Grand Rapids Porcelain Veneers

Dr. Shawn M. Dial is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Porcelain Veneers.


Q. What are porcelain veneers?

A. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain cemented over the front of teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or teeth that are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding, and highly resist permanent staining from coffee, tea, or cigarette smoking.

Q. How long do dental veneers last?

A. It is unrealistic to expect them to last forever, but with good oral care, brushing, flossing, etc., you can expect them to last at least 10 years. 

Q. Do dental veneers require special care?

A. Treat your veneers as gently as you would your natural teeth.  Good oral care, which includes brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist every six months, will add to the longevity of your veneers.  In addition, avoid biting your nails or other hard objects such as ice.  Wear a mouth guard if you play sports and a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth at night.  And lastly, though veneers are quite stain resistant, the cement used to adhere them to your natural teeth is not.  Minimize your exposure to staining foods such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco products as these could discolor the cement on the edges of the veneers over time.  

Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?

A. There are alternatives to correcting and enhancing a patient’s smile that do not involve dental veneers.  We evaluate each patient’s smile and goals for their overall look to recommend a treatment customized to their needs.  In some cases, this is a whitening procedure.  In others, it is dental bonding, which requires applying the material directly to the tooth without removing any enamel to fill in chips or cracks in the tooth.  Invisalign® can also be an option for obtaining a healthy, balanced smile by aligning the teeth without braces and without the veneer overlay.
Cosmetic dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all application, so a patient’s best bet is to talk to a dentist they trust and evaluate all the options available to choose the one that will help them achieve their healthiest smile for their specific situation and budget. 

Q. Do veneers look natural?

A. Good veneers should always look natural.  We work hard to closely match veneer size and color to each individual patient.  If the veneers are too white or too large, they will look unnatural.  

Q. Does the veneer protect one’s tooth from decay?

A. It is important to choose a skilled dentist to apply veneers.  If the teeth are not prepped for the procedure appropriately, there may be ledges or spaces on the tooth where bacteria can seep in and cause decay.  But it is also important to remember that veneers are placed on top of a tooth, so the tooth behind the veneer is also vulnerable to decay.  Again, with proper oral care, the tooth is no more susceptible to decay than your natural teeth. 

Q. What does a veneer cost?

A. The cost should be in the range of $800-$1,500 per tooth.  

Q. How to contact Dr. Dial if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
2565 Forest Hill Ave SE, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Phone: (616) 949-0230
Fax: (616) 949-1125
Email: sdial@partnersindentalcare.com
Website: http://www.partnersindentalcare.com/