Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Kimberly Simonds on Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Kimberly Simonds is a dentist and has answered some of the most common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Porcelain Veneers.
Q. What are porcelain veneers?
A. They are really like "half of a crown" or thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to create an illusion of perfectly aligned teeth. They can be placed with little to no tooth reduction and cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. They are a beautiful way to correct stained, chipped, spaced, or crooked teeth. The translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what's been available in the past.
Q. How long to dental veneers last?
A. Most veneers placed in the early 90’s as a "new" procedure are still functioning and proving durable today. The exception to this is due to poor oral hygiene, improper tooth function, and habits such as teeth grinding that may cause chipping.
Q. Do dental veneers require special care?
A. Along with any of your other teeth you do not want to use them as tools. Otherwise, normal preventive home care is recommended to prevent cavities.
Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A. Depending on exactly what it is you are trying to achieve will determine the possibility of different alternative procedures. If you want to fix crowded teeth, then braces or Invisilign trays (clear splints that move teeth) may be considered. Another alternative is composite or "plastic" veneers. This is a quicker less expensive way to change the color and shape of your teeth. The disadvantages to composite veneers are that they look less "real," are not as durable, and need to be repaired or replaced more often. We provide a free consultation to determine your needs and discuss different options that you may have.
Q. Do veneers look natural?
A. Porcelain veneers can look very natural if done well. Many times if more than one tooth has a veneer you can not tell which teeth have veneers. Check out the veneer photos of our patients on our website at www.BallwinDentalCare.com
Q. Does the veneer protect your tooth from decay?
A. Veneers do not completely protect a tooth from decay. If not properly taken care of with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, decay can happen along the edge of the veneer.
Q. What does a veneer cost?
A. The cost of porcelain veneers depends on which teeth are being treated. Porcelain veneers generally cost from $900 to $1,400 per tooth. When considering the cost of porcelain veneers, you must take into account their longevity and attractiveness. Porcelain veneers are long lasting alternatives to other treatments that cost less but must be repaired more often and lose their cosmetic appeal more quickly. And we do offer complimentary consultations to determine exactly what is needed.
