Dr. Matha Discusses Thieda, Crowns & Veneers Patient
Studies show that most people are unhappy with their smiles in some way or another. Most of the time, these are concerns due to discoloration, cracked teeth/chips, small gaps, and other minor issues. The good news is that cosmetic dental procedures can resolve most of these.
Dr. Avi Matha at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry specializes in cosmetic dental procedures. He can help you achieve your perfect smile.
Dental veneers are popular among the young adult population for achieving a beautiful smile. This is most popular with female patients, but it is also an option for our male patients as well.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells that are placed on teeth to address a variety of cosmetic dental concerns, including:
- Discoloration
- Irregularly shaped
- Minor crookedness
- Small gaps
- Chips/cracks
Typically, dental veneers are placed on the top 6 to 8 front teeth because they are the most visible when smiling. Veneers range from temporary to permanent and can be porcelain or composite resin.
Why Choose Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry In Woodbury, MN For Dental Veneers
Dr. Matha and the team at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry have extensive training in a variety of general, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. Dr. Matha attends numerous continuing education seminars every year to learn how to make your time with them safer, faster, and more affordable.
Who Is The Right Candidate For Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are recommended for patients with concerns about their smile’s appearance. Their teeth may be discolored, cracked, chipped, or irregularly shaped, or they may have small gaps between their teeth or their teeth may be slightly crooked.
However, it is important to note that not everyone with these issues qualifies for dental veneers. If you have any of the following issues, you should discuss them with the dentist:
- Underlying health issues, especially relating to your teeth/gums
- Missing one or more teeth
- Bruxism (clenching/grinding of teeth)
Also, it’s important to understand that dental veneers are a serious commitment. The procedure involves removing some of the enamel, or protective layer, of your teeth. You may want to first try less invasive procedures such as teeth whitening for discoloration or Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces for minor malocclusions.
Average Cost Of Veneers In Woodbury, MN
The cost of veneers depends on several factors including:
- Type of veneer
- Number of teeth being treated
- Location of the dental clinic
- Experience/expertise of the dentist
Composite veneers range from $400 to $2,000 per tooth and last an average of around 5 to 7 years. They may last up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. If they are damaged, they can be repaired.
Porcelain veneers cost a bit more, ranging from $925 to $2,500 per tooth and last an average of 10 to 15 years but may last up to 20 or more with proper care and maintenance. However, if a porcelain veneer is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Unfortunately, dental veneers are classified as cosmetic dental procedures, which means that most dental insurance plans will not cover treatment. However, it is important to note that we do offer financing options to make it easier to afford these treatments.
Types of Dental Veneers
There are two main types of dental veneers:
- Porcelain
- Composite resin
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, thin ceramic shells that are placed on teeth to address cosmetic concerns. The dentist will make an impression on the affected teeth and the veneers will be made in an off-site lab.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
Below is an outline of what you can expect to happen when you are getting porcelain dental veneers:
- Consultation visit
- Removal of enamel
- Impression/mold made of affected teeth to send to the dental lab
- Application of temporary veneers
- Veneers ordered from the dental lab
- Temporary veneers removed
- Teeth cleaned thoroughly
- Permanent veneers checked for fit and cemented in place
- Cleaning and polishing of veneers
If any minor adjustments are required, these can be done in the office. However, if there is a significant discrepancy in the fit, a new impression/mold will be taken and sent to the lab for the fabrication of new veneers.
Composite Veneers
Composite dental veneers are a tooth-colored resin material that is applied to teeth to improve their appearance. This is the same substance that is used for tooth-colored filings.
Composite Veneers Procedure
There are two types of composite resin veneers: direct and indirect. Below is an outline of what you can expect to happen when you are getting composite resin dental veneers.
