What Are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a custom-made shell designed to fit on the front of your teeth. Veneers are commonly made from porcelain or composites to conceal chips, cracks, discoloration, and other imperfections.
Types of Dental Veneers We Provide at The Dental House
1. Porcelain Veneers in La Mesa
Porcelain dental veneers are known for durability and resistance to staining. The material is custom-designed to fit perfectly over the front surface of the tooth – and may last for 10-15 years with proper care
2. Composite Veneers in La Mesa
Composite veneers – ideal for minor cosmetic needs – are made from a resin material applied and sculpted to the tooth. These types of dental veneers are less expensive, but do not have the same durability as porcelain, typically lasting 5-7 years.
Are Dental Veneers the Right Choice?
You’d Like More Confidence
in Your Smile
No one should feel uncomfortable showing their teeth. Whether you’re dealing with a chipped tooth, misalignment, discoloration, and so on, dental veneers provide the polished look you can be proud of.
You Want to Protect
Your Natural Teeth
Dental veneers provide a strong layer of protection. If you’ve got soft or damaged teeth, veneers will keep them safe from any further harm.
You’d Prefer to Avoid
an Invasive Procedure
Unlike crowns or other restoration procedures, veneers do not typically require any alterations to the natural tooth’s structure – providing a significant improvement without the need for extensive dental work.
The Dental Veneers Process
01
Consultation
Before we make any big decisions, we need to discuss your goals and determine your suitability for dental veneers. We can take care of this in your routine check-up – which may involve X-rays or impressions of your teeth.
02
Prepare the Tooth
We will need to remove a small amount of your tooth’s enamel to make space for the veneer – usually less than 1mm.
03
Molding
Once your tooth is ready, we will create a mold to build the custom veneer.
04
Place Temporary Veneer (If Needed)
If you need a short-term option while your permanent veneer is being made, we will fit you with a temporary solution.
05
Fit the Permanent Veneer
The fitting appointment will involve placing the new veneer on your tooth to ensure it’s a perfect fit. We will make any adjustments as needed – which shouldn’t require an additional appointment.
06
Bonding
Your teeth must be completely cleaned before we apply the bonding. Once the tooth is ready, we apply a special cement to the veneer, which is then attached to your tooth.
07
Final Adjustments
Any excess bonding will be removed and we’ll evaluate your bite with the new veneer. We may schedule a follow-up in the coming weeks to assess how your gums have adjusted.
The Dental House Mindset
Quality Above All Else
We take no shortcuts in the quality of our dental veneers. You can rest assured we’ll get the job done right the first time – and you won’t be dealing with recurring issues.
Individual Care
There are no one-size-fits-all solutions for dental veneers. We take a highly customized approach to ensure you get the perfect solution.
Educational Service
When you get any dental work done at The Dental House, we take the time to explain everything we do and why it’s important.
Flexible Payment Options
Dental veneers are commonly viewed as cosmetic – and many insurance providers do not cover the procedure. In these situations, we have very flexible pricing to make sure you get the solution you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do veneers work?
Veneers are custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth with thin shells designed to improve their appearance. These shells are commonly made from porcelain or composite resin materials. The process of attaching a dental veneer involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface to make room for the veneer and ensure a perfect fit.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers can vary. This involves the material used, the number of teeth being operated on, and insurance coverage. On average, porcelain veneers can cost anywhere from $925 to $2,500 per tooth, while composite resin veneers may range from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.
At The Dental House, we will provide a clear cost structure upfront – no unwelcome surprises after the procedure.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers – when installed properly – provide a long-lasting dental solution. Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer with proper care. Composite resin veneers have a shorter lifespan, usually lasting between 5 to 7 years.
What happens if my veneer breaks?
If a veneer breaks, get in touch with us immediately.
Depending on the extent of the damage, the veneer can be repaired – or in extreme cases – completely replaced. We may be able to smooth out minor chips or repair them with composite resin. A broken or detached veneer typically requires a new one to be made.
Are veneers covered by insurance?
Veneers are commonly considered an elective cosmetic procedure, which means they are unfortunately not normally covered by dental insurance. Insurance policies cover procedures that are deemed medically necessary. There might be exceptions if veneers are part of a treatment plan to address a dental health issue. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage details.
Schedule Your Appointment
Talk to the Dental House today.