Porcelain Veneers in Santa Maria
Porcelain veneers in Santa Maria are an ideal cosmetic solution for anyone who desires a more beautiful smile. We can improve the appearance of your teeth – and thereby, your confidence – with veneers to improve the shape, size, color, and symmetry of your teeth and smile.
What Are Porcelain Veneers in Santa Maria?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit onto the front of your anterior teeth. They are custom-made and adhere to the tooth’s front surface with a permanent bonding material. Porcelain veneers in Santa Maria are a permanent solution to correct teeth that are:
-
Misshapen
-
Crooked
-
Stained
-
Cracked
-
Chipped
-
Fractured
What Are the Benefits of Investing in Porcelain Veneers?
The benefits of porcelain veneers include that they are:
-
Natural-looking and customized to match the shade of your natural teeth
-
Pain-free (you’ll be numb during the preparation procedure)
-
Extremely stain-resistant
-
Long-lasting
What Are Composite Veneers from a Santa Maria Cosmetic Dentist?
Another option for patients who want to improve the look of their smile is something called chairside veneers, composite veneers, or composite bonding.
​
To make these veneers, your dentist utilizes the same material we use for white/tooth-colored fillings (composite resin).
Composite veneers are the more affordable option because they aren’t lab-fabricated or made of porcelain.
Why Not Just Invest in Composite Bonding?
Composite veneers might be a good option for some patients, but they’re not for everyone. The composite resin isn’t as stain resistant as porcelain, so over time, you’ll notice some discoloration and possibly some staining around the margins. Therefore, this option is not a long-lasting one. Patients often need to replace their composite veneers every three to five years, whereas porcelain veneers can last much longer.
Another downside is that composite resin isn’t as strong as porcelain, making these veneers more susceptible to damage like chipping.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?​
The cost of porcelain veneers in Santa Maria depends on several factors, including the number of veneers you need. Porcelain veneers range from $800 to $2500 per tooth. While this is not “cheap,” it’s an investment that can last for years, even decades. It’s an investment that will improve your smile and give you more confidence. Porcelain veneers can even protect your teeth from wear and tear and further restorative costs down the road.
​Does Dental Insurance Pay for Porcelain Veneers in Santa Maria?
​​Most insurance companies don’t cover the cost of veneers as they’re considered an elective cosmetic procedure. In some cases, an insurance company may consider covering a portion of the cost if the veneers are placed to save or strengthen the teeth to prevent further breakdown or repair damage.
What Happens During a Porcelain Veneer Preparation Appointment?
Your Santa Maria cosmetic dentist will numb your teeth, take an impression, and check the shade of your teeth so the lab technician will know which shade of porcelain to use.
Then, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth that’s getting a veneer. Another impression is taken of the prepared teeth, which is sent to a dental laboratory.
What Happens During a Porcelain Veneer Delivery Appointment?
​​We’ll start by removing your temporary veneers. Then, we’ll try on the new veneers and check their fit, your bite, and the shade. If you’re satisfied with the veneers, we’ll condition the teeth, prime them, and bond them using a permanent adhesive.
While you’re waiting for your permanent veneers, you’ll have temporary veneers. Using the initial impression, we’ll use a strong, durable, tooth-colored plastic to create the temporary veneers.