used?
Dental veneers are used primarily for cosmetic purposes, to repair (or technically to cover) teeth that are chipped, discolored, uneven or worn down. Of course, this process usually improves the patient’s bite as well, but the primary focus is cosmetic improvement.
The process usually requires three visits to the cosmetic dentist. Here’s an overview of what takes place during these visits:
- Visit #1 - During the initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth, explain the process to you, and explain the different types of dental veneers (such as porcelain and resin composite). If you decide to pursue the procedure, he or she will then schedule your second visit.
- Visit #2 - You will eventually return to your San Diego dentist to have a mold created of the teeth that will be covered. This is basically an impression or model of your teeth that will be used to create your dental veneers. The dentist will send the mold to a dental lab that specializes in creating veneers for patients.
- Visit #3 - When your dentist gets the veneers back from the lab, he or she will schedule your third visit. This is where you actually have them applied to your teeth. Veneers are bonded to the problematic tooth (or teeth) with a strong, cement-like material. Your San Diego dentist will then use a special light that activates a certain ingredient in the cement, causing it to dry and set.
In San Diego you can find dental veneers in several varieties. The two most common types are porcelain and composite resin, with porcelain being the most popular option. Porcelain veneers tend to last longer than the composite version, thus they are more expensive as well. The porcelain type are also more stain resistant. For these reasons and more, porcelain veneers are more popular among patients than the composite resin variety.
Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers
As with any other cosmetic dentistry procedure, porcelain veneers have their pros and cons. Here’s an overview of each:
- Pros - They look very natural and are hard to distinguish from real teeth. Typically not as expensive as having crowns, but are stronger and more attractive than bonding alone. A good “middle ground” approach to cosmetic dentistry. The porcelain variety have the added benefit of being stain resistant.
- Cons - The process is irreversible. Once you have your teeth prepared for veneers, you will always need them. They must be replaced every few years. They cannot be repaired if they get cracked or chipped. Porcelain veneers may not match the color of your natural teeth as much as you would like. Not recommended for people with periodontal disease or other tooth problems. Not recommended for people who clench or grind their teeth.
How Much Do They Cost?
The cost of veneers will vary based on a number of factors, including the level of demand, the dentist’s skill and experience, etc. In the San Diego area, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers. These are the most expensive kind because they last the longest. The composite resin type are less expensive, $250 - $350 per tooth.
Choosing a San Diego Dentist
You need to do some research before choosing a San Diego cosmetic dentist to perform your procedure. For starters, try to find somebody who has been accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). When you start with this criteria, you’ll know that your dentist has undergone specialized training in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Find out how long he or she has been working with dental veneers (the longer the better), and ask about patient results. A qualified dentist should also be able to show you before-and-after pictures of their patients.