Porcelain Veneers – Springfield, MO
Show the World a Beautiful Smile Again!
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures around, and the reason why is almost as obvious as the beautiful smile they create. By simply covering damaged teeth, you can have a perfect smile after only two appointments with Dr. Scott Olson. If chips, cracks and fractures mar your smile, you could have white, well-formed and perfectly straight teeth with veneers. Call to schedule a consultation. Porcelain veneers can make all the difference in your smile, your confidence and your outlook on life!
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Quite simply, veneers are ultra-thin coverings of dental porcelain that are adhesively bonded to the front side of your teeth. Then, when you smile, chew or talk, everyone sees your new teeth rather than the damaged ones you used to have.
Each veneer is individually designed and made by hand, because every single one is customized to fit a specific tooth. You don’t want to have a smile that looks like it is made out of identically shaped blocks of white porcelain! Great care is taken to ensure that your teeth and smile look natural.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
After an initial consultation, veneers usually require two appointments with a dentist in Springfield. First, Dr. Olson will prepare your teeth for the veneers, take an impression, and then secure temporary veneers. Following Dr. Olson’s plan for your smile, a ceramist at the dental lab will create your veneers using durable aesthetic porcelain. In a week or two, your final veneers will arrive in the office. You’ll return for one more appointment. The temporary veneers will be removed, and Dr. Olson will then permanently attach the final restorations to your teeth. He’ll assess the fit and check your occlusion, then make adjustments if necessary. You’ll leave this visit with your gorgeous new smile intact.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
As if having an attractive smile weren’t beneficial enough, there are even more advantages.
First, porcelain veneers resist staining better than your natural tooth enamel. Does this mean they are impervious to stains? No. But you will be able to drink coffee or tea and enjoy other deeply colored beverages and foods without much concern about discoloration.
Secondly, veneers are hard—really hard. You can enjoy almost anything you want to eat without worry. However in order to prevent chips, Dr. Olson recommends that you not use your porcelain veneer covered teeth to bite nuts, seeds, raw carrots and other hard objects.
Finally, porcelain veneers can last for a long, long time. With good oral hygiene at home and regularly scheduled dental checkups, you can look forward to enjoying your porcelain veneers for 10 years or more.
Understanding the Cost of Veneers
Have questions about the cost of veneers? It's a valid concern, as we understand you want your treatment to align with your budget. The truth is, the cost of veneers will vary by patient. For an accurate treatment estimate, you’ll need to consult with Dr. Olson. During your appointment, we'll guide you through the financial details, discuss your cosmetic options, and present available payment plans. Click on the button below for more information!
Cost vs. Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Right for Me?
Even if you have your heart set on veneers, you must explore other cosmetic services. Each treatment has a unique cost and impact, which is why reviewing them is essential for cost-effective care. Here are the available options:
- Composite Bonding – Conceals minor smile flaws with tooth-colored composite resin. It's quick and affordable but requires touch-ups every few years.
- Teeth Whitening – Brightens your smile by bleaching tooth stains, offering a moderately-priced and fast-acting solution focused on tooth color.
- ClearCorrect Braces – Aligns your smile discreetly and quickly. Despite the removable convenience, they are a significant financial commitment, with sets of trays costing thousands of dollars.
- Veneers – These porcelain shells are placed on the fronts of teeth to hide flaws like chips, cracks, and stains. Although they’re a bit more costly than other options, they’re the most versatile cosmetic solution.
How to Make Veneers Affordable
Most dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for veneers as this cosmetic treatment is often considered "medically unnecessary." However, there are some exceptions! If your veneers serve a protective function for a damaged tooth, they may be eligible for some coverage under some plans. Make sure you verify your benefits before moving with treatment! Our team will help out with this process if needed.
Don’t have dental insurance? No worries! We offer alternative financing options to make your veneers more financially accessible. Our team can help you apply for third-party financing through CareCredit so you can manage the cost through low-interest monthly installments. This way, you can spread the expense over time instead of paying upfront.
For a better understanding of veneers and their associated costs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Olson. He’ll gladly provide further explanations and help you achieve a beautiful smile that aligns with your budget.
Veneers FAQs
Are you still curious about veneers? If so, you’re in the right place! Please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Olson, our experienced cosmetic dentist in Springfield, with any specific concerns. Until then, we want to make the information you need as easy to access as possible. That’s why we’ve included the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about veneers below. Read on to satisfy your curiosity!
Are Veneers Permanent?
Veneers are technically not permanent because they must be replaced eventually, however they are considered irreversible. In order to place veneers, making them look as natural as possible, we must remove a slight portion of your tooth enamel. This allows veneers to cover the entire front portion of each tooth for the most beautiful look. Your enamel doesn’t grow back, which is why teeth that have been prepared for veneers always must be covered with this treatment or dental crowns.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Veneers?
In the weeks before your permanent veneers are made, we’ll give you temporary ones to maintain your appearance and chewing ability. However, it’s important that you avoid hard foods like raw fruits, ice, vegetables, or candy that could break your veneers. You should also steer clear of sticky foods because they may pull your veneers off your teeth. Plus, temporary veneers stain easily, so do your best to avoid foods rich in color or dark beverages, and alcohol can weaken the bonding material. Once you get your permanent veneers, you’ll be able to resume your regular diet.
Do Veneers Give You a Lisp?
Your speech is based on muscle memory, which is why it’s possible to have a lisp or trouble pronouncing certain words when you first get veneers. However, this is completely temporary – your tongue is not used to the presence of veneers when you talk. The slightest difference in thickness of your teeth can affect the way your tongue moves as well as your pronunciation. In some cases, we can reduce the size of veneers to accommodate a patient’s speech, but the best way to get used to veneers is to practice. Read aloud words or phrases that give you trouble, and you’ll get rid of any issues with speaking in no time!
Can Veneers Be Used for Bite Corrections?
Because veneers do not change the actual position of the teeth, severe orthodontic issues cannot be treated. However, if you have mild bite problems, veneers can cosmetically provide you with a beautiful, straight smile. For example, a minor open bite can be fixed with veneers by making the teeth longer and wider, giving you the appearance that your grin lines up correctly. We also use veneers to conceal small gaps and other imperfections that don’t affect oral health. Usually, we recommend orthodontics followed by veneers in Springfield.