For direct veneers:
- Consultation visit
- Removal of enamel
- Application of the composite resin material to affected teeth
- Placement under a UV light to harden the resin
- Clean up and polishing of veneers
For indirect veneers:
- Consultation visit
- Removal of enamel
- Impression/mold of affected teeth taken and put into the computer
- Veneers are made in the office right next to the chair
- Veneers checked for fit and cemented in place
- Placement under a UV light to harden the resin
- Clean up and polishing of veneers
If any adjustments are required, those can be completed in the office. This is a much more budget-friendly and quicker process than porcelain veneers. Since porcelain veneers must be ordered, the process usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Aftercare For Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a major investment in your appearance. Therefore, it’s important to take excellent care of them. Here are some aftercare tips:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride- which means no whitening toothpaste
- Floss at least once daily, preferably with a water flosser instead of regular dental floss
- Use antibacterial mouthwash twice daily when brushing your teeth
- Avoid using teeth as tools
- Avoid eating a lot of hard or crunchy
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning
You should also visit the dentist every time an oral concern comes up. After all, treatment is much easier and less expensive when addressed early than when allowed to progress into something more serious.
If you have veneers or any other restoration and something doesn’t feel right, contact the office right away.
All on 4 Dental Implants Before and After
Tooth loss can cause many oral and overall health issues. One of the primary issues is the inability to bite/chew food, which can ultimately lead to malnutrition because it’s harder to eat healthy foods.
If left untreated, a single missing tooth can lead to additional tooth loss because the jawbone will begin to deteriorate in that area.
Another issue is difficulty speaking because the airflow changes due to the spaces left by missing teeth which also impacts confidence. Many times, when people are missing teeth, they isolate themselves because they are embarrassed.
All-on-4 dental implants are the most cost-effective way to replace missing teeth while supporting jawbone health and a natural appearance.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have concerns about the appearance of your smile, schedule your consultation with Dr. Matha and the team at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry today. Dr. Matha has the experience and expertise to help you decide the best solution for your concerns. He and his team have extensive training in a variety of cosmetic and restorative procedures.
We are located at 707 Bielenberg Dr., Ste. 101, in Woodbury. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We offer general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry for your entire family- and we work closely with our patients to help them understand their current dental condition and how we can help.
FAQs On Dental Veneers In Woodbury, MN
If you are like most of our patients, you have questions and concerns about getting dental veneers- or any other cosmetic procedure. Dr. Matha strives to connect with every one of his patients and will be happy to address your questions/concerns at any time. Below are some of the most common questions that we’ve gotten about veneers:
While there is no set minimum or maximum age for dental veneers, it is usually recommended for patients over the age of 18. It is most popular among female patients in their mid-20s to around the age of 40.
Temporary veneers are usually used for a special event and can last for up to a few days- but will eventually come off.
Composite resin veneers are designed to last an average of 5 to 7 years- but may last up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. If a veneer is damaged, it can be repaired.
Porcelain veneers are designed to last an average of 10 to 15 years but may last up to 20 or more with proper care and maintenance. If a veneer is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
While the veneer can’t decay, the underlying tooth is still susceptible to decay- especially due to the enamel removal. The enamel is what protects the tooth from damage.
Porcelain veneers look and function the most like natural teeth. However, it is important to note that they are much more expensive than composite resin veneers and even more expensive than other solutions. If damaged, a porcelain veneer will need to be replaced- which adds to the lifetime cost.
Since porcelain veneers offer the most natural results, they are the most expensive option ranging from around $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
Lumineers are semi-permanent veneers that can be removed with minimal damage to the natural teeth. Traditional veneers are permanent- much of the enamel must be removed to create space for them to sit on teeth. Therefore, the better option entirely depends on your budget and the results you’re looking for.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have mild to moderate dental malocclusion, schedule your consultation with Dr. Matha at Tamarack Hills Family Dentistry today. Dr. Matha understands the importance of good oral health. We offer a variety of dental services for the entire family from pediatrics to seniors using the latest in dental technology, as well as a compassionate, gentle touch.
We are located on Bielenberg Drive in Woodbury, Minnesota. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.