My teeth are really in bad shape and I want porcelain veneers. I have called several local dentists and found out that I can’t afford them. I am willing to travel to a dental school for veneers if they provide them there. Is this an option? Thanks Tammy

Tammy – There are dental schools that provide porcelain veneers. But porcelain veneers are a service that even many general dentists who have completed dentistry school don’t provide.

In part, this is because achieving beautiful results requires an artistic inclination as well as skill. Without those talents, veneers can look fake, bulky, too white, or boxy. Many general dentists refer their patients to experienced cosmetic dentists for porcelain veneers. Experienced cosmetic dentists spend hundreds of hours in continuing education to learn how to design smiles that are personalized. Their experienced helps to determine if porcelain veneers are the best treatment for your case, the type of veneers to use, and how to produce beautiful results.

If you decide to receive veneers from a dental school, you may be at risk for receiving a smile that doesn’t look real. People may easily be able to tell that the veneers are not your natural teeth.

If you cannot afford porcelain veneers, there are alternatives that a cosmetic dentist can provide. First, your teeth need to be examined. Sometimes, a combination of cosmetic treatments can greatly improve your smile. Teeth whitening, teeth contouring, dental bonding, porcelain crowns, or a combination of treatments can work for you.

We recommend that you find experienced cosmetic dentists in your area. Select a few of them, schedule a consultation with each dentist, and find out what your options are. The results will be long-lasting and beautiful. You can also learn how whatever treatment you receive can be made affordable for you.

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