I was talking with a friend of mine the other day and somehow the topic of smiles came up. I came to the realization that EVERYONE wants to improve their smiles. Some want their teeth a little brighter, some want a complete overhaul. So, what's the best?
There is no simple answer to that question because it varies for different people. But, for someone that wants a drastically improved smile, porcelain veneers could be the answer. Porcelain veeners are ultra-thin pieces of porcelain that are adhered to the fronts of your teeth in order to dramatically change your smile. Depending on your situation, sometimes a small amount of your enamel needs to be removed prior (traditional veneers) or sometimes the porcelain veneers can be adhered directly on top of your natural teeth (Lumineers or prep-less veneers). These are fantastic ways to correct discolored, misshapen, chipped, or mal-aligned teeth in a very short period of time.
So, what's the down side to porcelain veneers? Well, as I mentioned before, for most people at least a small amount of your natural enamel must be removed in order to create a beautiful, natural looking smile. This means that it is something that must be maintained indefinitely. Also, the price of porcelain veneers can also cause someone to shy away from them. Porcelain veneers range from $1000-1500 per tooth. The difference in the cost from office to office has to do with the experience and training of the dentist and also the technician fabricating the veneer. I use a technician in California who I think does a phenomenal job making my patients look great! Take a look at one of my patient's smile transformations. She feels much younger and more self-confident with her new smile.
On a side note, my new office Kenwood Complete Dentistry is off to a great start. Our patients have been so happy with the comfort, convenience, and advanced technology. If you or your friends or family are looking for a new dentist, we are accepting new patients. 513.531.5050.
