Dental Veneers: Do You Need Them?

If you’re insecure about your teeth or are afraid to smile, you’re not alone. Over one-third of Americans are unhappy with their smile. Nevertheless, several options—besides general dentistry services—exist that can improve the appearance of your teeth, one of which is dental veneers. A dentist can discuss this prospect with you once you’ve learned what they are, whether you need them, and which type could suit you.

Hillcrest Dental offers such services to residents of Albemarle County, VA. With almost 70 years of experience, you can trust our office to take great care of your smile. We pride ourselves on personalized, patient-centered care, with services ranging from general dental care to cosmetic dentistry and oral surgery. Call Hillcrest for your next dentist visit at (434) 973-2224.

Below, we discuss all things veneers:

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, white shells that dental professionals bond semi-permanently to teeth to enhance their appearance. Porcelain or resin composite materials often compose veneers.

The typical installation procedure entails grinding teeth for proper placement, an irreversible process that requires a local anesthetic. Nonetheless, this procedure depends on your dental concerns, the number of teeth involved, and your preferred type of veneers. For instance, no-prep veneers require minimal tooth preparation, whereas traditional porcelain veneers necessitate grinding, molding, and cementing.

How to Know if You Need Veneers

The typical candidates for dental veneers will display one or several of the following symptoms:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Sharp or otherwise unusually shaped teeth
• Severe discoloration
• Wide gaps between teeth
• Abnormally small teeth

Some patients may get just one veneer to remedy a broken or chipped tooth. However, most receive 6 to 8 on their top front teeth to create an even, symmetrical smile.

Choosing Between the Different Types of Veneers

The two main veneer types are traditional porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Determining which is best for you involves several factors, including:

• Cost: Traditional porcelain veneers cost about $925 to $2,500 per tooth, whereas composite resin veneers cost around $250 to $1500 per tooth.
• Longevity: Porcelain veneers are stronger and last around 10 to 15 years, in contrast to composite veneers’ lifespan of about 5 to 7 years. It’s up to you to determine whether a long-term or short-term investment makes sense to you.
• Appearance: Porcelain veneers are less likely to stain or get damaged. Although composite resin veneers are easier to damage, they are easier to fix.
• Installation: Porcelain veneers are more invasive and may require temporary veneers and a few visits to the dentist. Composite veneers, on the other hand, can often be applied in a single visit to the dentist since less tooth structure needs removal.

There is also the option of no-prep veneers—a specific type of porcelain veneers that are quicker and less invasive to apply. Among the above considerations, listen to your dentist’s recommendations as well. They may offer additional information or personal opinion that may influence your decision.

Professional General Dentistry Services in Albemarle County, VA

Hillcrest Dental offers cosmetic and general dentistry services, including veneer application, to our patients in Albemarle County, VA. Our dentists and dental professionals can refresh your look, close gaps, eliminate misalignments, and remove stains. Boost your self-esteem and spread happiness to others with a bright, balanced smile from Hillcrest Dental. For more information and to schedule your next appointment, contact us at (434) 973-2224.