How long is your dental wish list? If you’re like most patients, you’ve considered several cosmetic dentistry treatments to help whiten, straighten or reshape your teeth — but for a total smile makeover, natural-looking dental veneers may be the fastest way to create a beautiful new smile.
Before
After
Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are attached to your existing teeth to meet a variety of cosmetic goals. Your dentist can match them to your natural or desired tooth color for a uniform, authentic appearance. Porcelain veneers are also highly stain-resistant and may actually strengthen your natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers for an Instant Smile Makeover
There are many reasons you and your dentist or cosmetic dentist may choose porcelain veneers, but if you have any of the following dental problems, you may find them especially helpful:
- Dull or stained teeth
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- A diastema (gap) between your front teeth
- Teeth that are misshapen, too small or too big
- Chipped or broken teeth
Rather than spending years with dental braces and multiple appointments for dental bonding, teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures, your dentist can completely transform your smile with teeth veneers in only two dental visits.
Developing a Special Bond
So how does the magic of veneers happen? You’ll be happy to know that the whole process is pretty simple and takes only 2-3 visits to complete! The first place to start is with a porcelain veneers consultation. You can set one up with a cosmetic dentist or a general dentist who offers dental veneers. Popular brands of teeth veneers include da Vinci veneers™, LUMINEERS® and MAC veneers™. Some types of veneers require no prepping and little to no anesthesia. Others are made of a special type of ceramic that’s exceptionally durable and long-lasting. Don’t worry if you don’t which kind is best for you — your dentist can help you decide!
After you and your dentist create a plan that’s workable in terms of your goals, time and budget, next comes the start of your smile’s transformation. For most types of porcelain veneers, your first appointment will involve prepping — removing a thin layer of each tooth’s surface to leave space for the new veneer. Your dentist might also take X-rays and/or dental impressions. If needed, you might be fitted with temporary dental veneers while your permanent ones are milled in an off-site lab. Milling time can take a couple of weeks. Once your custom-made teeth veneers are prepared, they’ll be cosmetically bonded to your teeth for a natural-looking, picture-perfect smile! Other types of veneers don’t require prepping and can be made right in your dentist’s office for same-day placement.
Porcelain Veneers Cost
The cost of veneers varies from office to office, but look to spend between $700-1300 per veneer. While the porcelain veneers cost might be a drop in the bucket for a lucky few, it can be quite an investment for almost everyone. And because it’s considered cosmetic dentistry, your dental insurance probably won’t cover it.
So is the cost worth it? Only you can answer that question. If certain imperfections have kept you from smiling, the answer just might be yes. If crooked teeth are making it difficult to keep tooth decay at bay, again, you might answer in the positive. And if you’re looking for a way to look younger or boost your looks without going under the knife, the porcelain veneers cost might pale in comparison to the cost of cosmetic surgery. Also consider this: Veneers are one of dentistry’s few options to correct multiple teeth problems all at once — stains, chips, breaks and even gaps. In this respect, dental veneers are like the one-stop solution of cosmetic dentistry!
Another way to make the porcelain veneers cost affordable is to take advantage of dental care financing programs. Many dentists work with a variety of finance companies and have applications available in the office! Finance plans typically work like a credit card. You get approved for a certain amount and can use that credit line towards any treatment of your choice, including dental veneers! Some programs offer low to no interest, making monthly payments manageable for just about every budget. So if the porcelain veneers cost has you worried, remember that you have options! Be sure to ask your dentist about all of them.
Caring For Your New Smile
You should brush and floss your dental veneers the same way you care for your natural teeth. Your dentist may also recommend that you wear a night guard to avoid damaging your veneers while asleep. Although the durable porcelain helps prevent future staining, you should still avoid foods like coffee, tea and red wine as much as possible. This type of procedure is generally not reversible because of the preparation involved, but when properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last from 10-15 years.
