Porcelain Veneers Las Cruces, NM | Cosmetic Dentist

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Dental veneers improve the appearance of your smile by covering up the front side of your teeth, focusing specifically on the six teeth that show -- or the “social six.” Veneers can solve any number of cosmetic imperfections that affect otherwise healthy smiles. Some of the most common uses for dental veneers include:

Hiding stains or discoloration on teeth
Making front teeth appear uniform/even
Filling in slight gaps
Evening out slightly misaligned teeth
Covering up irregular surfaces

Veneers are made of porcelain, a sturdy material that looks just like natural teeth. It is highly customizable, allowing your cosmetic dentist to plan for veneers that match your unique coloring and facial structure the best.

Animated smile during porcelain veneer placement

Simple Procedure for Porcelain Veneers

If veneers are the best option for your smile, the procedure will be carried out over two visits to Painted Skies Dental Center. Dr. Ray or Dr. Natalie will put together your treatment plan and prepare your teeth to receive the veneers in the first appointment. Veneers are a permanent treatment because we need to remove a small portion of tooth enamel to make room for a new layer on top. Temporary restorations will cover up your teeth in the time between visits.

When it’s time to return to our dental office for your follow-up appointment, your veneers have been created in a separate lab and are ready for placement. Your cosmetic dentist will check to make sure they look, fit, and feel just right before they are bonded securely onto each tooth.

Hand holding a porcelain veneer prior to placement

Maintaining Your Porcelain Veneers

We know you will love the way your smile looks with veneers -- and you will want to keep it that way for as long as possible. Porcelain veneers can last for years with proper care and maintenance. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and protect your smile with a customized mouthguard if you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night. Visit your dentist as recommended for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues that detract from your healthy, radiant smile. Notify us immediately if you notice one of your veneers loosening or if a veneer breaks or chips.

Woman brushing teeth to maintain porcelain veneers

Interested in Transforming Your Smile?

If you would like to improve the appearance of the teeth that show when you smile, we can’t wait to evaluate your candidacy for porcelain veneers. Most adults are eligible for the procedure. Please contact your trusted cosmetic dentist to find out if you are, too. Request an appointment at Painted Skies Dental Center today!

Woman with flawed smile before porcelain veneers covering her mouth

Understanding the Cost of Veneers

Now that you know all the benefits you could enjoy with veneers, you probably want to look into how much they’ll cost in the long run. After all, you wouldn’t want to break the bank just to be able to afford your cosmetic dental treatment. Since every patient will have varying situations, you won’t expect a flat fee for veneers. The best way to get an estimate of the price is by scheduling a consultation with our team at Painted Skies Dental Center. Until then, read on to learn about the factors that can affect the overall cost of veneers in Las Cruces!

patient talking about cost of veneers in Las Cruces

Cost VS Cosmetic Dentistry: What’s Best For Me?

patient happy with cost of veneers in Las Cruces

While veneers are some of the most popular and comprehensive solutions for improving your smile, they aren’t the only options available. Before committing to this treatment, it’s a good idea to see how the other cosmetic procedures measure up both in results and price range. Here are a few to consider:

Invisalign: This is one of the quickest and most discreet methods for correcting misalignment issues. On average, a patient can complete their treatment in just 12 to 18 months, which is much quicker than traditional braces. However, Invisalign will only address your bite and won’t change the size, shape, or color of your teeth like veneers.
Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening is a more convenient way of enhancing your smile. Whether you choose an in-office or at-home process, you can be sure to effectively blast away stubborn stains and enjoy the results for several months to a year. This won’t alter the shape and size of your teeth, and you’ll need to get touchups more frequently than with veneers, which can add to the cost.
Direct bonding: By using composite resin, we can sculpt your tooth into a more ideal appearance, especially if you have one or more dental flaws to address. With this treatment, you can transform the color, shape, and size of your teeth in just a single appointment. Even with proper care, your results may only last several years, whereas veneers can go as long as 15 years or more!
Veneers: While these porcelain shells do come at a higher initial cost, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comprehensive solution for your smile. In addition to concealing multiple dental imperfections simultaneously (such as chipped, cracked, stained, misshapen, or gapped teeth), veneers can also provide a virtually permanent whitening solution. The treatment is typically completed in just two visits, so you can save both time and money when improving your pearly whites.

How to Make Veneers Affordable

piggy bank representing cost of veneers in Las Cruces

Dental insurance usually doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry, as they’re considered “elective” treatments. However, it doesn’t mean you’ll be left completely on your own. Our team is proud to offer a couple of alternative payment plans to help make the cost of veneers more manageable. We can provide an in-house membership plan where you can get checkups and cleanings covered as well as access to discounts on all other services, including veneers. We also offer CareCredit which can split up the cost of your treatment into monthly installments with little-to-no interest. If these are options you think you can benefit from, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help!

Veneers FAQs

Are Veneers Permanent?

Since veneers eventually require replacement, they’re not considered permanent. However, the process of getting them is irreversible. In preparation, our cosmetic dentist in Las Cruces will remove a thin layer of enamel to ensure successful treatment. But unlike hair and nails, removed enamel will never grow back. That’s why when teeth are prepared this way, they will always need to be covered with veneers or crowns.

What Can I Eat with Veneers?

At the end of your initial visit with Dr. Ortiz, you’ll receive temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth while you wait for your permanent ones to be made. During this period, you’ll need to avoid hard foods like ice, raw fruits and vegetables, or candy because they can damage your temporary restorations. The good news is once your permanent veneers are in place, you won’t need to be quite as cautious anymore. However, it’s still a good idea to be careful when eating sticky, dark-colored, crunchy, hot, or cold foods and drinks. Plus, you’ll want to drink alcohol sparingly because it can weaken the bonding material holding your restorations in place.

How Are Veneers Different Than Crowns?

While veneers only attach to the front of teeth, crowns cover an entire tooth. Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes or minor shape corrections when the tooth is mostly intact. In contrast, crowns protect teeth that are worn or cracked, or they restore those that have undergone a root canal. Also, veneers are only about one millimeter in thickness while crowns are usually twice as thick. Finally, veneers typically don’t show a gum margin after several years the way crowns often do.

How Many Veneers Will I Need?

The “right” number of veneers varies depending on each person’s unique smile requirements. The goal of this treatment is for all your visible teeth to match. Many people get 6-8 veneers to create a beautiful, symmetrical smile. Others might need as many as 10-12. Also, veneers can often benefit people who want to just cover a single cracked or broken tooth.

Porcelain Veneers – Las Cruces, NM

Completely Refresh Your Smile

Why Choose Painted Skies Dental Center for Porcelain Veneers?