Cosmetic dentistry is all about creating the optimum smile, and why wouldn’t you? Smiles are a social language all their own, projecting confidence and success, love and friendship. There may be lots of options to make your smile more radiant then it is now, but veneers are one option people know the least about. Veneers are thin pieces of material, usually porcelain or composite, that’s adhered to the front of your teeth to provide resilience and strength as well as a white, even tooth line. They can make teeth look better positioned, and can also change the color, shape, or size of the teeth. Veneers may also offer a fast solution to twisted or overlapped teeth, or slight gaps between a couple of them.
Costs of Veneers
The price tag for veneers depends upon each client’s needs and how many teeth are being transformed. A review by RealSelf.com averaged the procedure to cost about $7,225. Unfortunately, most insurance plans won’t cover veneers since they’re considered cosmetic and not “necessary” or preventative in nature.
Consultation and Procedure of Veneer Placement
Your dentist is the best source of knowledge when it comes to veneers and your mouth. A consultation can help you discuss what you hope to accomplish with veneers, and provide a smile analysis with customized options for you to consider. Cosmetic imaging may be provided so you can see what veneers will look like in your own mouth.
Your dentist should explain what veneers are and are not. Essentially, veneers are layers of ceramic that replace your tooth enamel. This means about a millimeter of tooth enamel is removed completely and replaced to improve tooth surface. (A no-prep veneer that minimizes tooth enamel removal is possible, but again your dentist will know what will work best for you.) The removal is important to make room for the veneer material, but it also makes for discomfort immediately following the procedure. Removing tooth enamel is permanent and can cause tooth sensitivity. Unlike dental crowns, veneers only remove this little bit of enamel, as opposed to more of the tooth structure.
Once tooth enamel is removed, a resin is applied between the tooth and the veneer, and cured with a special light. Then the veneers are applied. Each veneer is sculpted to fit individual patient’s tooth. This means that there may be some time between consultation and placing the veneers so the laboratory has time to create them. The time is worth it though, since veneers are resistant to stains and tobacco pigments.
Once the veneers have been applied to teeth, your dentist will have a follow up visit scheduled to make sure your mouth is responding well to them. This is usually a week or two after the procedure is complete.
Another Common Concern Clients Have about Veneers
In addition to cost, another question I often get from dental clients is how difficult maintenance is for teeth that are covered with veneers. They’re often relieved to hear that veneers are pretty simple to care for. They are maintained just as though they were your own teeth. Regular brushing twice daily and flossing once daily will keep them white and clean, and prevent any complications with them or the other structures in your oral cavity. Regular check-ups are essential in making veneers last for the decades that they can.
The only things that most dentists advise against are enamel damaging habits such as crunching ice or chewing on items that aren’t food since veneers aren’t as strong as your enamel. If you’re prone to grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, a tooth guard might be created and given to you to protect your new veneers. Your dentist will also recommend avoiding toothpastes that have abrasive agents or textures since they can scratch your veneers. Instead, you’ll be given a special tooth polish to maintain your new teeth surfaces.
For the Love of a Smile
Many considerations go into making dental decisions, so let your dentist’s knowledge be your guide. If you’re looking for a less invasive option to optimize your smile, discuss veneers with him or her. Once a smile analysis is done, you will be on your way to a sunnier, more buoyant smile.
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