Is the veneers procedure painful?

Dr. Grubb will administer a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums before the Lumineers procedure, so you won’t feel any pain. You may experience some mild discomfort immediately after treatment, but this will fade within a few hours. If you suffer from dental anxiety or a low pain tolerance, we also offer dental sedation options to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. If you’re interested in learning more about dental sedation, contact our office by calling (410) 939-5800 and a knowledgeable team member will be happy to assist you.

How long do veneers last?

With excellent oral hygiene and regular checkups, they’ve been known to last up to 20 years. On average, Lumineers need to be replaced roughly every 10 years. To improve the longevity of your Lumineers, you’ll want to avoid biting into hard foods, refrain from eating foods known to stain, and schedule biannual appointments at our Havre de Grace office with Dr. Grubb. During these visits, he can examine the integrity of your Lumineers and may suggest new ones if it’s time.

Does dental insurance cover veneers?

Veneers are a cosmetic treatment, so most insurance companies won’t cover the procedure. We recommend checking with your provider prior to your appointment for specific information on your coverage. For your convenience, we also offer flexible financing options so you can have the smile you deserve without having to wait. If there are any questions we can answer, don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling (410) 939-5800 and a helpful team member will be happy to assist you.

What if my veneer falls off or is damaged?

While it’s a rare occurrence for a veneer to fall off, it can happen. If your veneer falls off, do your best to keep it clean and call us right away, and we’ll schedule you an appointment at your earliest convenience. Don’t attempt to fix or reattach the veneer yourself, as this can result in further damage. Dr. Grubb may be able to reattach the veneer or recommend a new one.

(410) 939-5800

Zirconia Veneers in Havre De Grace, MD

Name: Porcelain Veneers
Brand: Veneers
SKU: 001

Smile Confidently With Zirconia Veneers in Cosmetic Dentistry

porcelain veneers A confident smile is an important part of one’s personality, and dental veneers are a popular solution for enhancing the appearance of your teeth. While porcelain veneers have been a go-to option for cosmetic dentistry, zirconia veneers are a newer alternative that offers several advantages.

Are you ready for a smile makeover? Call (410) 939-5800 to learn more about zirconia veneers with our top cosmetic dentist in Havre De Grace, MD, to see if this treatment can benefit you and your smile.

What Are Zirconia Veneers?

Zirconia veneers are thin shells placed over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, zirconia veneers are made of zirconium oxide, which is a strong and durable material resistant to chipping and cracking. Zirconia veneers can be custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of a patient’s natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Zirconia veneers are part of the broader category of ceramic materials used in dental restorations, highlighting their superior strength and aesthetic qualities, including options like lithium disilicate, leucite, feldspathic ceramic porcelain, and zirconia itself.

A zirconia veneer can correct the following issues:

Discolored or stained teeth
Worn-down teeth
Chipped or broken teeth
Misaligned teeth
Tooth gaps

Benefits of Zirconia Veneers

When used for veneers, zirconia provides several benefits, including:

Strength and Durability: Zirconia is incredibly strong and durable, making it a superior dental material for veneers. High strength and fracture resistance make zirconia veneers less likely to chip, crack, or break compared to veneers made from other materials, such as composite resin or porcelain.
Aesthetic Appeal: Zirconia veneers have excellent translucency that mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel. It can be adjusted in color to match the patient’s surrounding teeth, providing a more natural look.
Biocompatibility: Zirconia is a biocompatible material, meaning it’s well-tolerated by the body. This reduces the risk of adverse reactions or rejection by the body.
Less Tooth Reduction: Zirconia veneers can be made thinner than other types of veneers, which often means less of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process.

Zirconia Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, also known as ceramic veneers, have long been the standard for cosmetic dentistry. The ceramic veneer material used is durable, stain-resistant, and can be customized to match the color of natural teeth. However, porcelain veneers have some drawbacks that zirconia veneers and emax veneers address.

Firstly, zirconia veneers are stronger and more durable than traditional porcelain veneers, making them less likely to chip or crack, which means they can last longer.

Zirconia veneers are also more translucent than traditional porcelain veneers, which makes them look more like natural teeth. However, adjusting the length of the bite once zirconia veneers are seated can be challenging.

Finally, zirconia veneers are thinner than traditional porcelain veneers, which means less of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, Emax veneers and zirconia veneers don’t require a metal substructure. The metal substructure in traditional porcelain veneers can sometimes cause a dark line to appear at the edge of the veneer, which can be unsightly.

Zirconia Veneer Process

When receiving custom zirconia veneers, you can expect the following:

Consultation and Examination: The first step is a consultation with the dentist. During this appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals and expectations, and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for zirconia veneers. X-rays or impressions may be taken as part of the examination.
Tooth Preparation: At the next appointment, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the veneers. This involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surface of your teeth to make room for the veneers. The amount removed is usually equivalent to the thickness of the veneer to ensure a natural and comfortable fit. This process is irreversible and may require a local anesthetic.
Impressions or Digital Scan: Once your teeth are prepared, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth using a mold or a digital scanner. These impressions are sent to a dental lab, where the zirconia veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely.
Temporary Veneers: While your permanent zirconia veneers are being made, the dentist may apply temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. These are usually made from acrylic.
Fitting of Zirconia Veneers: When your permanent zirconia veneers are ready, typically after two to three weeks, you’ll return to the dentist for the fitting. The dentist will place the veneers on your teeth to check the fit and color. Any adjustments needed are made at this stage. Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the look and fit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth with a special adhesive. The adhesive is hardened with a special light.
Final Adjustments and Check-up: After the veneers are fitted, the dentist may make final adjustments and polish the veneers. You might need a follow-up appointment after a few weeks to ensure your gums are responding well to the presence of your new veneers and that you’re happy with the final result.

Costs

When it comes to getting zirconia veneers, the average costs add up to about $1,400 per tooth. The total cost is influenced by certain factors such as the location of the dental practice, the dentist’s experience, the complexity of the cases, and the number of veneers needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do zirconia veneers last?

Zirconia veneer can last between 10 and 30 years when cared for properly. While zirconia is known to be 10 times stronger than your tooth enamel, it’s still imperative to care for your veneers and visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.

Are zirconia veneers better than porcelain veneers?

When it comes to durability, zirconia veneers are far stronger and more durable than porcelain veneers. In terms of aesthetics, both options can create beautiful smiles, but porcelain veneers tend to appear slightly more natural.

Consider Zirconia Veneers for a Long-Lasting, Beautiful Smile

Zirconia veneers are a newer and increasingly popular option for cosmetic dentistry. They provide numerous benefits compared to traditional veneers, including increased durability, translucency, and a thinner design that requires less natural tooth structure removal. Additionally, zirconia veneers can be made ultra-thin, which allows for less tooth structure removal and preserves more of the natural tooth. If you’re considering veneers, it’s worth discussing the benefits of zirconia veneers with your dentist.

To learn more about the dental treatments we offer at our Havre De Grace, MD, dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (410) 939-5800.