If you’re thinking about getting cosmetic dentistry in Groveport, OH, you may be considering porcelain veneers from Dr. Michael Pappas and the team at Walnut Creek Dental. But what’s involved in the process? How do veneers actually work? How much do they cost? Are they permanent, or can you reverse them if you change your mind?
In this comprehensive guide to porcelain veneers, we’ll answer these questions and more. And if you still have questions or you’re ready to commit to transforming your teeth with porcelain veneers, our team is standing by to schedule your first cosmetic consultation.
Porcelain veneers are made out of strong, thin, tooth-colored ceramic materials. Each veneer is designed to fit perfectly over one tooth, covering up the front surface and correcting flaws like stains, chips, gaps, and more. With a full set of porcelain veneers from Dr. Pappas and our team, you can completely transform your teeth, restore your confidence, and smile proudly once again.
Once Dr. Pappas approves you for treatment, it usually takes two visits over a period of 2-3 weeks to get your new veneers. At your first visit, he will clean and prep your teeth, take impressions of your smile, and start designing your veneers. He’ll send you home with a set of temporary veneers to wear.
Then, our partner dental lab will build your veneers and send them to our office. This usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once they're ready, you’ll come back for one more visit. Dr. Pappas will remove your temporaries, bond your new teeth in place, and send you home with a brand-new smile.
As long as you have a healthy mouth, a set of porcelain veneers can be used to treat almost any cosmetic flaw, including:
At Walnut Creek Dental, Dr. Pappas and our team prefer to place porcelain veneers. However, resin veneers are also an option at many practices. When comparing porcelain vs. resin veneers, there are a few different things you should think about.
Resin veneers use a composite material that’s similar to what’s used in dental bonding and tooth-colored fillings. It’s made of a mixture of plastic and crushed glass, and can be matched very closely to your existing teeth. The biggest drawback of resin is that it can become stained by food and drinks.
Porcelain veneers use a ceramic material that’s very similar to the color of natural enamel, and is extremely thin and durable. It’s also completely stain-resistant, unlike resin, so your new smile will never stain.
Resin veneers usually last between 5-7 years before they wear out and need to be replaced, but they can last longer in some cases. This means that porcelain veneers have a longer overall lifespan. Porcelain veneers usually last at least 10-15 years, so you will not need to have your veneers replaced as often if you choose porcelain.
Overall, resin veneers tend to be a cheaper option than porcelain veneers, typically ranging from $250 to $1500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, usually cost between $900 and $2500 per tooth.
However, a direct cost comparison between resin veneers and porcelain veneers can be a bit misleading. This is because, while resin veneers are cheaper, they also don’t last as long.
As mentioned in the previous section, resin veneers have a typical lifespan of 5-7 years, while porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or even longer. Because of this, porcelain veneers can actually be a cheaper option in the long run, especially if you take good care of your smile.
Composite veneers and porcelain veneers provide pretty similar aesthetic results. However, we believe that porcelain veneers offer a better overall appearance. Compared to dental resin, ceramic materials are closer to enamel in color, translucency, and overall appearance, providing more lifelike results.
Porcelain veneers usually last at least 10-15 years. Since they are permanent, you will need to have your veneers replaced by Dr. Pappas and our team as they wear out.
This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to continue visiting us for routine six-month checkups. Along with protecting your oral health, this lets our team check on your veneers and see if any of them are loose, chipped, cracked, or need replacement for any other reason.
Porcelain veneers are a long-term investment. By taking a few extra steps to care for them, you can maximize their lifespan and keep smiling proudly for years to come. If you do choose to get veneers, here are our top tips for protecting your new smile:
First, you’ll need to consider your overall oral health. You can only get veneers if your teeth and gums are healthy. If you have any cavities, infected teeth, gum disease, or any other serious oral health issues, they will need to be treated before you can get veneers or any other cosmetic treatment.
Also, you should bear in mind that veneers are a lifelong commitment. Because some of your natural tooth structure has to be removed to get veneers, you will need to keep them for the rest of your life and have your veneers replaced when they wear out.
Finally, consider your cosmetic preferences, expectations, and goals. Veneers are a fantastic choice for total smile transformation, but they are not the only option for restoring your smile. At your visit with Dr. Pappas and the team at Walnut Creek Dental, we can discuss all of your options for improving your smile to ensure you make the right decision for your own unique needs.
If you only have minor stains and are happy with the general shape and appearance of your smile, teeth whitening may be a better option for enhancing your appearance. It’s fast, effective, safe, and requires no enamel removal. Teeth whitening is also great if you’re on a budget.
Dental bonding uses dental resin that’s directly applied to your teeth to reshape them and cover up minor cracks and chips. It can be done in just one visit and is less expensive than veneers. However, dental bonding is not quite as versatile and has a much shorter lifespan.
Veneers can only be used to treat very minor orthodontic issues. If you have crooked, crowded, or uneven teeth or bite issues, veneers are not suitable for your case. Instead, we’d recommend orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. Then, once you complete your Invisalign treatment, veneers can be used to enhance your smile if you’re not happy with their shape, size, or color.
Still have some questions that we haven’t answered yet? Here are answers to some common veneer FAQs.
If you think that porcelain veneers in Groveport, OH may be right for you, Dr. Pappas and our team are here to help. As cosmetic dentistry specialists, we can work with you to explore all of your options for smile enhancement, including veneers. If you’re ready to get started, don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (614) 864-2466 to schedule your cosmetic consultation at Walnut Creek Dental today.
Call 614-864-2466 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
