Zirconia Dental Veneers in Petoskey, MI

What Are Zirconia Veneers?

Zirconia veneers are thin shells placed on the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, zirconia veneers are crafted from zirconium oxide, a robust and durable material that resists chipping and cracking. These veneers can be custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of a patient’s natural teeth, making them nearly indistinguishable from real teeth.

Zirconia veneers can address issues such as:

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Tooth gaps

Benefits of Zirconia Veneers

Zirconia offers several advantages when used for veneers, including:

• Strength and Durability: Zirconia is incredibly strong and durable, making zirconia veneers less prone to chipping, cracking, or breaking compared to other materials like composite resin or porcelain.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Zirconia veneers exhibit excellent translucency that mimics natural tooth enamel. They can be color-matched to the patient’s surrounding teeth, providing a more natural and aesthetic appearance.
• Biocompatibility: As a biocompatible material, zirconia is well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or rejection.
• Less Tooth Reduction: Zirconia veneers can be made thinner than other types of veneers, often requiring less removal of the natural tooth structure during preparation.

Zirconia Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, also known as ceramic veneers, have been a standard in cosmetic dentistry. The ceramic veneer material is durable, stain-resistant, and customizable to match natural teeth. However, zirconia veneers address some of the limitations of porcelain veneers.

First, zirconia veneers are stronger and more durable than porcelain veneers, making them less likely to chip or crack and thus longer-lasting. Secondly, zirconia veneers are more translucent than porcelain veneers, enhancing their natural appearance. Lastly, zirconia veneers are thinner, requiring less removal of the natural tooth structure during preparation.

Additionally, zirconia veneers do not require a metal substructure like porcelain veneers, which can sometimes cause an unsightly dark line at the edge of the veneer.

Zirconia Veneer Process

When opting for custom zirconia veneers, expect the following steps:

1. Consultation and Examination: The process begins with a consultation with the dentist. During this visit, the dentist will 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.
2. Tooth Preparation: At the next appointment, the dentist will prepare your teeth for the veneers by removing a small amount of tooth enamel from the front surface. This ensures a natural and comfortable fit. The process is irreversible and may require a local anesthetic.
3. Impressions or Digital Scan: Once your teeth are prepared, the dentist will take impressions using a mold or digital scanner. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where the zirconia veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth precisely.
4. Temporary Veneers: While your permanent zirconia veneers are being made, the dentist may apply temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth, typically made from acrylic.
5. Fitting of Zirconia Veneers: When your permanent zirconia veneers are ready, usually after two to three weeks, you’ll return for fitting. The dentist will check the fit and color, making any necessary adjustments. Once satisfied, the veneers are bonded to your teeth with a special adhesive, hardened with a special light.
6. Final Adjustments and Check-up: After fitting, the dentist may make final adjustments and polish the veneers. A follow-up appointment may be needed to ensure your gums are responding well to the veneers and you’re satisfied with the results.

Costs

The average cost for zirconia veneers is about $1,400 per tooth. The total cost can vary based on factors such as the location of the dental practice, the dentist’s experience, the complexity of the case, and the number of veneers needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider Zirconia Veneers for a Long-Lasting, Beautiful Smile

Zirconia veneers are a modern and increasingly popular choice in cosmetic dentistry. They offer numerous benefits over traditional veneers, including enhanced durability, translucency, and a thinner design that requires less removal of the natural tooth structure. If you’re considering veneers, discuss the advantages of zirconia veneers with your dentist.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Klym at our Petoskey office at (231) 347-2188. We welcome patients from Conway, Clarion, Big Rapids, and Mount Pleasant, MI.