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Smile Confidently With Zirconia 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? Learn more about zirconia veneers with our top cosmetic dentists in North East, PA, to see if this treatment can benefit you and your smile.
What are Zirconia Veneers?
Zirconia veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed on the front surface of your teeth. They’re composed of zirconium oxide, a material known for its exceptional strength and longevity. Compared to porcelain, zirconia is more resistant to chipping, cracking, and staining, making it an ideal option for patients looking for durability and aesthetics in their dental restorations.
A zirconia veneer can correct the following issues:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Tooth gaps
Key Benefits of Zirconia Veneers
When used for veneers, zirconia provides several benefits, including:
- Unmatched Strength: Zirconia is significantly stronger than both porcelain and composite resin, making it an excellent choice for patients who experience teeth grinding (bruxism).
- Durability: Zirconia veneers can last 20+ years with proper care, often outlasting porcelain.
- Natural Appearance: Modern zirconia veneers are designed with enhanced translucency and color-matching technology, mimicking the appearance of natural teeth.
- Minimal Tooth Reduction: Less of your natural tooth structure is removed compared to porcelain, making zirconia a more conservative option.
Zirconia Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
While porcelain veneers have long been favored for their natural-looking translucency, zirconia has emerged as a powerful competitor. Zirconia veneers are more robust, making them ideal for patients who require added durability.
In terms of aesthetics, zirconia has closed the gap with porcelain, especially with advancements like multilayered zirconia, which mimics the natural layers of teeth for a more lifelike appearance.
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 it 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. 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 North East dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (814) 725-4700. We welcome patients from Erie, Ripley, and Findley Lake, PA.