Veneers
Fraiman Prosthodontics - Surprise, AZ

What are veneers?

A veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth for the purpose of improving the aesthetics of your smile or protecting the tooth’s surface from damage. We typically use all-ceramic veneers, which are about half a milliliter thick. At Fraiman Prosthodontics, our veneers are custom-made by talented ceramicists, using the highest-quality material to ensure the best-looking and longest-lasting restorations.

Which is better, veneers or crowns?

Crowns and veneers, while both effective restorations to bring functionality, strength, and beauty to your smile, are typically used for different purposes. It will depend on your individual needs for strength and functionality. Veneers are less protective than crowns and more cosmetic in nature.

For example, patients with large cavities or larger trauma to the teeth, or those who need a full-tooth restoration, will be better suited with a crown. Those looking for more of a simple cosmetic restoration, which will only cover the front part of the tooth, typically get veneers. If you’re looking to restore your smile, call Fraiman Prosthodontics. We will help walk you through which treatment is best for you.

How are veneers placed?

You will come in to the Fraiman Prosthodontics office to have your teeth prepared and have temporary veneers placed. You won’t need to sit for a long time in the office with a mouth full of goop for impressions—Dr. Fraiman will use a 3D optical scanner, which takes 2,000 3D photos at a time, to be used to make a 3D model. With this, we will create exactly what your new smile is going to look like before it is complete to ensure the perfect fit.

While your permanent porcelain veneers are getting custom-made based on this easy, accurate 3D scan, you will go home with temporaries. These temporaries will look and feel exactly like the permanent veneers (and your natural teeth) in terms of length, shape, color, and contour.

Because veneers are more conservative than crowns, covering only the front side of teeth, they easily adhere to your natural teeth with chemical bondings—similar to tooth-colored fillings. When the permanent veneers are complete, you will come back in for placement. Once the permanent veneers are placed, you’re welcome to test them out by eating and drinking as you normally would.

How long do veneers last?

Our custom-made porcelain veneers are expected to last indefinitely. However, just as it’s possible for the super-strong enamel of natural teeth to break, breaks can occur at some point. If this does happen, call our office. We’ll work to get your veneers restored as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Which teeth will I need veneers on?

Dr. Fraiman generally recommends getting veneers on any teeth showing in your smile. Veneers are cosmetic in nature, and in order to create a uniform smile, it’s best to apply them to all teeth that are visible during your everyday interactions. Depending on how big your smile is, this usually means 8 or 10 veneers. The last thing you want is for six teeth to be perfectly restored and uniform, and the other few teeth to be stained or broken down!

Can veneers straighten teeth?

Yes, veneers can be used to straighten teeth. If teeth are misaligned, you can place veneers to straighten the smile almost instantly. The goal of veneers is typically to achieve ideal shape, form, and color—straightening is a part of this. Unlike a crown that covers a tooth in all directions, a veneer is generally a more conservative option for this.

This choice between orthodontics and veneers will depend on how much a tooth needs to be moved. Even if the teeth have already been moved by braces or other orthodontics, veneers could be a good supplement if the teeth are still discolored or chipped. If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile or straighten your misaligned teeth, call our office for a consultation.

What can I eat with veneers?

While you’re encouraged to always be mindful of your veneers, you are able to eat and drink whatever you like after getting them placed. In fact, Dr. Fraiman encourages his patients to test them out after placement by going out to eat a meal with their new restorations. Veneers can be treated as natural teeth—this includes a normal dental hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings.

How much do veneers cost?

As every patient is different and each veneer is custom-made for our patients, Dr. Fraiman is unable to predict the cost of your veneers prior to consultation. There aren’t standard, pre-set cost levels for veneers or crowns, as they are built to fit each of our patients perfectly and that means something different for each case.