(734) 996-0200Veneers – Ann Arbor, MI
Transform Your Smile With Veneers
For front teeth that are affected by multiple or severe imperfections, porcelain veneers in Ann Arbor, MI provide a truly transformative solution. These thin coverings are affixed to the front surface of the teeth -- instantly improving their size, shape, color, and overall appearance. How are veneers put onto the teeth? And, how do porcelain veneers hold up over time? Let’s take a look at these and other questions regarding veneers.
How Are Veneers Placed onto the Teeth?
The procedure for dental veneers can be completed with two visits to Dr. Olsen’s dental office:
- The first visit is used for preparation. You and your cosmetic dentist will discuss your smile desires and a treatment plan will be put in place. Your teeth will be prepared to receive the veneers during this appointment. Following the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel, impressions will be taken. You will leave this initial visit with temporary dental veneers.
- Two weeks between the first and follow-up visit are needed for the manufacture of your veneers. Dr. Olsen will send your smile information to an off-site lab where an expert ceramist will craft your veneers.
- At your second visit, the veneers will be ready for placement. Dr. Olsen will check to make sure the veneers look and fit just like they should. Once you give the final okay, each veneer will be bonded securely to the surface of your teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
When cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last for more than ten years. Periodic maintenance may be necessary. Since porcelain looks and acts just like natural tooth enamel, it won’t “fade” or lose its sheen. But even better than your natural teeth, porcelain is highly resistant to stains. It will not darken at the same rate as the rest of your teeth -- and dental polishing can restore the luster of porcelain veneers.
The Benefits of Veneers
For patients who have a number of dental imperfections, or those who wish to make dramatic improvements to their smile, porcelain veneers are an excellent choice. Some of the benefits of choosing veneers over other cosmetic treatments include:
- Veneers are a minimally-invasive procedure
- Transformative results without undergoing numerous treatments and procedures
- Porcelain is highly stain-resistant, eliminating the need for future whitening treatments
- Cared for properly, porcelain veneers can last for years to come
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Olsen to learn whether or not porcelain veneers are a good option for your smile enhancement. Most patients who wish to undergo this cosmetic treatment are eligible candidates. Patients who have very crooked teeth or who are in poor dental health, however, may not be suited for porcelain veneers.
Sometimes, a dental crown is a better option than a porcelain veneer. If you have dental issues that affect the strength of your teeth -- like severe breaks, worn teeth, or decay -- a dental crown may be necessary.
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
When it comes to the cost of veneers in Ann Arbor, you’ll want to make sure your investment is worth the time and money. Not only is seeing a trusted cosmetic dentist who is trained and equipped to deliver high-quality results essential, but it’s even more important that you know for sure that veneers are the right cosmetic treatment for you. With so many options out available, it’s best to do your research and choose which service will give you the results you desire.
Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right for Me?
As you and your dentist discuss the various methods of treatment, you will find there are many options, each at different price points, that can give you a beautiful, more aesthetically pleasing smile, such as:
- Invisalign: If your teeth are overcrowded, have gaps, or you are suffering from a misaligned bite, Invisalign can help you to see a straighter smile, but it will likely cost you a few thousand dollars. Not to mention, they won’t change the shade or shape of your teeth.
- Veneers: Considered more invasive than other cosmetic solutions, veneers are also more expensive; however, they are capable of completely transforming the look of your smile, especially if you have chipped, stained, chipped, or discolored teeth. Also, they can last a decade or longer with proper care.
- Dental Bonding: Designed to treat minor imperfections, dental bonding can be completed in a single visit. If you’re looking for more dramatic changes, however, it’s best to choose veneers, as dental bonding typically requires more frequent replacement.
- Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is a cheaper and popular cosmetic option, and it can give you the boost your smile needs for an upcoming event. But remember, it only changes the color of your teeth, not the shape or position.
How to Make Veneers Affordable
If your heart is set on veneers in Ann Arbor, then you should know that this type of cosmetic treatment is not covered by dental insurance. Viewed as a “want” and not a “medical necessity,” it is your responsibility to determine how you will pay for your treatment. Fortunately, there are ways you can ensure your new smile remains budget-friendly.
Dr. Olsen and our team are pleased to accept cash, check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa, but we also work closely with CareCredit. This third-party company offers flexible financing with low and no interest payment plans. By allowing you to break up the cost of your treatment into manageable payments, you can feel more confident about transforming your smile with veneers.
As a cosmetic dentist in Ann Arbor, Dr. Olsen is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. If eligible for veneers, he and our team of expert professionals will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you are pleased with the final results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help you take the next step toward a more beautiful smile.
Veneer FAQs
If you’re interested in transforming your smile with veneers, it’s likely that you have a few questions that need answering before you’re ready to commit to a treatment plan. During your initial consultation, we’ll go over the entire procedure step-by-step and address your specific concerns or worries. In the meantime, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions we get about veneers below so you can learn more about them! If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for or if you’re ready to schedule your consultation, give us a call!
What Kinds of Problems Can Veneers Fix?
Veneers are one of our most popular cosmetic treatments because of their versatility. They can easily correct practically any cosmetic dental imperfection, whether you have one chipped tooth or several unsightly pearly whites. Usually, veneers are used to transform:
- Slightly chipped or cracked teeth
- Stubborn stains or discoloration
- Teeth that are misshapen, irregular, or worn down
- Small spaces between teeth
- Somewhat crooked teeth
How Many Veneers Will I Need?
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter cosmetic dentistry, so your treatment will depend entirely on your unique needs and goals. Since each veneer is custom-made to fit precisely over the front of a single tooth, you can transform as many teeth as you like. While you could potentially get one veneer for a single tooth, we typically recommend getting them in pairs. Getting veneers on the front two, four, six, or eight teeth tends to offer the most seamless and stunning results.
Are Veneers Permanent?
A very important factor of veneer treatment that you need to keep in mind is that it is irreversible. We will need to remove a wafer-thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth to make space for the veneers. This step is essential for ensuring that the veneers lay flat with the rest of your teeth and don’t look unnatural or bulky. Since enamel doesn’t naturally grow back, your prepared tooth will always need to be covered with a veneer to protect it from damage and decay. Thankfully, the dental porcelain we craft our veneers out of is resistant to chips, cracks, and damage, so you can easily expect to enjoy them for 15 years or more before they need to be replaced.
How Are Veneers Cared for?
Unlike natural tooth enamel, veneers resist stains and won’t develop any cavities. However, that doesn’t mean you can slack off on brushing and flossing! It’s still very important that you practice great oral hygiene to keep the uncovered sides of your teeth healthy and strong. Make sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush as well as high-quality waxed floss to keep your teeth healthy and your veneers firmly in place.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Veneers?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure, so most dental insurance companies won’t cover their cost. However, every plan is different, so feel free to give us a call or bring your insurance paperwork into our office. Our knowledgeable team will carefully review the details of your policy and ensure your benefits are being maximized. Additionally, we offer third-party financing options through CareCredit to help make any treatment more affordable. There are a variety of plans that can help break up the cost of your veneers into smaller payments that easily fit into your budget.