Porcelain Veneers

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What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Offered by our skilled cosmetic dentist, Dr. Martin Gorman, porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help conceal a variety of dental concerns—creating attractive, natural-looking results. Veneers consist of a thin, tooth-colored ceramic shell, which is custom-made to fit snugly over the existing teeth being treated. Ultimately, porcelain veneers can help teeth appear aligned, brighter, and beautifully proportionate while blending seamlessly with surrounding teeth.

What Dental Concerns Can Porcelain Veneers Treat?

Cosmetic imperfections such as cracks, chips, gaps, minor misalignments, and stains can typically be treated with porcelain veneers. Dr. Gorman is a highly trained bioesthetic dentist, so he seeks to provide patients with conservative treatment that can work in harmony with the entire mouth. It is his goal to address the actual cause of his patients’ dental issues, rather than simply treating the symptoms. If Dr. Gorman determines that porcelain veneers are not the most appropriate solution for your concerns, he may suggest another treatment, such as Invisalign®, teeth whitening, dental crowns, or dental bonding.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Porcelain Veneers?

In addition to offering long-lasting results, porcelain veneers have many other benefits. Since veneers are custom-made for our patients, they offer a very natural look and feel that can easily blend in with surrounding teeth. The treatment is also extremely versatile, since it can simultaneously address multiple concerns including misalignments, stains, chips, and cracks. Porcelain veneers are also resistant to staining and can often provide protection for teeth that have been worn down or damaged (which may eliminate the need for more invasive dental treatments).

Typically, the only major concern patients have about this particular treatment is that it sometimes cannot be reversed, since teeth often need to be gently reshaped prior to attaching the veneers. For this reason, Dr. Gorman works closely with each of our patients to help them fully understand what to expect prior to moving forward with treatment and often recommends temporary veneers as a way to “test drive” their new look before committing to the procedure.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

The average cost for porcelain veneers is approximately $1,850-$2,000. However, since treatment is customized for each patient, porcelain veneers pricing can vary on a case-by-case basis. The cost ultimately depends on how many teeth are being treated, the type of veneers used, insurance coverage (if applicable), and your individual dental needs.

At Gorman Health and Wellness, we believe cost shouldn’t stand in the way of obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile, so we offer financing options through CareCredit®. With CareCredit®, qualified applicants can make manageable monthly payments with no or low interest rates.

What is the Porcelain Veneers Process Like?

Prior to any porcelain veneers procedure, Dr. Gorman will first examine your teeth and help you decide if veneers are the best option for addressing your concerns. If it is determined that porcelain veneers are an appropriate treatment, an impression of your teeth will need to be taken. Once a mold has been made, your veneers can be custom-designed and color-matched for seamless integration with your surrounding teeth. If you wish to have your veneers tinted a bit whiter than your natural teeth, Dr. Gorman may suggest teeth whitening prior to placing your veneers, ensuring a more natural appearance. If desired, temporary veneers can be provided while your custom veneers are being made. After the talented ceramists we work with have created your veneers, you may return to our office so Dr. Gorman can affix them to your teeth. In many cases, your existing teeth may need to be reshaped slightly for the best possible fit.

Which Should I Choose: Teeth Whitening or Porcelain Veneers?

If your existing teeth are free of structural issues, but you are concerned about the shade of your teeth, teeth whitening is often a better option than porcelain veneers. In cases where discoloration is severe, however, teeth whitening may not be an adequate treatment. Thankfully, porcelain veneers are resistant to further staining, offer long-lasting results, and can provide a variety of cosmetic benefits. Although the cost of porcelain veneers is higher than that of teeth whitening, most patients are pleased with the additional advantages provided by their veneers and are satisfied with their results.

Dental Bonding

What is Dental Bonding?

For some patients, dental bonding (sometimes referred to as composite or chairside veneers) can be a more conservative way to address dental concerns such as gaps, chips, and cracks. To create direct composite veneers, Dr. Gorman carefully sculpts a tooth-colored composite resin material directly on the affected teeth. This delicate treatment requires a great deal of artistry and skill, but is minimally invasive and can provide remarkable results with a natural look and feel.

Dental bonding can also be used for a variety of other dental treatments. The composite resin material is also used when attaching dental restorations, such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns.

What is the Dental Bonding Process Like?

When dental bonding is used to create direct composite veneers, an impression may sometimes be needed to serve as a guide for Dr. Gorman, ensuring a perfect fit. However, in most cases, this is typically not necessary—once the affected teeth have been gently prepped (to improve the bond), a composite resin is placed directly onto them, in stages. Each area is then carefully sculpted into the desired shape. Once it has been properly formed, the resin can be cured with a specialized light. Finally, Dr. Gorman adds a finish to the treated areas to strengthen and protect the restoration.

What is the Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding?

While both porcelain veneers and direct composite veneers (dental bonding) can provide excellent cosmetic and restorative benefits, choosing the proper treatment will depend on your individual needs and expectations. Direct composite veneers are generally ideal for patients with minor imperfections, and are often a more cost-effective solution. Patients with more extensive concerns are usually considered ideal candidates for porcelain veneers. Other differences between the two types of veneers include:

Composite Veneers Porcelain Veneers
Little to no prep required Tooth reshaping is often needed
Can be completed in a single visit Requires multiple visits
Results last approximately 5-7 years or more Results last approximately 10-15 years or more
Color may not remain stable over time Resists stains and maintains color over time

Contact Gorman Health and Wellness

If you are seeking a cosmetic solution to correct chips, cracks, and/or other dental issues, please contact Gorman Health and Wellness to learn more about your available options. For personalized answers to your questions and to find out if porcelain veneers or dental bonding is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gorman.