Dr. Leonard F. Tau is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Porcelain Veneers.
Q. What are porcelain veneers?
A. Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length and resulting in an improved appearance.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.
Q. What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
A. Veneers are routinely used to fix:
Ø Teeth that are discolored either because of root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
Ø Teeth that are worn down
Ø Teeth that are chipped or broken
Ø Teeth those are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
Ø Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)
Q. How long do dental veneers last?
A. Porcelain veneers will last for many years. They may last ten or twenty years or longer, if they’re done right. Porcelain veneers last as long as porcelain crowns or many other restorations.
Q. Do dental veneers require special care?
A. No. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices including brushing and flossing as you normally would.
Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A. Yes bonding and crowns and possibly orthodontics like Invisalign are alternatives. Veneers offer a nice intermediate option. Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit which is done with bonding, or have some spaces and do not like the color of their teeth and they do not want orthodontics.
Q. Do Veneers look natural?
A. Veneers can look very natural if they mimic what a natural tooth looks like. That means a mixture of shades, proper reflection of light, the right amount of translucency feathered into the edges as well as the flat emergence of the veneer from the gum line. Proper cutback of the tooth by the dentist is essential to allow the ceramist enough room to create a natural looking veneer.
Q. Does the veneer protect one’s tooth from decay?
A. Porcelain veneers cannot protect your natural teeth from decay, abuse or damage. Even though a veneer is bonded to the front of the natural tooth consistent dental care should be practiced regularly. Although a veneer will not decay, surrounding natural teeth are still vulnerable to damage, abuse and decay.
Q. How much does veneer cost?
A. The cost of dental veneers depends on many factors including:
Ø The fees of the cosmetic dentist
Ø The artistic and technical skill of the ceramist making the veneers and the cosmetic dentist who is placing the veneers
Ø The material used
Ø The number of teeth requiring veneers
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than their composite resin counterparts. Traditional veneers may cost from $. 1000 to 2500 depending on the region you are in.
Q. How to contact Dr. Tau if we have further questions?
A.
11905 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116
Phone: 215-969-4400
Email: drlentau@pcde.com
Website: http://www.pcde.com
