Zirconia Veneers

Please note we may not offer this service at our practice. Please call (253) 761-5422 for more information.

Strength Meets Aesthetics

A confident smile can enhance your personality, and dental veneers are a highly effective way to achieve that. While porcelain veneers have been the traditional go-to, zirconia veneers offer a newer, more durable alternative, ideal for patients seeking a long-lasting, natural-looking solution. 

If you’re considering a smile makeover in Tacoma, WA, our top cosmetic dentist can help you explore if zirconia veneers are right for you.

What Are Zirconia Veneers?

Zirconia veneers are thin, strong shells made from zirconium oxide, a highly durable material that can withstand more wear and tear compared to porcelain. These veneers are custom-designed to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, providing a flawless, natural appearance.

Zirconia veneers are commonly used to correct a range of dental issues, including:

• Discolored or stained teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misaligned teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Benefits of Zirconia Veneers

When used for veneers, zirconia provides several benefits, including:

• Exceptional Durability: Zirconia is known for its strength, making it more resistant to chips, cracks, and breaks than other veneer materials like porcelain or composite resin.
• Natural Look: Zirconia veneers offer excellent translucency, mimicking natural enamel better than other materials.
• Biocompatibility: The material is well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of irritation or rejection.
• Minimal Tooth Reduction: These veneers are thinner, which means less natural tooth structure needs to be removed during preparation.

Zirconia Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, also known as ceramic veneers, have long been the standard for cosmetic dentistry. The ceramic veneer material used is 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.

Another advantage is that they don’t require a metal substructure like porcelain veneers do. The metal substructure can sometimes cause a dark line to appear at the edge of the veneer, which can be unsightly.

Zirconia Veneer Process

When receiving custom zirconia veneers, you can expect the following:

• Consultation and Examination: The first step is a consultation with the dentist. During this appointment, 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.
• 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.

Care and Maintenance

Post-procedure care is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your veneers. Avoid hard and sticky foods, particularly in the weeks following placement, as the bonding materials take time to fully cure. Additionally, regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits will keep your veneers looking flawless for years.

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

Consider Zirconia Veneers for a Long-Lasting, Beautiful Smile

Zirconia veneers are a newer and increasingly popular option for cosmetic dentistry. They provide numerous benefits compared to traditional 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.

To learn more about the dental treatments we offer at our Tacoma dental office, contact our cosmetic dentist today by calling (253) 761-5422. We serve patients in Lakewood, Federal Way, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and University Place.