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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Composite veneers or porcelain veneers?

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What are some of the differences between composite veneers or porcelain veneers? Which should I get? Thx Marie

Marie – Indirect composite veneers are based on impressions of your teeth that a dentists takes and sends to a laboratory to craft. Direct composite veneers, placed and hand sculpted by a dentist, can be completed in one visit. Composite dental resin is applied in layers to achieve natural color and translucency for your teeth. Both indirect and direct composite veneers can be lifelike and beautiful, but require artistic talent from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

Composite veneers last four to eight years, but they wear and stain or chip with time. The old composite can be removed and replaced. They cost less than porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are made by a ceramist, based on impressions of your teeth. A cosmetic dentist will submit the impressions, a model of your smile makeover, and instructions regarding tooth shade to the ceramist. You will receive temporary veneers to try in before the final veneers are made by the ceramist.

Porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years, depending on how well you take care of them. Porcelain veneers are chip and stain resistant. Frequently, the natural teeth are minimally prepared before porcelain veneers are placed, which requires removing a slight small amount of tooth structure to prevent the teeth from looking bulky after the veneers are placed over them.

We recommend that you schedule an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she will examine your teeth and let you know the results you can expect from composite veneers, as well as porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Question on porcelain veneers for tetracycline stained teeth

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I have seen pictures from several dentists of porcelain veneers over tetracycline teeth. In every case, the teeth look way too white and thick. I don’t know what kind of veneers were used. Is there a particular brand I should use so that if I get veneers to cover my tetracycline stains they won’t look fake? Joan K.

Joan – Regardless of the reason that a person wants or needs porcelain veneers, the skill of an artistic cosmetic dentist is required to produce natural looking results.

In attempt to cover tetracycline stains, veneers can end up looking pasty or thick. Only a skilled cosmetic and his or her master ceramist can build in the translucency require to give the veneers a natural appearance, and at the same time cover tetracycline stains. The results depend more upon the skill of the dentist and ceramist than the brand of veneers that are used.

We recommend that you visit an experienced cosmetic dentist to receive an examination. You can discuss your concerns and have your questions answered about concealing your tetracycline stains with porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek

Will veneers only on my top teeth make my bottom teeth look even more yellow?

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My teeth are not the best. I want veneers on my top teeth but I am afraid that they will make my bottom teeth look even more yellow than they already are? Is this the case or will the top veneers have to be somewhere in between white and yellow? Traci

Traci – All of your teeth should be whitened before you receive porcelain veneers. A skilled cosmetic dentist can guide you through the process of getting your teeth as white as you want them, and then at the appropriate time, starting the process for porcelain veneers.

The veneers for your upper teeth will be crafted to match your whitened smile and the characteristics of your natural teeth—but without the flaws that you want to conceal. Your natural teeth and the veneers will complement each other and look natural. Be certain to have the work done only by an experienced cosmetic dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Will my insurance cover porcelain veneers?

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I have several teeth that are cracked. They are beyond fixing with dental bonding. Because of that fact I am wondering if my insurance will cover porcelain veneers. – Olivia D.

Olivia – Most dental insurance companies provide benefits for the treatment that is the least expensive to restore your teeth.

For example, the least expensive option for repairing a cracked tooth is dental bonding. If dental bonding can’t be used, the next option is a porcelain crown. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive option. In addition to the treatment options, your dental insurance has an annual maximum for benefits paid by the plan. You may find that the annual maximum is equal to or less than the cost of a single veneer.

Contact your dental insurance company to find out if any benefits are provided for porcelain veneers, and to find out the annual maximum of benefits paid by the plan. Also contact your dentist’s office to find out what forms of payment are accepted for and whether or not financing or payment plans are available for porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Teeth bleaching or veneers?

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My teeth are really really yellow. I have tried to get them white at home but maybe they are only one shade lighter of yellow. Still yellow though. I am wondering if teeth bleaching from a dentist will help or if I need to get veneers. Which is better? – S.W.

S.W. – Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. If your teeth can be whitened by a dentist, it is much more affordable that porcelain veneers.

Stains in your teeth are often embedded in them. Dentists have professional-strength whitening gel that will penetrate the stains and break them down. It is likely that whitening from a dentist will work for you.

Porcelain veneers are a last resort for teeth whitening. Some types of stains can’t be removed with teeth bleaching. Depending on the types of stains in your teeth, teeth bleaching can make the stains only more noticeable.

It’s best to see an experienced cosmetic dentist to let you know your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.