These days there are so many cool things happening with dental technology. No matter what issue you need fixing, your local dentist likely has you covered. From cosmetic to the more medical of procedures, you can get your teeth fixed quickly and easily, helping you put your best smile forward.
Photo Credit: Anna Shvets
One of the more popular and sought-after cosmetic dental procedures that people are going for is getting dental veneers. Dental veneers are safe, durable, and look great; they can really improve your smile while providing an extra layer of protection for your existing teeth. Are dental veneers right for you? Let’s look at them in more detail.
Dental veneers are usually made from durable, long-lasting porcelain that has the natural, beautiful translucent appearance that normal teeth do, making them look totally natural and realistic. The porcelain is a thin shell, fitted to the tip of each tooth, and is then securely bonded to the teeth. Veneers are very durable and long-lasting, adverse to stains and are not easily damaged. With the proper care, they can last a very long time, up to a decade or longer. Veneers can be removed at any time, if you so wish, with a quick visit to your dentist.
Traditional veneers are not only perfectly fitted to your teeth, they are color-matched as well, so when you purchase veneers, you know that they will look completely natural and nobody will be able to tell the difference. The no-prep version involves less matching and fitting and therefore may not look quite as natural, but they still can look great.
Veneers can generally be placed in just one appointment, for the “no-prep” style of veneers. For traditional veneers, you’ll need at least two, possibly more appointments to get the veneers matched, fitted and applied to your teeth. The process is reasonably painless and discomfort-free. You’ll likely be placed under general anesthesia and given numbing agents to alleviate any discomfort. Once the veneers are bonded to your teeth, that’s it! You’re done. The recovery type is very minimal.
The cost of veneers can vary depending on which type of veneers you elect for. No-prep veneers (the type typically done in a day), usually cost between $800-2,000 per tooth and last for only about 5-7 years or so. The veneers that require more of a fitting/matching are slightly more expensive at $925-2,5000 per tooth and last for generally the same amount of time or a little longer, around 10-15 years.
As veneers are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, many dental insurances won’t cover the entire cost, if any. Some do, however, so be sure to look carefully at your dental plan, and be sure to speak to your dentist: they may be able to help you navigate the costs with a payment plan/financing, a discount for bulk pricing, and/or referring you to Care Credit or another option for financial assistance. Most dentists consider traditional veneers to be better value for money; though they are more expensive they last longer and fit your teeth better than the no-prep versions, which can cause issues. While veneers are considered very pricey, because of their long-lasting nature, many people consider them a worthy investment.
Those with gum disease or genetically weak teeth are sometimes discouraged from using veneers, as they can cause further gum shrinkage in those people.
Risks associated with veneers are quite low but can include allergic reaction to local anesthetic, cracking or damage to the veneers in severe cases, and occasional increase in tooth sensitivity/increased infection. However, these risks are very rare and most people enjoy their veneers with little risk at all. While some of these issues can be concerning, the truth is that wearing veneers can actually help protect your natural teeth, keeping them from further damage or decay. Veneers act as an extra layer of protection as well as a nice, new surface so you can put your best smile forward.
For those who are embarrassed by the look of their teeth, veneers can greatly improve self-confidence, giving you that perfect smile you’ve been missing. Veneers can vastly improve self-confidence and boost self-esteem. If your teeth are damaged, cracked or severely discolored and you want to keep your teeth while still improving their overall appearance, a set of veneers could be the best bet for you. Make an appointment with your dentist today to discuss the pros and cons of veneers and see if they are a viable option for you. Improve your smile today!
