Looking for a cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers

I am looking for an alternative to porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains on my teeth. I got prices for veneers on 8 upper teeth, the consistent quote I get is about $15,000 – 20,000. That would take a big chunk out of my savings, and I am not sure I want to do that. The stains are horrible, and the older I get, the more self-conscious I am about them. Someone suggested a university dental school. Is that a reasonable option? Any other cosmetic treatment that may work? Thanks. Nathan from

 

Nathan,

Thanks for your inquiry.

If you want to save money on porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains, it is best not to get veneers at all. Premier porcelain veneers are priced to reflect the quality of the veneers you will receive and the work of the cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain Veneers for Tetracycline Stains

It is demanding work for a cosmetic dentist to conceal tetracycline stains with porcelain veneers. If a dentist charges less than $1000-$1200 per tooth, you won’t get the results you want. High-quality veneers can last 20 years or longer if you take good care of them.

What About Dental Schools for Veneers?

Three reasons not to get porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains from a dental school:

1. Dental schools teach techniques for fixing teeth—not the artistry required to produce beautiful results.
2. If you go to a dental school, your teeth may be in the hands of a student doing their first porcelain veneers or tetracycline case.
3. And their instructor may not be much help either.

What About Dental Bonding or Teeth Whitening?

Will dental bonding or teeth whitening improve tetracycline stain?

• Teeth whitening – Only a skilled cosmetic dentist can use a high-strength whitening system to lighten your tetracycline stains. Although the results will not be as good as porcelain veneers, you can get whitening for a fraction of the cost.
• Dental bonding – Applying dental bonding requires great skill and time from a cosmetic dentist. The necessary precision and application will cost more than porcelain veneers.

When You are Ready for Porcelain Veneers

When you are ready to get porcelain veneers to conceal tetracycline stains, we recommend that you find an accredited cosmetic dentist with accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Accreditation requires a cosmetic dentist to pass rigorous exams and present numerous successful cases that demonstrate the quality of their work.

Please do not leave your tetracycline-stained teeth in the hands of an inexperienced dentist.

Best wishes.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.