Livonia Dentist Offers Patients Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers

woman smilingPorcelain veneers continue to increase in popularity—especially amongst celebrities. These thin, all-porcelain shells can turn any ordinary smile into a million-dollar one. In fact, beloved actors, such as Tom Cruise, Ben Affleck, and even Hilary Duff have opted for the cosmetic dental procedure.

Even with the praise that these tooth enhancements receive, some people would prefer alternatives to the procedure. To aid those patients, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, suggests procedures that may yield similar results to porcelain veneers.

You Could Use the Following Procedures Instead

  • Composite veneers. This option falls under the dental bonding category. Composite veneers serve as an exact alternative to porcelain veneers since they’re both classified as a veneer option. However, the key difference is the material. A composite veneer is made from the same material as a white filling. These veneers cost much less and require fewer appointments for placement. Yet, composite veneers don’t have the longevity or aesthetic appeal as the porcelain variety.
  • Braces. Oftentimes, patients opt for porcelain veneers to correct uneven or crooked teeth. While both procedures may end-up costing about the same in the long run, braces can take up to two years before the desired results have been attained. With veneers, a patient can have brand-new smile in three appointments.
    In these instances, your
    Livonia dentist recommends considering the age of the patient. For example, a teenager who wants straighter teeth is better off having a braces for a couple of years. On the other hand, an adult who wishes to have a better looking smile may benefit more from veneers. It’s quicker, effective, and you wouldn’t have to worry about wearing braces during adulthood.
  • Teeth whitening. Another common reason why patients choose porcelain veneers is to brighten their smiles. People with stained or discolored teeth can choose to have a teeth whitening treatment instead. Those procedures usually take about 30 minutes to complete and the results produce beautiful, pearl-white teeth.
    The only downside to only opting for whitening is that some stains don’t take well to bleaching. In other words, the results you anticipate may not appear, which is a point to consider.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Cosmetic Dentistry

Your Livonia dentist offers a number of cosmetic dental procedures to transform his patient’s smiles. If you’re considering a cosmetic dental procedure, like porcelain veneers or a similar substitute, talk to Dr. Stewart. Together, you and he can decide which options will provide you with the most successful results. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.