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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can I get porcelain veneers at a dental school if I can’t afford a cosmetic dentist?

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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.

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.

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.

Is it true that I can’t use toothpaste on porcelain veneers?

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I was told that if I get porcelain veneers that I can’t use regular toothpaste on them. Do porcelain veneers require special care beyond natural teeth? Thanks. Bridget

Bridget – You should treat porcelain veneers as you would your natural teeth. Floss and brush them, but use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste.

It’s important that you get your teeth regularly examined and cleaned by a cosmetic dentist with staff training in maintaining porcelain veneers. Some of the equipment used to clean and polish natural teeth will damage porcelain veneers, so it’s important to have a dentist who is skilled in caring for veneers.

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