Zirconia Dental Veneers in Franklinville, NJ

Could Zirconia Veneers Be the Right Choice for Your Smile?

Enhancing a smile often starts with understanding the available options. At Franklinville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Franklinville, NJ, Dr. Todd Gottlieb provides insight into zirconia dental veneers, a durable and aesthetic choice for improving the appearance of teeth. Known for their strength and natural translucency, zirconia veneers may help address discoloration, chips, or minor misalignment. Their resilience makes them a popular option for those seeking long-lasting results. Exploring the benefits of zirconia veneers can help in deciding if they align with your smile goals. Learn more about this advanced cosmetic option by scheduling a consultation today.

Please note we may not offer this service at our practice—call our Franklinville, NJ dental office (856) 694-5555 for more information.

Do You Qualify for Porcelain Veneers?

Most patients qualify for this stunning cosmetic dental treatment. Porcelain veneers may be an option for you if you’re looking to conceal any of the following cosmetic imperfections:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Misshapen or crooked teeth
• Gaps between your teeth
• Teeth that are too small or too large
• Worn-down teeth

Factors that Affect Candidacy

Overall Oral Health

Before getting porcelain veneers, you need to be in good oral health. If you have gum disease or other oral health problems, you may not be a good candidate for this treatment. We recommend addressing any oral health concerns before undergoing a veneer treatment. 

Tooth Structure

Your teeth must have enough structure to support the veneers. If your teeth are severely damaged or decayed, you may need to consider other treatments, such as dental crowns or dental implants. You also need to have an adequate amount of tooth enamel to support the veneers. 

Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, you may not be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Grinding can damage the veneers and cause them to break or become dislodged.

Bite alignment

If you have a misaligned bite, you may not be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. Veneers can change the shape and size of your teeth, but they cannot correct issues with your bite.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the individual case. With proper care and maintenance, some porcelain veneers can even last up to 25 years. However, it’s important to note that the lifespan of porcelain veneers can vary from person to person and from case to case. Some people may need to replace their porcelain veneers sooner than others due to various factors.

Factors That Affect Longevity

Various factors affect how long porcelain veneers last, including:

• Oral Hygiene Habits: Good oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of porcelain veneers. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can cause the veneers to fail. Make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist biannually. 
• Bite Forces: Teeth grinding and clenching can put excessive pressure on porcelain veneers, causing them to crack or chip. Wearing a nightguard can help protect the veneers from these forces.
• Diet: A diet high in sugar and acidic foods can cause the veneers to deteriorate over time. Limiting the consumption of these foods can help prolong the lifespan of porcelain veneers.
• Smoking: Smoking can stain and discolor porcelain veneers, reducing their lifespan.
• Accidents or Trauma: Accidents or trauma to the face can cause the porcelain veneers to crack or chip, requiring replacement.
• Quality of Materials: High-quality materials and proper placement techniques can significantly improve the longevity of porcelain veneers.

Benefits of Zirconia Veneers

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

• Strength and Durability: Zirconia is incredibly strong and durable, which makes 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 and aesthetic 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, 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 address.

Firstly, zirconia veneers are stronger and more durable than porcelain veneers. This makes them less likely to chip or crack, meaning they can last longer. Secondly, zirconia veneers are more translucent than porcelain veneers, which makes them look more like natural teeth. Finally, zirconia veneers are thinner than porcelain veneers, which means less of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process.

Another advantage is that they don’t require a metal substructure like porcelain veneers do. The metal substructure 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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

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 Franklinville, NJ dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (856) 694-5555.