How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost in Katy, TX?
The national average cost of a single porcelain dental veneer is $1,313. The dentist might be willing to give you a reduced price for the complete set if you get several veneers.
Porcelain veneers are expensive because they are made from a special type of ceramic material that is very hard and durable. They are used to fix cosmetic issues and cover up minor imperfections on teeth such as chips or cracks.
Because they are made from a different material than natural tooth enamel, they cannot be stained like regular teeth by staining ingredients such as coffee and cigarette smoke.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers usually last for 10 years or more with proper precautions, although some patients may need to replace them sooner depending on how they treat them. The longevity of porcelain veneer depends on several factors, such as the patient’s oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle.
Porcelain is a ceramic glass and thus is susceptible to shattering with excessive pressure. If you engage in “bad habits” or certain risky activities that involve your teeth, such as chewing ice or biting your fingernails, you may put the veneer in danger of breaking.
The key to keep in mind is that porcelain veneers are similar to natural teeth (or “normal teeth”). This means that they are also capable of breaking or being damaged. That said, a night guard is recommended after veneer treatment to protect veneers from breaking, especially for those who grind their teeth at night.
How Many Veneers Do I Need?
Typically it is most aesthetic to do veneers in symmetrical pairs of 2. This means at minimum you should ideally do the 2-4 center teeth. However, for a dramatic smile transformation, it is recommended to do at least 8-10 veneers over your front top teeth. For most people, 8-10 top front teeth veneers should cover all the teeth that show when smiling.
Recovery and What to Expect After Getting Veneers?
Soon after your porcelain veneer procedure, your mouth and gums will likely be sore and uncomfortable. Not to worry – this is completely normal and part of the dental procedure. The reason for the tooth sensitivity has to do with the bonding cement used to place the veneers.
It is normal to experience this as your mouth heals, but you may want to have some pain medication on hand just in case the pain increases.
This discomfort or pain may linger anywhere from a few days to 1.5-2 weeks. We listed a few tips to consider that may help you more quickly adjust to your porcelain veneers.
- Use a straw when drinking cool or hot liquids (this will also help you avoid any potential stains in the future)
- Be selective with how much hot and cold food you eat
- Try to avoid tough or very crunchy foods and snacks