Ready for a full-on smile transformation? You could get just that with dental veneers in Sacramento. This cosmetic dental solution improves the look of chipped, stained, worn, or uneven teeth and gives you more confidence in your smile.
At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, our friendly Sacramento dental team creates customized veneers that blend beautifully with your natural teeth. Contact us to schedule a cosmetic consultation and find out whether veneers are right for you.
Veneers, or permanent veneers, are thin sheets of material that are bonded to your natural tooth structure to give you a brighter, more even smile. Different materials can be used for veneers, but porcelain is preferred due to its durability and natural appearance.
Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures because they can:
On top of that, veneers preserve more of your natural tooth structure than some other restorative treatments.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental lab and usually take more than one visit to place. They tend to look more natural, resist stains better, and last longer, but they also cost more upfront.
Composite veneers are made from tooth-colored resin that is placed and shaped directly on your teeth. They’re usually more affordable, may take fewer visits, and can often be repaired more easily if they chip or wear down.
The cost of veneers depends on the material you choose, how many teeth are treated, and the details of your treatment plan. Since veneers are usually considered cosmetic, dental insurance often doesn’t cover them. Natomas Crossing Dental Care offers payment options to help make treatment more manageable.
Your dentist will begin by examining your teeth and gums to make sure veneers are a good fit for your oral health. They may also take photos, scans, or impressions to plan the size, shape, and shade of your new veneers.
The next steps depend on the material you choose. Porcelain veneers usually require a small amount of enamel to be removed before impressions are sent to a dental lab. Temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent ones are being made. Once they’re ready, your dentist will check their color, shape, and fit, bond them to your teeth, and adjust your bite as needed.
Composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth, then shaped, hardened, and polished during a single visit.
There’s usually no extended recovery period. Most patients can return to their normal routine the same day, although mild sensitivity or gum soreness may last for a few days. Wait until any numbness wears off before eating, and contact your dentist if your bite feels uneven, a veneer feels loose, or discomfort doesn’t improve.
Porcelain veneers are usually considered a permanent treatment because placing them often involves removing a thin layer of enamel. Once that enamel is gone, it can’t grow back, so the tooth will likely need to remain covered with a veneer or another restoration. Your dentist will let you know how much enamel may need to be removed and whether a minimal-prep option could work for your teeth.
Good candidates usually have healthy teeth and gums, enough enamel for proper veneer bonding, and a bite that won’t put too much pressure on the veneers. Your dentist will also consider issues such as grinding, clenching, tooth damage, or major alignment problems before recommending treatment.
You should also have realistic expectations about the results and understand that veneers still require regular dental care. If you grind your teeth, a nightguard may help protect them. In some cases, your dentist may suggest treating decay, gum disease, or bite problems before moving forward.
See what patients have to say about their experience at our Sacramento dental office.
To care for your veneers, brush twice a day and floss daily just as you would with your natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, since harsh products can scratch the surface of some veneers. Although porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark-colored foods and drinks can still discolor the bonding material or nearby natural teeth over time.
Avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pens, or fingernails, and don’t use your teeth to open packages. Regular dental exams and cleanings help your dentist monitor your veneers and keep the teeth and gums around them healthy.
Yes. Even with excellent care, veneers aren’t designed to last forever. Over time, normal wear, accidental damage, or changes to the underlying tooth may mean they need to be replaced.
Most patients adjust to veneers within a few days. Any slight changes in speech are temporary as your tongue gets used to the new shape of your teeth.
Yes. Once any sensitivity has gone away, you can enjoy most of your normal foods.
