Veneers in Alexandria, MN
Did you know…
Veneers require the removal of enamel, making it a permanent cosmetic dental treatment.
How it works: The veneer placement process
Consultation
Your dentist will begin your consultation by discussing the issues you have with your smile and how you’d like to change it. Together, you’ll decide if veneers are the right choice for you, or if other cosmetic options will better suit your smile.
Treatment Plan
After you have decided to proceed with veneers, your dentist will craft a tailored treatment plan that will outline which teeth will be addressed, how many veneers you’ll need, and if any other cosmetic or restorative treatments will be required.
Preparation of Teeth
To prep for the procedure, your dentist will clean and numb your mouth, and then remove a very thin layer (0.5mm or less) of enamel from each tooth. This allows for the veneer to firmly attach to the tooth and prevents the tooth from becoming too thick from the veneer.
Impression & Temporary Veneers
Once your enamel has been trimmed, your dentist will take a series of impressions and pictures of your teeth. This info will be sent to a dental lab, where your permanent veneers will be created. You’ll leave our office with temporary resin veneers to protect your teeth until your permanent veneers are back from the lab.
Permanent Veneer Fitting & Adjustment
After your dentist has received your permanent veneers, you’ll be called back to our office for a fitting appointment. At this time, your dentist will ensure your new veneers look and feel natural.
Permanent Veneer Placement
Once your dentist has checked the fit of your veneers, they’ll be permanently attached to your teeth using powerful dental cement. You’ll then be ready to leave our office and head home with a beautiful, brand-new smile.
What cosmetic issues can veneers treat?
Tooth Staining or Discoloration
Severe tooth staining or discoloration may not be treatable with other cosmetic dentistry methods, and may even persist after treatment. Veneers offer a permanent solution by completely covering up the stained tooth and restoring its natural, bright shade.
Worn Teeth
Veneers can restore the shape and appearance of your teeth if they are worn from issues like teeth grinding (bruxism). If you are struggling with teeth grinding, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting a night guard to protect your teeth after you get veneers.
Chipped, Broken, or Irregularly Shaped Teeth
As long as the damage is limited to the outer layers of enamel and dentin, veneers may be used to treat minor chipping or breakage in the teeth. If you are struggling with a more serious injury, your tooth may require the use of a dental crown and root canal therapy.
Irregular and misshapen teeth can be treated and restored with veneers, providing you with a straighter and more even smile.
Misalignment or Gapping
Veneers can resolve any minor tooth misalignment and gap in your smile. After your teeth are trimmed and covered with veneers to correct these issues, you can enjoy a bright, straight, natural-looking smile.
Keep in mind that veneers can only be used to treat minor misalignment and tooth gapping issues. For more serious teeth alignment complications, your dentist may recommend orthodontic care. Treatment such as Invisalign or braces may be required before cosmetic treatment with veneers.
Did you know…
Porcelain veneers are crafted to match your natural smile shade for a bright, brilliant grin.
Have questions about veneers? Find answers here.
Can veneers be removed?
Because veneers are permanently bonded to your tooth, they cannot be removed. This is an irreversible procedure that requires a thin layer of enamel to be permanently drilled away from your teeth. After your treatment is complete, you will need to take proper care of your veneers and replace them if they break or become dislodged.
How long do veneers last?
The longevity of your veneers depends on how well you take care of them, but most patients can maintain the quality and function of their veneers for up to 20 years. Your veneers will wear down over time, so you may need to repair or replace individual veneers.
Brushing and flossing your teeth with care is the best way to prolong the lifespan of your veneers. Be sure to see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam. Avoid doing things that could damage or dislodge your veneers, such as chewing hard foods with your front teeth, or using your teeth to open items.
What are veneers made of?
Made of ceramic porcelain materials, veneers are crafted to look and feel just like your natural tooth. Porcelain is very similar to enamel in hardness and translucence, making it an ideal durable option. Plus, porcelain can be matched to the exact color of your teeth, allowing it to blend in with the rest of your smile.
Some veneers are also made out of resin. These are typically only used as temporary veneers because resin does not look as natural and is not nearly as durable compared to porcelain ceramic veneers.
What’s the difference between veneers and Lumineers?
While veneers and Lumineers are almost the same, but Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers. This is because they are made out of a special, proprietary ceramic material that is only about 0.2mm thick. Due to their thin nature, Lumineers can often be placed without trimming your existing enamel. This is why they’re often called “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” veneers. Traditional veneers, on the other hand, are 0.5mm thick and require the removal of enamel to fit onto your tooth.
How much do veneers typically cost?
Veneers will vary in cost depending on a multitude of factors, including how many teeth you're covering up, your oral health, and the location of each tooth. Contact your dentist to get a cosmetic consultation and an accurate cost estimate. During your consultation, your dentist can take a look at your mouth, assess your oral health, and provide a quote for care.
Did you know…
Veneers can last between 15 and 20 years with proper care.