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What Are Porcelain Veneers?

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A close-up showing how porcelain veneers cup over teeth for natural-looking results.

There’s no greater accessory than your beautiful smile. Although a confident smile leaves a lasting impression, your teeth aren’t immune to imperfections that can develop suddenly or over time. 

Porcelain veneers (a popular dental treatment) offer a solution by fixing dental concerns while delivering a natural and revitalized smile. 

They are thin, custom-made shells that bond over the front surface of your teeth. The porcelain material mimics the appearance of natural teeth for a seamless result. 

The veneer process is careful construction that requires time, patience, and precision for ideal results. A consultation with your dentist is the first step to improving your smile. 

Understanding Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells covering a tooth’s front surface. They are made of durable, stain-resistant porcelain that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing long-lasting results.

Choosing porcelain veneers to improve your smile holds several benefits, including: 

  • Natural appearance: Their material mimics the natural look and feel of teeth, providing an enhanced, yet realistic, smile. 
  • Durability: Porcelain is a strong material that can withstand daily wear and tear. 
  • Stain Resistance: Natural teeth can stain over time, leading some to seek teeth-whitening treatments. Porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, tea, and other common culprits, saving you time and money on additional treatments. 

The Veneer Process

Transforming your smile with porcelain veneers begins with an initial consultation. During this, your dentist evaluates your oral health and discusses your treatment goals. 

Once we have established your candidacy, we can prepare your teeth. This may involve removing a small amount of enamel to confirm a perfect, secure fit.

Each veneer is custom-made to fit your teeth precisely. Before the final placement, we use temporary veneers to preview how the results will look, allowing us to make any necessary adjustments. 

Once we are happy with the preview, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send to the dental lab where they carefully craft the veneers. Once they are ready, your dentist uses a strong dental adhesive to secure the veneer to the tooth’s surface. 

The entire process varies from person to person, taking up to 3 weeks, and requiring several visits to your dentist. 

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Porcelain veneers can address a range of dental concerns, including:

  • Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth 
  • Discolouration or staining that does not respond to whitening 
  • Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth 
  • Uneven tooth shapes or sizes 

Their versatility makes porcelain veneer a great solution for many people, however, they may not be the right option for everyone. 

A good candidate should have healthy underlying teeth and gums because porcelain veneers require a solid foundation for long-term results and durability. Those with significant decay, gum disease, or weak enamel may need additional treatment before considering veneers. 

Additionally, patients who grind or clench their teeth may need to explore preventive options, such as a custom night guard, to protect their veneers from damage.

Determining your candidacy during the initial consultation is a nonnegotiable step for any dental treatment. It helps us preserve the health of your natural teeth and gums, redirecting you towards solutions better aligned to your case. 

 A dentist shares their patient's veneer plan using a tablet during an initial consultation.

Caring for Porcelain Veneers

With the right care, porcelain veneers can last over a decade

Your natural teeth require daily care and even though porcelain veneers are artificial, they require daily maintenance too. Always brush your teeth twice a day with non-abrasive toothpaste and floss daily to maintain gum health and prevent plaque buildup.

Despite their durability and stain resistance, avoid biting into hard substances (ice, pencils, or fingernails) and limit consuming highly pigmented food and drink (dark-colored berries, red wine, etc.) to prevent the veneers from chipping and maintain the brightness of surrounding teeth. 

Cost of Porcelain Veneers in Calgary

Veneers do not have a fixed price. Insurance plans consider veneers a cosmetic treatment and typically do not cover the cost. 

On average, veneers in Calgary range from $1,500 to $2,000 per tooth, depending on factors such as: 

  • The expertise and reputation of the dentist 
  • The complexity of the case 
  • The materials used 

Since many practitioners strive to make dental care more accessible, financing your veneer treatment can be an option. During your consultation, we can discuss your payment options. 

Choosing a Dentist for Veneers

Selecting the right dentist significantly influences the results of your treatment. Here are a few things to consider: 

  • Experience and expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in cosmetic dentistry. 
  • Reputation: Read patient reviews and testimonials to gauge others’ experiences. 
  • Technology: A dental practice that uses modern technology helps verify precision and efficiency. 

Book a consultation with Kensington Dental Care Today!

Porcelain veneers are an effective, long-lasting solution for improving your smile and boosting your confidence. 

At Kensington Dental Care, we specialize in personalized smile transformations and prioritize patient satisfaction with every procedure. Connect with our team to schedule your initial consultation. We would be happy to guide you through your smile makeover journey! 

Written by Kensington Dental Care

Kensington Dental Care is by your side and ready to answer your questions, address your dental concerns, and offer strategies that work best for you and your smile.

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  • Calgary, AB T2N 1V8

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