Smile Confidently With Zirconia Veneers
A confident smile is an important aspect of one’s personality, and dental veneers are a popular solution for enhancing the appearance of teeth. While porcelain veneers have been a go-to option for cosmetic dentistry, zirconia veneers are a newer alternative that offers several advantages.
Learn more about zirconia veneers with our dentist in Wasilla to see if this treatment can benefit you and your smile.
What Are Zirconia Veneers?
Zirconia veneers are thin shells placed over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, zirconia veneers are made of zirconium oxide, which is a strong and durable material that’s resistant to chipping and cracking. Zirconia veneers can be custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of a patient’s natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Benefits of Zirconia Veneers
When used for veneers, zirconia provides several benefits, including:
- Strength and Durability: Zirconia is extremely 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: These 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. They’re 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.
Zirconia Veneer Process
- Consultation and Examination: The first step is a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, they’ll 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 local anesthesia.
- 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 laboratory, 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
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 them and visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and checkups.
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 an increasingly popular option for cosmetic dentistry. They provide numerous benefits compared to traditional porcelain 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.
Contact our Wasilla dentist today to learn more about your veneer options at Northwind Dental.