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. Nick L. Kavouklis on Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Nick L. Kavouklis as 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 custom, porcelain facings that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to whiten teeth, close spaces, straighten, or repair chipped or worn teeth. The veneers are only about .5-1.0 mm thick (the thickness of a fingernail). That same thickness is "shaved" off the natural tooth surface so when the veneer is bonded to the tooth, the tooth doesn’t feel or look thicker. We typically recommend veneers to incorporate the teeth that you smile with (the front 6-8) in order to not make one tooth look darker or out of place from the others, but it is still possible to do 1 or 2 as well. However when matching the veneers to your natural tooth shade doing 1 veneer can be very difficult at times.
Q. How long to dental veneers last? Do dental veneers require special care?
A. Typically veneers can last a very long time but many factors can play into their longevity such as: The patient’s bite, the effectiveness of the bond/cement or inappropriately using your teeth for things they shouldn’t be used for. You should avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard objects such as pencils or ice. Also, special care will be required from your hygienist when receiving regular cleanings so as not to scratch or decrease the shine of the veneer.
Q. Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A. Alternatives to veneers depends on what is needed in a person’s mouth. If whitening is the primary goal a patient wants a veneer for, then bleaching is a good option. If the patient wants to move teeth to close spaces and relieve crowding, braces or invisalign are a viable option although a bit more time consuming. For chipped teeth some patients may opt for a direct composite bonded restoration. However these can fracture and stain leading to multiple replacements of the restoration.
Q. Do Veneers look natural?
A. Veneers are a very natural, long term restoration that allow for instant whitening where it takes nothing to maintain the color. Veneers also offer instant orthodontic movement where you can close spaces and correct minor crowding and midline shifts within two appointments. Plus Veneers can be a long term restorative option for chipped teeth.
Q. Does the veneer protect one’s tooth from decay?
A. However, a veneered tooth can still be susceptible to cavities around the margin, where the restoration meets the tooth, as well as where the veneer doesn’t cover the tooth. Cavities can easily be prevented with proper oral hygiene, such as brushing 2-3 times daily as well as flossing.
Q. What does a veneer cost?
A. Unfortunately veneers are not covered by insurance with one veneer costing anywhere from $900-$1,300 per tooth. Most offices, like my own, offer payment options so that your goal of an incredible smile is attainable.
Q. How to contact Dr. Kavouklis if we have further questions?
