Dental Veneers FAQ’s – Dr. Rodríguez – Short Answers

Hi Dear patient!

How many questions are coming up into your mind when considering improving your smile with dental veneers❓ I’m here to help you. That’s why today, I decided to prepare a different blog responding to the most frequent questions that I receive about Dental Veneers. However, If you’re interested in getting deeper into a particular aspect, leave me a comment or send me an email. 💬⌨️⬇️ I’ll be more than happy to answer.

Welcome to my blog. I’m Dr. Rodriguez, General & Cosmetic Dentist in Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴 , and I’m here with another post to help you get the beautiful smile you desire.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

1️⃣ Q. WHAT ARE VENEERS?

A) Veneers are beautiful thin shells placed or bonded on the front of your teeth to improve their look.

2️⃣ Q. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF VENEERS WE WORK WITH?

 A)There are many ways to grouped veneers; Dr. Rodriguez classifies them according to their fabrication method. So we have Direct Veneers & Indirect Veneers.

3️⃣ Q. WHAT’S A DIRECT VENEER?

A) Direct veneers are thin shells MOLDED AND HARDEN DIRECTLY ON TOP OF YOUR TEETH. They are done chair-side in 1 visit using a material that mixes composite and porcelain.

4️⃣ Q. WHAT’S AN INDIRECT VENEER?

A) Indirect Veneers are THIN SHELLS DONE AT OUR DENTAL LABORATORY using porcelain only. Once they ready, we bond them on your teeth, so we typically take 2 visits to complete this treatment.

5️⃣ Q. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIRECT & INDIRECT VENEERS?

A) There are many differences between them, basically the material, time required to fabricate them, the time they last in your mouth, their price, and resistance.

6️⃣ Q. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VENEERS AND CROWNS?

A) A veneer is a thin shell that is applied to the front of your tooth. Crowns cover your teeth like a cap.

7️⃣ Q. HOW LONG DO VENEERS LAST? ⏳

A) Direct veneers last about 5-7 years & indirect veneers last for up to 15 years.

8️⃣ Q. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO CHANGE YOUR SMILE WITH VENEERS?

A) It depends; for example, it would take one visit for direct veneers and, for indirect veneers, we typically take 2 or 3 appointments in the same week.

9️⃣ Q. WHAT ISSUES DO VENEERS CAN FIX OR HELP YOU WITH?

A) They can fix cracks and chips, broken teeth, stains or discoloration, short or small teeth, gaps, deformed teeth, slightly crooked or crowded teeth.

🔟 Q. WHICH ONE IS BETTER TO CHOOSE, DIRECT COMPOSITE/PORCELAIN VENEERS OR INDIRECT 100% PORCELAIN VENEERS?

A) Wow, This is such a good question. It all depends on your expectations, habits, and the price you want to pay. For example, both veneer types produce beautiful results. Direct veneers are a short-term option treatment with a lower price. On the other hand, indirect veneers last longer and work better for teeth grinder, smokers, and coffee or wine drinkers. For more details, I recommend watching this video, so click the following link. (DIRECT VENEERS VS INDIRECT VENEERS WHICH ONE ARE BETTER)

1️⃣1️⃣ Q. HOW MANY VENEERS DO YOU NEED?

A)That number is up to your expectations; typically, you want all your teeth to match and look good when you smile wide. For many people, this will mean having 10 veneers on their upper teeth + 10 bottom. For other people, 12 might be needed.

1️⃣2️⃣ Q. HOW TO TAKE CARE OF VENEERS?

A) Same as with your natural teeth, flossing and brushing daily, hopefully with an electric toothbrush. Wearing a nightguard is a great way to protect your veneers. ESSENTIAL! Avoid biting very hard foods like almonds or cracking shells with the veneers.

1️⃣3️⃣ Q. WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON REASON TO HAVE VENEERS REPLACED?

A) Under normal circumstances, veneers last a while. However, when veneers are broken, chipped or poor confectioned, they must be replaced. Also, when gum recession occurs and the root of the tooth is slightly exposed. Patients may require new veneers to cover the roots.

1️⃣4️⃣ Q. HOW MUCH DO VENEERS COST? 💲 

A) In many countries, veneers fees range from $900 to over $2500+ per tooth. But at our office in Cartagena, Colombia, the current price (April/2021) for each direct composite/porcelain veneer is $150 USD. And each indirect 100% porcelain veneer is about: $370 to $400 USD.

1️⃣5️⃣ Q. WHY IS THERE SUCH A LOW PRICE IN COLOMBIA COMPARED WHIT OTHER COUNTRIES?

A) Because the cost of living is cheaper here in Colombia, we can provide dental services at a much lower price than developed countries such as the USA & Canada. But with the same or, in many cases, better quality dental work.

 Bonnie P.

” It was a great relief to find Dr. Rodriguez in Cartagena! She’s very friendly, kind and easy to relate to. She explained the process in detail (and great English). Treatment of a high standard and fair prices! You’ll feel safe here! Highly recommend.”

---

1️⃣6️⃣ Q. HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY VENEERS?

A) We accept all major credit cards & cash.

1️⃣7️⃣ Q. WOULD I HAVE TO SHAVE OR DRILL MY TEETH TO MAKE THE VENEERS?

A) This answer is varied; I work with “no-prep” and “minimal prep” veneers. Let me explain it; I have mastered a hybrid technique using the most minimally invasive procedure for each tooth. Let’s say, for example, you have a small tooth, which desired outcome is to make it longer, then it wouldn’t be necessary to shave or prepare that tooth. (If this concerns you, there is an excellent video on our YouTube channel addressing this topic. It’s a must-watch, click here: I WANT TO GET DENTAL VENEERS BUT, DO I HAVE TO SHAVE MY TEETH DOWN?)

1️⃣8️⃣ Q. DOES THE VENEER PROCESS HURT? 🤔

A) Not at all. However, in case you require a gum reshaping, then anesthesia will be applied. Patients should expect some “small discomfort” but not pain.

1️⃣9️⃣ Q. WILL I NEED GUM CONTOURING?

A) Possibly yes, some veneer cases need reshaping your gums for a better cosmetic outcome, creating symmetry and lengthen short teeth.

Thanks For Reading!

I enjoyed making this post, and I’m hoping you found it very helpful. Feel free to share this post with some friends👥.

If you’re ready to get your veneers done?  Send us a message on WhatsApp

🤳📱💬⌨️ https://wa.me/573003525645

 Make an appointment if you are coming to Colombia 🇨🇴 or let us be connected with you thru our social media platforms:

– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartagenaenglishdentist/

– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CartagenaEnglishDentist/

– Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTmipwdv5SD3Jg8AtAOblhw

Remember I’m Dr. Rodríguez, General and Cosmetic Dentist in Cartagena, Colombia 🇨🇴, and I would love to see you soon to make your smile your new smile.

Until the next post, bye-bye ♥