Do it Yourself Porcelain Teeth

The Dentist
Do It Yourself
Caring for Veneers

Written by Sarah Brooks

27 July, 2017

Porcelain teeth, or veneers, give you a whiter smile while covering up crooked, cracked and gapped teeth 1. A trip to the dentist for veneers may cost you an arm and a leg; however, there are companies that manufacture do-it-yourself kits where you can make your own at home.

The Dentist

Going to the dentist to cover up cracked, stained and missing teeth can cost up to $1,000 per veneer in large cities such as New York and Los Angeles. You may find, however, that it will only cost $800 per veneer in smaller, Midwestern states. If you get this procedure done in a dentist's office, you will find that getting veneers on your teeth will not be covered through dental insurance because this is considered to be a cosmetic procedure 2. Should you get veneers through a licensed dentist and they deteriorate, your policy may pay for the replacement. However, be sure to do some research with your insurance company before taking the plunge into this procedure.

Going to the dentist to cover up cracked, stained and missing teeth can cost up to $1,000 per veneer in large cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
If you get this procedure done in a dentist's office, you will find that getting veneers on your teeth will not be covered through dental insurance because this is considered to be a cosmetic procedure 2.

Do It Yourself

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If you find that going to a dentist to perfect your smile is too costly, there are companies you can check out via the Internet that sell do-it-yourself veneer kits. You can also go to your local drug store to check out the variety there. These kits can run between $30 and $60 a box. With many of these kits you can take impressions of your own teeth at home and send them back to the company where they will send your veneers through the mail.

You can also go the non-porcelain route and get veneers that are like decals for your teeth 1. Most of these kits pack up to 30 adhesive plastic sheets. With these you will also make your own impression at home and when you are done, you will cut out the shapes and stick them to your teeth. These decals can be changed and thrown away after use every day.

Be aware the wear and tear of eating might affect your veneers. With do-it-yourself kits, you do not have the luxury of having your dentist file down any extra material so your veneers may be a bit larger than your own teeth.

If you find that going to a dentist to perfect your smile is too costly, there are companies you can check out via the Internet that sell do-it-yourself veneer kits.
With many of these kits you can take impressions of your own teeth at home and send them back to the company where they will send your veneers through the mail.

Caring for Veneers

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant as well as decay-resistant 1. Your natural tooth enamel is extremely vulnerable to acid exposure and veneers add an extra layer to your teeth to help strengthen them. When you have this procedure done at the dentist's office, though, the enamel-removing process may leave small ledges on your teeth where bacteria can grow. This is when decay around your veneers can occur. It will grow deep within your tooth and as a result you may soon need a crown. To avoid any trouble such as this, brush your teeth twice a day and floss on a daily basis. You should also make an appointment with your dentist every six months to have a professional cleaning.

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant as well as decay-resistant 1.
When you have this procedure done at the dentist's office, though, the enamel-removing process may leave small ledges on your teeth where bacteria can grow.