Zirconia Veneers
Please note we may not offer this service at our practice. Call (865) 687-8670 for more information.
Smile Confidently With Zirconia Veneers
A confident smile is a key element of your personality, and dental veneers are a popular choice for enhancing your teeth’s appearance. While porcelain veneers have been the standard, zirconia veneers are emerging as a newer, stronger alternative that offers several advantages for those looking for a long-lasting and natural-looking smile.
Are you considering a smile makeover? Discover more about zirconia veneers and connect with our top cosmetic dentist in Knoxville, TN, to see if this treatment can benefit you and your smile.
What Are Zirconia Veneers?
Zirconia veneers are ultra-thin shells placed on the front of your teeth to enhance their appearance. Made from zirconium oxide, a material known for its exceptional strength and durability, zirconia veneers resist chipping, cracking, and other forms of wear better than traditional veneers. This makes them an excellent choice for patients looking for a long-term solution.
A zirconia veneer can address various cosmetic dental concerns, such as:
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Tooth gaps
Benefits of Zirconia Veneers
When used for veneers, zirconia provides several benefits, including:
- Strength and Durability: Zirconia veneers are significantly stronger than porcelain and other materials. They’re highly resistant to chipping and cracking, making them a durable option for patients with high chewing forces.
- 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 unlikely to cause adverse reactions. This makes zirconia veneers ideal for patients with allergies or sensitivities to other materials.
- Less Tooth Reduction: Because zirconia veneers are thin yet strong, they require less removal of the natural tooth structure during preparation, preserving more of your tooth’s integrity.
Zirconia Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers: Which Is Right for You?
While porcelain veneers are well-known for their aesthetic appeal and customizability, zirconia veneers surpass porcelain in terms of durability and longevity. Zirconia veneers can last 15-20 years, much longer than the 10-12 years typical for porcelain.
Zirconia veneers are also less likely to chip or crack, making them an excellent choice for patients who may put more pressure on their teeth or are looking for a more resilient solution. Additionally, zirconia veneers can be created without a metal substructure, avoiding the dark lines that sometimes appear with porcelain veneers.
Zirconia Veneer Process
When receiving custom zirconia veneers, you can expect the following:
- Consultation and Examination: The first step is a thorough consultation at our Knoxville office, where your dentist will assess your smile goals and determine whether zirconia veneers are suitable for you.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
On average, the cost of zirconia veneers in Knoxville is approximately $1,400 per tooth, though the final price will vary depending on factors such as the number of veneers required, the complexity of your case, and the experience of your dentist.
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 it 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 offer numerous advantages over traditional veneers, including strength, durability, and natural aesthetics. If you’re considering veneers, discuss the benefits of zirconia with your dentist to see if they’re right for your smile transformation.
To learn more about zirconia veneers and other dental services offered at our Knoxville dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (865) 687-8670. We proudly serve patients from Amherst, Marble City, and West Knoxville.
