Chipped, gapped, and discolored teeth can detract from an otherwise beautiful smile. With porcelain veneers, Dr. Steve Ollason can address all kinds of aesthetic concerns, improving your smile and boosting your confidence. Learn how dental veneers at New Mexico Smile Center in Albuquerque, NM, can enhance your smile…
Request an AppointmentThe Basics of Treatment
How Porcelain Veneers Work
Thin Porcelain Shell
Porcelain veneers are thin shells crafted from lifelike dental porcelain. Most veneers are less than one millimeter thick, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with your smile.
a veneer going over a tooth
Fits Over the Tooth
Our dentist removes a small amount of enamel to accommodate the veneer. Then, the custom-designed shell adheres to the surface of the tooth.
woman smiling
Masking Imperfections
With the porcelain veneer in place, cosmetic imperfections are hidden from view. Your friends and family won’t be able to tell that your smile is not completely natural.
A Versatile and Effective Solution
Problems Porcelain Veneers Can Treat
Dental veneers are able to address all sorts of problems affecting the appearance of your smile, including:
Damaged Teeth
Chips, cracks, and minor fractures can easily be covered up with veneers, making your teeth look pristine.
Dental Stains
Veneers can cover tooth discoloration, leaving your smile spotless. In some cases, veneers work better than whitening.
Gaps
Dental veneers can cover gaps between your front teeth, reducing self-consciousness.
Misshaped Teeth
When teeth are differently shaped, your smile appears asymmetrical. Veneers can give your teeth a consistent shape.
Crooked Teeth
Porcelain veneers can obscure minor misalignment. That’s why they’re sometimes called “instant orthodontics.”
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Natural Appearance
The porcelain used to make veneers perfectly resembles natural enamel and can be color-matched to the shade of your smile. At any distance and in any light, dental veneers look like real teeth.
Durable Porcelain Material
Porcelain veneers are made to last, allowing you to eat almost anything without worrying about fractures. With good oral hygiene and proper care, veneers can last 10 years or more.
Dramatic Results
Porcelain veneers are incredibly popular in modern cosmetic dentistry. A single dental veneer can make a major difference, and a few porcelain veneers can create a totally renewed smile.
Request an Appointment
Curious about Veneers?
If you are interested in upgrading your smile with dental veneers, we encourage you to request a consultation at New Mexico Smile Center in Albuquerque, NM.
Patients recommend our practice for cosmetic dentistry because:
- We always put our patients’ comfort and wellbeing first.
- We offer traditional and minimal-prep veneers.
- We use advanced dental technology and produce great results.
- We offer financing plans through CareCredit®.
You can request a consultation with Dr. Steve Ollason by filling out our online form or calling (505) 275-1663
Request an AppointmentReal Patient Results
Porcelain Veneers Before & After
Before
After
Placing Porcelain Veneers
The Traditional Treatment Timeline
Placing traditional dental veneers takes two visits roughly two weeks apart. For patients who want quicker results, we also offer minimal-prep veneers, which require less alteration to the natural tooth structure.
The traditional veneer timeline looks something like this:
Assessing Candidacy
During your initial consultation at our office in Albuquerque, NM, Dr. Ollason will take digital x-rays and scans, examine your teeth, and discuss your goals. We will also go over the cost of treatment and alternatives.
Prepping the Tooth
If you decide to upgrade your smile with dental veneers, we will begin by prepping your tooth. When prepping the tooth for a porcelain veneer, Dr. Ollason will remove a fraction of a millimeter of enamel. This will allow the thin porcelain shell to lay flush alongside your other teeth without looking bulky.
Customization
We will then take digital impressions that will be used to create your custom veneers. In some cases, a lab technician will meet with you in our office to take pictures and perform custom shading. We can also provide a wax-up of your veneers to allow you to preview your potential results. At this time, we can make small changes to ensure that you are satisfied with the size, shape, and fit of your prosthetics.
Fabrication
Your veneers will be hand-crafted in a local lab by experienced technicians. Typically, fabrication takes about two to three weeks, during which you will be provided with temporary veneers. These protect prepped teeth and prevent excessive sensitivity.
Placing Final Veneers
When the final porcelain veneers are complete, you will return to our practice. We will check the porcelain shells for fit one last time before our dentist adheres them in place with a dental cement.
Making the Procedure Comfortable
Improving the Veneer Experience
Dr. Ollason and the New Mexico Smile Center team go the extra mile to make the veneers process positive. Your comfort and wellness are important to us.
Sedation and Amenities
We want patients to be in a relaxed state when getting dental veneers or undergoing any form of dentistry. We offer nitrous oxide sedation to help keep you calm while in the chair, and we also provide headphones so you can enjoy music or your favorite podcast during visits.
Patient Education
Uncertainty is a major cause of anxiety, especially when undergoing dental work. To reduce stress and fear, we will answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns about dental veneers. Knowing what to expect will do wonders for your sense of calm.
The Cost of Porcelain Veneers
Payment and Financing Information
As a cosmetic service, veneers are not covered by insurance. When you visit our Albuquerque office for an initial consultation, we will take the time to discuss all of your financial options.
Average Cost of Veneers
The average cost of veneers is between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth. The price fluctuates based on each patient’s goals. During your consultation, we will provide a full breakdown of cost.
Financing Options
CareCredit financing makes veneers affordable for many of our patients. This third-party lender organizes payment plans that divide the total cost of a dental procedure into monthly installments.
Dental Veneers in Albuquerque
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can correct discoloration, chips, gaps, and uneven teeth while creating a natural-looking smile. At New Mexico Smile Center, veneers are often part of a cosmetic dentistry or smile makeover treatment plan designed to enhance your overall smile.
Veneers in Albuquerque FAQs
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their shape, color, and overall appearance.
What dental issues can veneers fix?
Veneers can correct chipped, stained, uneven, or slightly misaligned teeth.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers can last many years with proper care and regular dental visits.
Do veneers look natural?
Veneers are designed to match the natural color and shape of your teeth, creating a realistic-looking smile.
Is the veneer procedure painful?
The veneer process is generally comfortable, and dentists may use local anesthesia during preparation if needed.
How do I care for veneers?
Brush and floss daily, avoid biting hard objects, and visit your dentist regularly to maintain your veneers.